Joshua carefully obeyed all of God’s instructions. Believers today also need to obey God completely. We may not always understand everything or be able to control everything, but the one thing we can control is our decision to obey God.
When it comes to dealing with sin, we must not pause to debate, consider options, negotiate or rationalize. Our response must be swift and complete, just like Joshua’s response.
August 11, 2019 – Joshua 10:1-15 “If God Is For Us, Who Can Be Against Us?”Even though the Israelites sinned and were now forced into a battle that wasn’t their own, God was still with Israel. It was by His mighty power that the Israelites won the battle. God will be with Hiss people today, just as He was many years ago.
27 “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful.”
The Israelites leader did not consult God when the Gibeonites approached them. As a result, they were deceived and signed a treaty they couldn’t back out of. We should always consult God in order to find out what He wants us to do rather than lean on our own understanding.
After the sin among Israel’s camp had been dealt with, Israel goes on to victory. If we are to be successful, then we are to confront the sin in our lives, as well as the sin within the church.
One man disobeyed God in the Battle of Jericho. That plus Israel’s overconfidence in their own military power led to a surprising defeat. Two lessons learned: God takes sin seriously, and He want total reliance upon Him.
Why did God give Joshua all these complicated instructions for battle? God was making it undeniably clear that the battle depended upon him and not upon the Israelites own military might.
Although Joshua was Israel’s leader, he was subordinate to God, the absolute leader. Awe and respect are the response due to our holy God. How can we show respect for God?
