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March 24th
Our Bible reading today is in Joshua chapters 5-8.
So Joshua led the people across the Jordan. Men of Israel took twelve large stones from the middle of the river and stacked them in a mound on the Canaanite side of the same flowing waters.
And you ask why? So that when Israel’s children and their children’s children ask why the stones are piled there, their fathers will tell them a God story of how the Lord stopped the flooded Jordan up stream so that all of Israel could walk across the bed of the river without harm.
And upon their crossing the river, Joshua had the congregation of soldiers and their families set up camp. They called the place where they pitched their tents, Gilgal. And Israel and her army stayed there for weeks.
Why? Why didn't the army proceed to Jericho while adrenaline was running high? The miracle of God dividing the Jordan like He did the Red Sea took the “spirit to fight” right out of the Canaanites. So why didn't Joshua push toward Jericho...taking the fight to them right then? Why not press on and sweep the land clear of the adversaries before them in a single campaign?
Because God is in no hurry. His purposes can be accomplished in His sweet time...no haste...no hurry...” in his eternity”, as Spurgeon wrote, “God can wait...and by His wisdom orders these delays which become far better than our hurries.”
So does scripture tell us why such delay for the advancing Israelites was necessary? I believe so.
Two very important commands to the nation had gone unheeded during the wilderness wanderings...circumcision of the male Israelites and the yearly observance of the Passover feast. God did not visit them with any judgment for this negligence because He understood their condition...no permanent place or land to set up for such ceremony.
But before God would use them He would have them fully obedient to His will...thus the delay for circumcision and partaking of the Passover worship.
Oftentimes we question delays in our lives. Could one reason be that God is waiting for us to obey Him in ways that we know that we have been neglectful? I also think it would be worth asking God to point out any other ways we have forsaken His will and by His power seek to make them right.
Over the years, I have heard church leaders and church members attribute the lack of or “delay” of salvation stories in the church to the sovereignty of God. My pastor taught me to be careful not to use God’s divine sovereignty as the “scapegoat” for my hard heart and neglectful ways. So....“Father, we want You to have full use of our lives in these days for Your glory and for the mission advancement of our church and Your church around the world. Help us to be in full obedience to Your will Father. Thank you...in Jesus’ Name Amen.
And one more thing in the text that encourages me...
It was just about time for Joshua to have the silver trumpets call the army to order. But before that, he walked into the field surrounding the fortress of Jericho. And there he had a vision of a great warrior with sword in hand.
Joshua asked the warrior, “Are you for us or are you for our adversary?” No...“I'm not here to choose sides, I'm here to take over as the Commander of the Lord’s army...”
Wow...what an encouragement to Joshua...Israel’s God was on this battlefield with them...to lead them to victory.
Oh, friends...what do we see when faced with formidable odds against us? When we hear the gospel preached and the Great Commission thundered from the sacred desk...who do we see?
Jesus....... clad for battle with His sword raised and His shield gleaming in the sunlight...saying...” for the sake of the gospel and the Kingdom of God...charge.
Yes...give us eyes to see You O Lord and take our own sword of the Word and our shield of faith into the fray with great confidence of Your victory to come.
Have a great day
