 | Josh. 7:9 |
"The Canaanites and the other people of the country will hear about this (defeat) and they will surround us and wipe our name from the earth. What then will You do for Your own great Name?"
At first, Joshua's response to the defeat at Ai predictably focused on the shame and reproach it brought to Israel. Then Joshua realized that the defeat would encourage the peoples of Canaan to despise Israel's God as well. Are we, as God's people, aware of the impact of our sin and disobedience on the nations of the earth today? Are we concerned about the scorn our spiritual weakness brings on the name of our God? Are we concerned enough to repent, confess our sin, and seek holiness?
 | O God, use us to bring glory, not shame, to Yourself. Your Name and renown are the desire of our hearts.
"When Joshua was old and well advanced in years, the Lord said to him, 'You are very old, and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over'" On the one hand, Joshua could have responded to this observation with discouragement. He had fought so long, and yet there was still so much to do. But God wanted the next generation of the Hebrew nation to participate in the excitement of His miracles. They too needed to be tested and to prove themselves faithful. Likewise, the recognition that some 10,000 peoples are without a church community can appear discouraging. But the job is "do-able" for those willing to serve the purpose of God in their own generation.
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1 comment:
Interesting exposition and Principle application to the modern day, and the local area. Keep at it mate.
Praying,
Love in Christ Jesus,
For the glory of God,
josh mitchell, pastor (HBM)
PS. Check this out: http://www.reformed.org/documents/baptist_1689.html
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