Judges 8

Then the men of Israel said to Gideon, "Rule over us, both you and your son, and your grandson also; for you have delivered us from the hand of Midian." But Gideon said to them, "I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the LORD shall rule over you." Then Gideon said to them, "I would like to make a request of you, that each of you would give me the earrings from his plunder." For they had golden earrings, because they were Ishmaelites. So they answered, "We will gladly give them." And they spread out a garment, and each man threw into it the earrings from his plunder. Now the weight of the gold earrings that he requested was one thousand seven hundred shekels of gold, besides the crescent ornaments, pendants, and purple robes which were on the kings of Midian, and besides the chains that were around their camels' necks. Then Gideon made it into an ephod and set it up in his city, Ophrah. And all Israel played the harlot with it there. It became a snare to Gideon and to his house.

(Jdg 8:22-27)

This is definitely an interesting development in the glorious account of Gideon. He has just chased down the Midianites (15,000 of them had remained) and finished them of taking their kings. He punishes the men of Succoth and Penuel for their unbelief in the power of God, and unwillingness to participate. Then, after killing the two kings of the Midianites, Gideon is put in a weird spot… the people want to make him king!!!

We see 2 things happen here, first we see Gideon’s humble response (a good thing); then we see his misguided memorial (a bad thing). Gideon, having done so well as a man of faith blows it big time… it seems like a small mistake, but it prepares Israel for a return to Idolatry. He had it right, the LORD was to be their ruler, their leader… he was to call the shots and direct their steps. He had ordained a way for this to happen, by setting up the tabernacle in Shiloh. Gideon seems to have forgotten all about God’s plan for worship and leadership, and it leads him to a grave mistake.

Gideon creates an Ephod. This was something only to be worn by the High Priest; something only to be used at the tabernacle. He creates it as a sort of memorial to what God had done, and it creates problems. You see, instead of pointing these people back to GOD’S WAY, he constructs for them a shortcut, a sort of easy way out. Right their, in their own city, the people were given a way to seek the Lord and worship HIM. Only, pretty soon it wasn’t Him getting the worship; instead the whole thing turned into stinky old religion. IDOLATRY… a departure from truly seeking God, now they were worshipping a silly Ephod! Even Gideon was ensnared by this!!!

So what is the lesson in this for us? It is quite simple; don’t turn yesterday’s victories into today’s idols. Gideon had accomplished a lot, but his job wasn’t done… if only he had restored the worship as God had intended! Our work is never finished; there is always more the Lord would have us to do! I pray that you would never turn past victories into present day idols that keep you from future works the Lord has called you to do… That would be as tragic as the end of Gideon!

Judges 7

And the LORD said to Gideon, "The people who are with you are too many for Me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel claim glory for itself against Me, saying, 'My own hand has saved me.'

(Jdg 7:2)

Then the LORD said to Gideon, "By the three hundred men who lapped I will save you, and deliver the Midianites into your hand. Let all the other people go, every man to his place."

(Jdg 7:7)

When the three hundred blew the trumpets, the LORD set every man's sword against his companion throughout the whole camp; and the army fled to Beth Acacia, toward Zererah, as far as the border of Abel Meholah, by Tabbath.

(Jdg 7:22)

In our chapter today, we see the LORD reduce the size of Gideon’s army, so that the LORD can get the maximum amount of glory. Gideon, the man who was to afraid to thresh wheat in public, is now going to lead an army of 300 against the Midianite forces. What changed this man? What was it that transformed him into the “Mighty Man of Valor” that the Angel of the LORD had foreseen him as? I believe that what happened to Gideon was simple. For the first time, Gideon realized how great his God really was. It wasn’t the greatness of Gideon, but the greatness of the God he trusted that enabled him to do this amazing deed.

Sometimes I freak out about the tasks that I have in front of me. I think to myself, “how in the world am I going to do all this?!” I worry about seemingly little things because I can’t figure out how I am going to get them done with MY limited resources. THAT IS MY PROBLEM… I am looking at the problems I face and trying to solve them myself, rather than allowing the Lord to fight my battles for me. Gideon vs. the Midianites… an impossible battle; The Lord vs. the Midianites… a glorious victory.

The problem that we all deal with in this life, is failing to see our God for who He really is, and believing that He really can do what the Bible tells us He wants to do. The difference between the Israelites living on under oppression, or being set free from the enemy and idolatry was simple. All it took was one man willing to step out in faith, to believe the promises of God. No one with special powers, talents, abilities, or strategies… just a man who REALLY BELIEVES that God can do great things for His people.

God is looking for young men and women who really believe… who really believe that He means what He says, and that He can still do miraculous things today. You might not have any special powers, talents or abilities… but that means you are a prime candidate to be used by God! Just like Gideon, all He needs is for you to love Him, and listen to His voice. The rest is up to Him!

For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—that, as it is written, "HE WHO GLORIES, LET HIM GLORY IN THE LORD."

(1Co 1:26-31)

Judges 6

Now the Angel of the LORD came and sat under the terebinth tree which was in Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, while his son Gideon threshed wheat in the winepress, in order to hide it from the Midianites. And the Angel of the LORD appeared to him, and said to him, "The LORD is with you, you mighty man of valor!"

(Jdg 6:11-12)

In this chapter we are introduced to Gideon. Of all of the Judges, I believe that he is my favorite… you see, he is just a normal guy. He describes himself as a weak nobody that comes from the weakest family in the weakest tribe of all of Israel (a currently weak country oppressed by formidable enemies). He can’t believe that God is really speaking to Him, and He can’t understand why things are going the way they are.

Gideon is no CAPTAIN COURAGE, in reality he is a very fearful guy. We first see him in a winepress trying to thresh wheat because he is AFRAID of the Midianites. Threshing wheat is something that needs WIND to take place. WIND is something you will never find in a winepress. His fear of the Midianites had made it impossible to do God’s work! Here he is, afraid to thresh wheat, and the angel of the Lord calls him a MIGHTY MAN OF VALOUR.

Beneath Gideon’s fear riddled exterior, the LORD saw a heart of faith… Faith that was currently dominated by fear, but faith none the less. The Lord begins to speak to Gideon, calling him to rise up as the deliverer, the judge HE will use to rid Israel of the Midianite oppression. He begins to build Gideon’s faith by proving His promises to be true. The Bible tells us that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. There is absolutely no replacement for God speaking to a man; it is the only way a man can gain the faith needed to accomplish the works God has called him to do.

In Gideon, I see a man who is a perfect candidate to be used by God. No pride, no selfish ambition, just a guy sitting there saying “why me? Can you please pick someone else?” God can transform fear into faith, He can use the weak to confound the strong. As we study Gideon over the next couple of days, I pray your faith would be built, and you would be prepared to accomplish all that God calls you to do.

And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

(Heb 11:32-34)

Judges 5

"When leaders lead in Israel, When the people willingly offer themselves, Bless the LORD!

(Jdg 5:2)

"Thus let all Your enemies perish, O LORD! But let those who love Him be like the sun when it comes out in full strength." So the land had rest for forty years.

(Jdg 5:31)

The book of Judges is like a roller coaster ride… a roller coaster ride with six hills and valleys. 6 times in the book of judges we will read that “the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord”. This evil that they were doing was a return to idolatry, a refusal to submit to the Lordship of God, and a choice to do what was right IN THEIR OWN EYES. Six times we see the Israelites go from a right relationship with the Lord, to a state of idolatry. Every time the idolatry starts up again, the Lord sends oppressors their way. Then he sends a deliverer, a person who will DEFEAT the oppressors, and DRIVE OUT the idolatry. These deliverers are what we know as the JUDGES. There are 12 of them listed for us throughout the course of this book, each one playing an important role in returning Israel to a right relationship with YHWH. Our chapter today is the song of victory sung by judges number 4 and 5; Deborah and Barak.

When the leaders lead, and when the people willingly offer themselves as servants of the Lord, it is a glorious thing. Look at verse 31, it tells us that those who love the Lord are like the sun shining forth in its strength. This is what we see in the book of Judges; Periods of great victory and strength, followed by mournful defeat and loss. The common denominator in every period of oppression that we have recounted in this book is Idolatry and Rebellion, a refusal to submit to the authority of the Lord. The common theme in their deliverance is a return to life as God intended it, “leaders leading, and the people willingly offering themselves to the Lord.”

In this song, we see the victors shining forth like the sun. But if you flip to the next page, if you start reading the next chapter, you will see them right back where they started… idolatry, rebellion, everyone doing whatever THEY want to do, with no regard for what the LORD wants them to do. How do we keep from repeating this cycle in our own lives? How do we stay on the side of the victor, shining like the sun; and keep out of the position of the oppressed idolater, living in bondage to the enemy?

I think the solution is simple, but it is one that requires an active and constant obedience: We simply must willingly offer ourselves to the Lord. We need to be daily, decision by decision, choosing not our own will, but the will of the Lord. We need to walk in the Spirit, and not follow the desires of the flesh… We need to walk by faith. Maybe your group of friends is in need of a deliverer right now… someone who will call sin for what it is, and will point things back to Jesus and away from the sinful pursuits that crowd into life so easily. Maybe God is calling you to stand up for righteousness, and lead the way back to a right relationship with Him.

Judges 4

Judges 4

Today we are learning about Deborah. We are told in verse 4 that Deborah is a prophetess. She also served as the judge of Israel. She was a woman who followed the Lord. Even when Israel was failing to do so, and doing evil in the sight of the Lord, Deborah stood up for what is right. The woman was a champ.

Israel had once again fallen into idolatry. Once again God raises up judges (deliverers). He raised up Deborah to lead Israel back to the Lord by her wisdom and example. He raised up Barak to save Israel from the hand of the enemy in battle. There was one problem, Barak had little faith in his God. Like the rest of Israel, Barak did not lean on the Lord. However, Barak did notice that Deborah did. In fact, he noticed that the Lord was doing a work in Deborah.

Gang, too often people are like Barak. They know what it is to follow Jesus. Maybe they have even followed Jesus for a season. Now they do not have any faith to allow Jesus to be Lord over their life. And yet they still recognize the Lord doing a work through your life. Have you ever had someone come up to you and ask, “Pray for me, because God listens to you.” In one way, it is nice to know they are recognizing that you have a personal relation with Jesus Christ. In another way, it is oh so sad because in a way they are saying, “I still do not want to give up my life but I still want the benefits of being a Christian.” They want the Lord to be with them and even in them, but just not the head of their life.

This is Barak. He does not have enough faith to walk into battle and be a deliverer therefore, seeing the faith Deborah has in God, he asks for her to come along. Deborah agrees, but promises that the glory which would have once belonged to him would be given to a woman. One battle and one tent peg later, the enemy, Sisera, is dead.

We are to live as Deborah’s in a world of unbelievers. We are to be steadfast. I can think of many people who accept that Jesus is the Lord, but just do not want to make Jesus the Lord over their life. This was the difference between Barak and Deborah. Live and shine and give God the glory.

Happy Easter!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And Happy Birthday Kyle

Judges 3

Judges 3

“But when the sons of Israel cried to Jehovah, Jehovah raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a left-handed man. And the sons of Israel sent a present to Eglon the king of Moab by him” (Judges 3:15).

It is believed that Samuel the Prophet wrote the Book of Judges. Either way, whoever it is seemed to enjoy some good action. In the book of Judges we get some of the most detailed descriptions of war and battle. In this chapter, we read about Ehud, the left-handed Judge.

This chapter also introduces us to a pattern Israel had fallen into. When times were good, they went off and did as they pleased. When the times grew bad, they cried out to the Lord. They followed Him until times were good again and repeated the process. What a dangerous way to live! Too often Christians live the same way. They get to a place in their spiritual walk and they become content just staying there. Hebrews 6 tells us to move on from the elementary stages of Christianity. We are to be growing in the Lord. If you find yourself being snared by something, which is causing your walk to come to a halt, stop and share it with the Lord. Just share it with Him. Talk to Him. Fellowship with Him. The moment you allow yourself to become content in reaching a certain place is the moment you open the door for an opportunity to sin.

Israel was not turning to the Lord. God sent Ehud. Israel had been taken captive by Moab. Ehud, following the Lord, knew the country would collapse if they lost their king. He knew this is all Israel needed to escape from their grasp. Therefore Ehud made a dagger and placed it on his right side. This is important. Almost all persons are right handed. Therefore they all would walk around with their sword fastened to their left side. I know I do. When he was being checked for weapons as he went to talk to the king, he would only be checked on his left side. He walks in and tells the king, “I have a secret message for you.” Everybody leaves. He then gives the king his secret message, right in the gut, and leaves the dagger because the “fat closed over the blade.” This is like Hollywood. Ehud then sneaks out of there, locks the door, finds Israel, and starts a revolution. Just a few days later and 10,000 Moabites are dead.

Even though it would apparently look like Israel conquered their foe, we know it was God doing a work in Israel. Sure Ehud used a dagger and some cool confidence to kill the king. Sure Israel used their swords to defeat the Moabites army of 10,000. What had really happened is that Israel turned toward the Lord and the Lord did a work. Do not get snagged by one of Satan’s devices. Do not become content at where your walk with the Lord is. Draw even closer! If you do have something which is in the way and holding you back, pray for the Lord to do a work. He will. In the end, it may look like you were able to conquer that trial because you did this or you did that, but the reality is the Lord did a work. Praise the Lord that even when we mess up, He continues to work in our lives!!!

Judges 2

Judges 2

"When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord nor the work which He had done for Israel" (Judges 2:10).

We recently went through the book of Deuteronomy. The word Deuteronomy means "second law." The entire book is just a repeat of the law which moses had already given to Israel. The only difference is that now he was giving it to the generation that would conquer Canaan. The book contains the ten commandments, the law concerning offerings, and the law concerning holy days. It was given that Israel's new generation would know the Lord.

Once again we come upon another generation of Israel. The only difference is that this generation does not know the Lord. They were not given the law. They had not been taught like their fathers. Fianlly, they did not heed what they were being taught. Consequently, they fall into idolatry. Judges 2:11 tells us that Israel starts to follow the Baals.

The amount of sin that can result from a little bit of compromise is truly amazing. It starts with not conquering all the land. This is a picture of sin in our life. We leave some sin unattended and it will grow. Remember, "a little leaven leaven the whole lump." Next, uin their laziness, we see Israel shirking the responsibiliy they have as parents to teach their children. Finally, we see the new generation following the lazy nature of their parents and not listening to the Lord.

Do not compromise. Listen to what your parents have to teach you. Get rid of all the sin. Confess, humble yourself. Chuck Smith puts it this way, "If you have not drawn closer to God than you were yesterday, you have back slidden." It sounds extreme but it is true. We are either heading in the right direction or the wrong direction, therefore, do not compromise your faith.

Judges 1

Judges 1
Intro to Judges

Just like that we are through the book of Joshua and into Judges! I feel as if we just started Joshua yesterday. Remember the good times in Joshua, because from here on we are going to watch Israel stumble.

The word Judges in Hebrew means “Savior” of “deliverer” as well as one who judges. We get the sense then that Israel was going to come to a place where they needed a savior. Think about Israel. They are the ones obeying God’s voice and the ones conquering the other nations. Typically the conqueror is not the one who needs a savior. What does this tell us? It tells us that Israel stopped conquering. In fact, they stopped obeying the voice of the Lord. Remember how I told you that Israel had really only conquered about half of what they needed to. They still needed to go North and East all the way to the Euphrates River. Let us read through chapter 1 to get an idea of what happened.

“And it happened, when Israel became strong, they put the Canaanites to tribute, and did not completely drive them out,” (Judges 1:28).

We see the problem riddles all over chapter one. The Israelites start to compromise and stop driving out the other inhabitants of Canaan. Now when Israel was strong this was okay, because they were strong. Later, Israel will start to have weak spots, and these nations would prove to be a great menace in their lives. For instance, there is a little strip of land right along the Mediterranean Sea which Israel did not bother conquering. The land is no greater than a couple miles. This is where the Philistines live. The Philistines would fight against Israel for many years to come.

I cannot help but see this as a picture of sin in our lives. Here we are, given the power of the Holy Spirit. The Bible calls us, “More than conquerors…” The challenge is, are we still living with sin unchecked in our lives? Sure we can control it, when we are strong. However, what about when those moments of weakness come? Is there sin left unconquered in my life?

Remember, we were already given a Savior or Judge, His name is Jesus Christ. We walk in His power. We follow His commandment. We have been made complete through Him. Therefore, if there is still something which can defeat you, you have a serious problem on hand which must be dealt with! I understand that we are all going to sin. We are all going to stumble. Jesus died that we might be saved from these sins. However, too often Christians give up and stop conquering the land God has given them. Too often Christians walk away from their title, “More than Conquerors,” and become more than lazy. Understand, God is not asking for perfection. Grace covers a multitude of sins. He is just asking for you to pursue perfection, even when you mess up. I have to wake up everyday and ask Jesus to be Lord over me, today, and to forgive me for my sins, however, I know I am drawing closer to Him. Draw closer. You are more than a conqueror through the power of Jesus.

Joshua 24

Joshua 24
What we can Control

In Joshua 23 Joshua gives perfect advise to the nation of Israel He tells them every little aspect they need to know on how to stay close to the Lord. Over the years we watch Israel turn from this advice. Despite the perfect advice, there was nothing Joshua could do about it. He could not control the hearts of his brothers and sisters. However there is one thing Joshua could control.

“But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,” (Joshua 24:15b).

In your life you will have many intersections. When you come upon times of choices, you can get advice and help, but ultimately, you will be the one making the choice. Joshua realizes this. After spending the last chapter and a half talking about staying faithful to God, Joshua simply states, “This is what I am going to do.”

Sometimes being a Christian can feel lonely. Sometimes it can feel like you are the only one standing up for what is right. Sometimes your best of friends will disappoint you. Remember, do not put your faith in them, but instead put your faith in Jesus. I can preach it all day long, but you need to make the choice, follow Jesus, or follow the ways of Egypt (the world). Everything you put expectations in will let you down, except Jesus.

As we wake up this morning we are faced with the same question, “Are we going to serve the Lord?” Tommy and I cannot make this decision for you. Your parents cannot make this decision for you. Only you can. Once again I challenge you, today, will you serve the Lord? I am challenged. I want to come before you as witnesses (Like in verse 22) and tell you, “Today I will serve the Lord.” I encourage you to find someone and tell them this, or to even post it on the blog. Today, we need to serve the Lord, and only you can make that decision for yourself.

Joshua 23

Joshua 23
All the Things You Cannot Control

An amazing lesson is absolutely useless if no one intends to follow it. This chapter is one of the most amazing lessons in the Bible. Why is so amazing? It is so relevant to Israel. Joshua tells them in verse 6 not to turn aside from the Law of Moses. In verse 11 Joshua tells Israel to love God.

Gang, do not turn aside from the things you have been taught from childhood. Do not turn aside from Jesus. Times in your life will be difficult. Times in your life will not make sense. Sometimes, it will seem that nothing is really happening in your life at all. No matter what, do not turn aside from the Lord. When the rest of the world looks like it has it so figured out, remember, Jesus died on the cross for you. He has saved you from so much. Really, when it comes down to it, I deserve nothing. Think about this. As a servant of the Lord, I do not deserve anything. Therefore anything given to me belongs to Jesus and anything taken away belongs to Jesus. I am to see myself as a sinner saved by grace, and to see my brothers and sisters as children of the Lord.

In verse 12 Joshua tells Israel not to make marriage with the rest of the world. In verse 13 Joshua tells the repercussions for these actions.

Israel slowly became more and more like the world until they were just as bad as the world. They started out by conquering according to what the Lord told them to do. They then stopped conquering the land God had promised them and became content where they were. They then started to want to become like the world by having a king. Later, these kings got married to the foreign princesses. This caused foreign gods to enter Israel. Soon Israel was a slave to idols. Soon after this, they were slaves to Babylon. Guys, Satan is patient. When you compromise a little, it can become huge. Joshua warns Israel. He pleads with Israel. He tells them what will happen if they disobey! Israel still did not obey. Guys I can plead with you. I can beg you. I can warn you and I can reason with you, but when it comes down to it, you make the choices. Do not turn your backs against the Lord. Do not stop obeying His commandments. The moment you stop, is the moment you start to walk the wide path. Do not be content when the Lord wants to move you on.

In verse 14-15 Joshua talks about our faithful Lord and His promises. He always completes them. I am learning more and more each day to hold on to the promises of God. You have been taught from youth the things of the Lord and the promises of God, hold on to them. He will not let you down. Israel failed to do this. They ended up going the ways of the world. No one can force you to love Jesus. People cannot be controlled. I cannot control you. Your pastor cannot control you. Your parents cannot completely control you. Finally, God will not control you. As we read this chapter we are faced with the same choice Israel was faced with, follow God or go our own direction. Pray that I will stop complaining about the circumstances in my life, because I want to follow Jesus. He is everything I do not deserve, therefore contentment is not the right circumstance, it is Jesus.

Joshua 22

Joshua 22

“Only, diligently take heed to do the commands and the Law which Moses the servant of Jehovah commanded you, to love Jehovah your God, and to walk in all His ways, and to keep His commandments, and to cleave to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul” (Joshua 22:5).

In this chapter we read of the tribes of Israel on the East side of the Jordan. They had made it to the east side of the Jordan with Moses. When they had seen this side, they were well content and asked if their inheritance could be this land. Moses agreed, however, they were still required to come to war with their brothers in conquering the land of Canaan.

Now they were finally receiving their land. The Lord had indeed called them to this place. We remember that eventually Israel was supposed to conquer all the way to the Euphrates River. Reuben, Manasseh, and Gad were to lead this as they were already on that side. They also bore the incredible responsibility of protecting Israel from the East Side invaders, which would include, Assyria and Babylon! They bore much responsibility. The Lord gives them simple instruction, which might seem obvious, but are crucial. He tells them to “diligently take heed…”

Have you ever been appointed an important task? Have you ever felt like you were bearing much responsibility to do something right? There is something key we must remember. We need to be diligently taking heed to what the Lord is telling us. Many of you are going to be involved in special ministries this summer. Some of you will be helping in VBS while others will be going to Ireland while others will be doing something else! Some of you are already helping lead children’s worship or helping teach a class. Whatever the case, you are blessed with an important task. The first thing for you to do is diligently take heed to what the Lord is telling you.

I am reminded of John 14 which tells us, “Without Me (Jesus) you can do nothing.” This is us trying to do great things without the Lord. Whenever I am given ministry of some sort the first thing I want to do is plan it all out. I want to do this and do that. Then it leads to me having expectations on my brothers and sisters around me. Where expectations arise, disappointment follows, because nobody but Jesus can live up to your expectations. He even exceeds them! Instead, I need to lean on Jesus and allow Him to do a work in me. Philippians 4 tells us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

In the end, I am reminded of Esther. Here is Esther with a great task to save the Jews. Mordecai comes to instruct her. He tells her, “For if you are completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance shall arise to the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house shall be destroyed. And who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for a time like this?” This is me. I am not at all necessary or vital by any means to His great work. Instead, He works in me and has decided to use me. If we are not diligently taking heed, we can forget about it. When we are following the Lord’s voice, we become a tool he can use.

Joshua 21

And they spoke to them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, "The LORD commanded through Moses to give us cities to dwell in, with their common-lands for our livestock." So the children of Israel gave to the Levites from their inheritance, at the commandment of the LORD, these cities and their common-lands:

(Jos 21:2-3)

The Levites had no inheritance of their own. In the Promised Land, they were sort of “loaned” cities and parcels of land within the land belonging to the other tribes. We read over and over in the books of the law that the Levites had no inheritance of their own, for the LORD WAS THEIR INHERITANCE.

I love this concept, and I think it really applies to us as Christians. The Bible tells us in the book of 1^st Peter that we are a KINGDOM OF PRIESTS. The entire church has become like the tribe of Levi… we all have access to the presence of the LORD. When I read today’s passage, it reminds me that all that I possess doesn’t really belong to me; it is on loan from the LORD. My house, my car, even my wife and daughter ultimately don’t belong to me… they belong to Jesus.

I just returned a guitar that I had been borrowing from a friend for a while. It is an old guitar from the 70’s, a really cool guitar. When I had that guitar I was careful with it because it didn’t belong to me. I wanted to be sure to return it to it’s own in the same condition I got it in… no new dings, scrapes, or scratches.

We need to see everything we have as the Lord’s, and take care of it that way. Ask yourself questions like, would the Lord want me to spend HIS money this way? To treat HIS family this way? When we remember that all we have belongs to someone else, it helps us not to be too attached to things here on earth. Possess the things the Lord has given you, use them for His glory, and never let THEM possess YOU.

Joshua 20

These were the cities appointed for all the children of Israel and for the stranger who dwelt among them, that whoever killed a person accidentally might flee there, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood until he stood before the congregation.

(Jos 20:9)

This was first commanded back in the book of Numbers, and now we see the Israelites obediently putting these cities into place. Can you imagine how scary it would be to run from somebody that WANTS to kill you? You would be looking for a refuge, a place where you were safe and protected from your enemy. In this passage, that is what these cities were all about. If any of the Israelites was responsible for the accidental death of another individual, these cities provided them with a place of protection.

They provide us with a picture of the refuge that we have in Jesus Christ. In many ways Jesus is our REFUGE. We are all guilty of sin; in fact, we are all guilty of sin so heinous that the penalty of it is death. We are looking for refuge, somewhere, anywhere that we can run to be protected from the certain death and judgment that awaits us. In Jesus we have a REFUGE.

So God has given both His promise and His oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God's inner sanctuary.

(Heb 6:18-19)

We can be confident in JESUS; the refuge that we have in Him has brought us into the very presence of God, where we not only have protection, but FELLOWSHIP with the God of the Universe. I love these verses, “we who have fled to HIM for REFUGE can have GREAT CONFIDENCE”. When we are trusting in the Lord, we have nothing to fear!

Joshua 19

These were the inheritances which Eleazar the priest, Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel divided as an inheritance by lot in Shiloh before the LORD, at the door of the tabernacle of meeting. So they made an end of dividing the country.

(Jos 19:51)

The dividing was finished, but the work was far from done. They had entered the land, conquered parts of the land, and divided the land… but much of the land still need to be possessed. The land was theirs, it had been given to them by the Lord, now they needed to move into it, to settle down in it, to build their homes and establish themselves.

As Christians we are told in 2 Peter 1:3 that “His divine power has given us all things pertaining to life and godliness”. Like the children of Israel had been promised the entire Promised Land, the Lord has provided us with everything we need to live life as He intended us to. The ALL THINGS of what God has given us doesn't mean ANYTHING if we don’t put them to use in our life. Just like the land, we need to tear down, build up, and move forward. God has given us the resources, but we still need to appropriate them.

Like a blank check that was never cashed, much of the Promised Land was never possessed or settled. Canaanites were left in the land as servants, others were never even attacked; the land was the Israelites by divine right, but that right was never made a reality. I don’t want this to be our testimony; I want us to take advantage of all that God has given us, to be able to say like the apostle Paul that we accomplished ALL the work the Lord had given us to do. The Lord want’s to use us; He just needs us to make ourselves available to Him.

I leave you this morning with one of my favorite passages in scripture… “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.”

(Php 2:12-16)

Joshua 18

Now the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of meeting there. And the land was subdued before them.

(Jos 18:1)

A place of rest. The Israelites had come to Shiloh, a place of rest. For the first time in their history, the tabernacle was to be set up in a permanent place. The Israelites were home. We read here that the land was subdued before them, they had conquered the enemy, and 5 of the 12 tribes had possessed their land. They were literally at home for the first time in their history, enjoying the land that the Lord had promised and prepared for them.

I love the fact that when they reach this place of rest, the first thing they do is set up the Tabernacle. It was the house of God, the place where worship happened, the place where man could come before God and talk to Him, the place were God could speak to man. The tabernacle was the central point of Jewish culture. All of life revolved around the Lord, and community couldn’t exist apart from Him.

How different than our world today! What is the center of our society here in America?

Is it the white house, where the political decisions are made?

Is it Hollywood, were our celebrities are worshipped?

Is it the sports arenas, or the colleges; the shopping malls, or the court house?

As Americans it seems that our lives can center around pretty much everything BUT the most important thing! Can you imagine how different life would be if the central focus of our entire nation was the worship of God? I think it would change a lot of things about the way our country is.

We can’t change our country, but we can change our own lives, and reach out and touch the lives of others one at a time. Is the central focus of your life the tabernacle, the place where God is met? Or, is it more like an amusement park, or a movie theater? Is your life all about knowing the Lord, or is it about being entertained? Just think about that for a while, and ask the LORD to speak to your heart, and show you how you can bring Him to the center!

Joshua 17

But the mountain country shall be yours. Although it is wooded, you shall cut it down, and its farthest extent shall be yours; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots and are strong."

(Jos 17:18)

There are two phrases that caught my eye in today’s chapter: “Cut it down” and “Drive them out”. The house of Joseph had been given the mountain. There was a forest there… it was thick with trees; but they were going to cut them down and clear themselves a place to live. The Canaanites were strong, they had iron chariots; but the house of Joseph would drive them out. I want to once again look at how this can apply to our own lives… how we can cut down the thickets and drive out the enemy.

1. CUTTING IT DOWN – Forests are cool to visit, but you can’t really live in one. There is no space to build a house, or to assemble any kind of a community. The trees have to come down before the city can be built and established. The town I live in (Reston) is unique because of the large amount of protected forest that is part of it. But, there would be no Reston if some of those trees were not cut down, and the land made inhabitable. When we come into a new stage of life, a new chapter in the story that God is writing in and through us, there is often a period of “tearing down” that must take place before there can be any building up. In the New Testament we read often about the need to crucify the old man, to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus. When we do this, we are tearing down… tearing down our own ambition, our own fleshly desires, our own worldly thoughts and opinions. In a figurative sense we are cutting down the forest so God can build us into what He wants us to be. If we don’t first cut down, there will be no room to build. If we only do the job partially, we limit God in what He can do in and through our lives. The Lord wants from us a heart that is totally surrendered to Him. He wants a heart that is prepared for Him to build!
2. DRIVING THEM OUT – The Canaanites are described here as being strong, and possessing iron chariots. This tells us that the enemy wasn’t going to give up without a fight. They were equipped for battle, and they were resolved to fight. The word strong that is used here carries with it the idea of unrelenting intensity. Like a fierce storm, or a long and tireless drought, the Canaanites were going to put up a fight. Though the fight would be long, the house of Joseph would win it… for the Lord was on their side. Oftentimes in the Christian life, we act as though the flesh won’t put up a fight. When it does, we often give up. The Lord wants us to be resolute as we war against the flesh, taking ground step by step, occupying the territory that we take. The flesh is equipped by this world, and ready to do battle… BUT THE LORD IS ON OUR SIDE. Don’t be deceived friends; the battle against the flesh will go on until we go home to be with the Lord. Our responsibility is to continue to fight, to keep taking ground, and holding that which we have gained. The Holy Spirit wants to give us the victory; all we must do is choose to walk in Him. We can win each battle we fight if we will walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, and realize that the flesh will never surrender. Though the battles are won, the war rages on… DON’T LET DOWN YOUR GUARD!

Joshua 16

And they did not drive out the Canaanites who dwelt in Gezer; but the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites to this day and have become forced laborers.

(Jos 16:10)

In this chapter, we have another instance of a failure to drive the enemy out. I want us to look at three reasons why this could have happened, and relate those reasons to us driving sin out of our own lives.

1. God didn’t deliver the Canaanites into their hands because of the sin in their lives. When there is sin in our lives that we have not repented of, we should expect to reap the consequences. When I am in a losing battle with the flesh, this is often the first thing I look at. “Is their sin in my life that I am not dealing with?” If God has shown us something He wants us to deal with, and we won’t deal with it, we can expect that He will turn up the heat. Not only that, but He won’t move on to something else until the sin is taken care of. Do you remember what happened with Ai? They couldn’t win that battle until Achan’s sin was dealt with. In our own lives, the victory we achieve will be directly related to just how much of our lives we are willing to give to the Lord. The moment we hold something back is the moment we stop moving forward.
2. They didn’t achieve victory because of their SLOTHFULLNESS. I believe that often in our lives we miss out on what God wants to do because we are lazy. I can be a procrastinator, putting things off that I don’t want to do. THIS IS A PROBLEM. When we continue to push things off… when we are lazy about the work God has called us to do… then we miss out on what He has for us. The Lord wants us to be faithful diligent servants, not lazy sluggards! He has given us so much, but we must go in and posses it!
3. Maybe they let them stay for reasons of their own COVETOUSNESS. It is possible that the Israelites saw in the Canaanites a possibility for gain… and so they let them stay. I think we often do this with the things of the world. The Lord wants us to chase them out of our lives, and take back the territory they possessed for Him; but instead we let them stay because we like them. Are there worldly things in your life today because of your own covetous heart? You say you can’t defeat them, but the truth of the matter is that you DON’T WANT TO. I think that we have good reason to believe this was the case in this passage. We read that the Ephraimites made them slaves… but this isn’t what God had commanded them to do. God said “chase them out”, but the Ephraimites said, “Not so fast, I think we can use them”. Let’s not do that with the things of the world, if Jesus says it should go, let’s trust Him and get it out rather than trying to use it for our own purposes.

I hope as we go through these passages you are starting to realize the importance of doing ALL the Lord commands. In the end, partial obedience ALWAYS ends up hurting!

Joshua 15

As for the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem to this day.

(Jos 15:63)

This verse strikes a very sad chord in my heart. “The children of Israel could not drive them out.” - It speaks of failure to posses all that God had given failure to fully realize what God had for them. Tonight at youth group Hector read one of my favorite verses… Psalm 20:4 – It says, “May He (God) grant you all your heart’s desire, and fulfill all your purpose.” It tells us that the Lord wants to FULLY REALIZE His perfect plan and purpose for our lives. The Jews here in our passage today, could only say they “partially” fulfilled the LORD’S purpose.

I want to be a man that fulfills all that God has called me to do. I don’t want to leave the Jebusites living in Jebus! (Look it up, that’s really what they called it – Judges 19:10-11) I want to fulfill all of the purpose God has for my life, I want to accomplish the work He has called me to do.

The failure to drive out the Jebusites was not God’s fault. When it says that they couldn’t do it, it doesn’t mean that God wasn’t strong enough… it just lets us know that the Israelites weren’t really relying upon Him. Think about how central Jerusalem would become to Jewish worship… It is no wonder that it was such a difficult place to posses! It is often like that in our walk and relationship with the Lord, the most difficult battles are often the most crucial. It was David, a man after God’s own heart who would eventually drive the Jebusites out. I think we can learn from that… The only way to gain victory in those crucial areas is to be people who are literally seeking after God’s heart; wanting to love what He loves, and to live like He wants.

Are their any Jebusites hanging on in your life today? Territory that the Lord has commanded you to conquer, yet the enemy is still controlling it? Maybe today would be a good to change that story… Just like David follow after the heart of God, and allow HIM to drive out those last remnants of the world!

Joshua 14

Joshua 14
The Miraculous Works of the Lord

“And now, behold, Jehovah has kept me alive these forty-five years as He said, even since Jehovah spoke this word to Moses, while Israel wandered in the wilderness. And now, lo, I am eighty-five years old today. As yet I am as strong today as I was in the day that Moses sent me. As my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out and to come in. And now give me this mountain of which Jehovah spoke on that day. For you heard in that day how the giants were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. If Jehovah will be with me, then I will be able to drive them out, as Jehovah said.”
(Jos 14:10-12)

Remember Caleb? He was one of the two spies O so long ago who entered the land of Canaan and was actually for conquering it. He was also the only person close to Joshua’s age, seeing that everybody else died. He is probably the only other person was a slave in Egypt with Joshua. Finally, here he is at the end of his life, and he is remembering the promise that God made him. Caleb has faithfully served the Lord and now he feels the Lord is calling him to conquer his inheritance. There is one problem, Caleb is 85 years old.

Remember yesterdays lesson? Joshua was old. Therefore those days of conquering were coming to an end. It is the practical works of the Lord. Today we gaze upon the miraculous works of the Lord. Caleb conquering the land was anything but practical. He was already old, therefore he could only slow down the army. He was one of two who had been with Moses for quite a time and experienced Egypt, therefore he probably had great wisdom to impart. They did not want this guy to die. He was a friend to Joshua. If he conquered the land, he did not have much life left to enjoy it. But what did he have to drive him? He had the promises of God. He knew what the Lord had told him, therefore, despite what the world might think, this old critter was going to conquer.

I hope to live a life like Caleb. We do not hear much about his life. What we do know is that when he heard the promises of God, he believed them. God told them to conquer Canaan and so he wanted to conquer. God told him he would have this mountain therefore he was going after the mountain. What promises has the Lord shown you? What promises does he lay down in His Word. The promise that always sticks out most for me is that the Lord is coming back. Wake up, and live with hope in God. The problems before us may seem insurmountable. The practical approach may tell you everything is wrong, however, God works in miraculous ways, and He will keep His promises.

Promises of the Lord:
Romans 8:28
Matthew 5:1-11
Revelation 22:12-14
Hosea 11:1-11
2 Peter 3:9 - “The Lord is not slow concerning His promise, as some count slowness, but is long-suffering toward us, not purposing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

Joshua 13

Joshua 13
The Practical Works of the Lord

“Now Joshua was old, going on in days. And Jehovah said to him, You are old, far along in days, and there remains yet very much land to be possessed” (Joshua 13:1).

I love the Lord. Here is Joshua…and he is old. The Lord comes down to tell him he is old. Why would the Lord do this?

1) The Lord was telling Joshua that the adventurous, battle filled life was coming to a close. He had proved to be Israel’s greatest warrior. He came in and he conquered, but most of all, he followed God. I love how practical the Lord is. Joshua is getting old, therefore the work is done. God will use you in amazing ways, and most of them are practical! I have never led worship. There is a very practical reason for this (Psalm 33:3). I have never worked in arts and crafts at VBS. There is a very practical reason for this. However the Lord has used me to teach and the Lord has used me to disciple. He has used my skills in sports. Our God is practical and He wants to use the gifts He has given you.

There is a neat story. A man is on an island and he cannot get off. Naturally, he falls down on his knees and prays and begs God to save him. Minutes later a boat shows up. The captain asks the man if he needs help and the man replies, “No. I am waiting for the Lord to save me.” The man once again falls down on his knees and prays and this time a helicopter shows up. Once again, an opportunity is there to be saved and the man denies it because he is “waiting for the Lord to save him.” I believe the moral of the story is obvious enough.

Do not always be looking for the crazy miracle or amazing act of the Lord. He wants to use you practically. Do not despise the gifts He has given others. He wants to use you and your gifts. Instead realize that we are one body, each performing our own special function for the Lord.

2) For Joshua it was time for a new ministry to start. This ministry would be administrative. Sometimes the Lord uses the practical things of the world to lead us in an entirely new direction. This could come in different ways. The Lord closed off a semester at Bible College for me by not providing for me the funds to go. In that time I assisted Tommy with the Jr. High. I would not trade that education and experience for the world. Joshua, you are old (Try 110). No more battles. Now its time to do paper work and to make sure each of these people get appointed their land.

Pray to the Lord today. He wants to use you practically. Consider your gifts, whether music, sports, teaching, following, speaking, knowledge, etc. Allow the Lord to practically use you today.

Joshua 12

Joshua 12

This chapter gives us a chance to breathe. The previous chapters have been action packed. This chapter is a summary of the kings Moses and Joshua conquered. Moses conquered numerous kings before entering into Israel. These kings would be all kings east of the Jordan river (Because we know Moses never entered into the Promised Land). Joshua conquered the kings West of the Jordan river, or those inhabiting the Promised Land. This chapter tells us the roster of those kings conquered by Joshua. Joshua conquered a total of 31 kings.

Here is a map of what Israel had conquered. Now read what Deuteronomy 11:24 tells Israel.
"Every place on which the soles of your feet shall tread shall be yours, from the wilderness and Lebanon, from the river, the river Euphrates, even to the furthest sea shall your border be."

Sure they have conquered a lot, but they have not conquered everything God promised them. In fact, to this day they have never possessed that land. This tells us that one day in the future Israel will!

Joshua 11

“And Joshua came suddenly, and all the people of war with him, against them by the waters of Merom. And they fell on them” (Joshua 11:7).

Joshua and Israel is gaining quite the reputation. After what happened at the City of Gibeon, the whole area was starting to get nervous. Therefore the kings do what seems reasonable. They all gather together to fight against Joshua and the army of Israel.

There are two words that often describe my walk with the Lord. The first word is faith. If I am following the Lord I am a man of faith. I am taking bold steps towards the Lord and His will for my life. In fact, following the Lord implies that you are following by faith.
The second word is fear. This is what breaks up my following the Lord. The times I fall into sin are quite often the times I am fearing about something. My response is to fix it by myself. It could be to take my eyes off the Lord so I can see what is happening behind me. Fear is a great enemy which does not belong in our walk with the Lord.
When I read this chapter I think, Joshua could of done one of two things. He could have seen all the armies surrounding him and feared because of it. He could of then run away from the battle altogether. He could of also heard the word of the Lord and timidly obeyed. He could of waited for their armies to come just so he can “make sure” this is the Lord’s will. Finally, he could have been a man of faith, which he truly was.

Notice Joshua in our verse up above! He “came suddenly.” Do I have faith like this. This is faith that hears from the Lord and obeys immediately. He did not second guess what was happening. He simply got the “go ahead” and went with it. Make sure you to pray to God this morning over those issues in your heart. Listen to what He tells you. If He directs you a certain direction, have faith like Joshua. Just do it, and He will take care of the rest.

Joshua 10

Joshua 10

When we study the history of Israel we notice that they always seem to be holding on by a thread. All through out history nations are rising against them or conquering them in one way or another. We see Egypt and Babylon rule over them and later Rome. We find them battling all the surrounding armies. They were chased out of Egypt. In fact, they were not even a nation for 2,000 years. All of this happened because of sin. Now let’s observe them when they are following the Lord.

Imagine, here you are as a nation. You have been living peaceably for quite some time. You have heard rumors of this nation which has broken free of Egypt, the world empire at the time. They are coming into your land at rapid speed and they are conquering in the name of God! Rivers and seas are parting for them. They finally reach your proximity and take down the largest walled city in the area. As this chapter tells us, the great city of Gibeon becomes their slaves in just the fear of what may happen to them. You better believe you would be making some alliances.

“So Joshua went up from Gilgal, he and all the men of war with him, and all the mighty men of valor. And Jehovah said to Joshua, Do not fear them, for I have delivered them into your hands. There shall not a man of them stand before you.” (Joshua 10:7-8).

When God is on your side it does not matter what comes against you. These verses just get me stoked. Joshua’s army brutally overtakes the armies of these five nations. As Joshua comes in from the front with his “men of valor,” God throws “great” hailstones down at the enemy armies. We often read in history about how one army uses the terrain as an advantage against the other army. Israel had God fighting for them. Finally, the point comes where the only way for the enemy to escape is darkness. Joshua says before the Lord and says:

Then Joshua spoke to Jehovah in the day when Jehovah delivered up the Amorites before the sons of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun! Stand still on Gibeon! And, moon, stand still in the valley of Aijalon! And the sun stood still, and the moon stood still, until the people had avenged themselves on their enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jasher? And the sun stood still in the midst of the heavens, and did not hasten to go down about a whole day. (Joshua 10:12-13)

The following verses tells us that this is the only time in history that the Lord heeded the voice of man. “for the Lord fought with Israel.” God was with Israel. Do not get in Israel’s way.

The Lord was with Israel. Do you remember what the angel told Mary to name the baby? The name was to be, “Immanuel,” or “God with us.” Do we truly believe this? Do we truly live in such a way that God is with us and He is just as much on our side as He was on Israel’s during this great conquering? I am challenged. How often I act as if God cannot conquer the smallest battles in my life. I need only look at Joshua 10.

Joshua 9

Joshua 9 (Sorry about the late post)

“And they received the men because of their provisions; but they did not ask counsel of the Lord” (Jos 9:14).

Living is simple. Life may not be simple, but living is simple. It can be summed up in two words: follow Jesus. The world, however, is crafty. Read Joshua 9:4, “They worked craftily…” Check out James 3:16, “For where envy and self seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing is there.” As the switch foot song puts it, “Living is simple…I’ve had my choices, I’ve chosen today. I’ve had my choices, the choices remain.”

Living is simple, yet, we live in a world of constant choices and these constant choices each take their effect. What can be even harder is the choices that have been laid before you today and now you have to make some decisions. I do not know about you but the things that come into my life can be scary, thought provoking, and altogether thought engulfing. I can spend a whole day worrying about a choice I have to make and thinking about every little circumstance that can arise from that choice. Is this right? NO! I need to think about one thing today, and that is, “Follow Jesus.”

The men in Israel fail to do this in this chapter. They are presented a lie. Instead of going directly to the Lord, they take out their magnifying glasses and carefully inspect everything. The nation of Gibeon dotted all their I’s and crossed all their T’s. Therefore, “they did not ask counsel of the Lord.”

Whatever decision you may be facing today, go to Jesus. The world is tricky, crafty, and confusing. Satan packages things in lies, therefore go to Jesus. Do not worry about tomorrow, be anxious for nothing, but rely on Jesus who works everything together for good for those who are called according to His purpose. Let Him make the choices. Look at what ended up happening to Israel. They were fooled. They now had to live with this crafty, worldly nation in the midst of their Promised land.

Joshua 8

Now Joshua built an altar to the LORD God of Israel in Mount Ebal, as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the Book of the Law of Moses: "an altar of whole stones over which no man has wielded an iron tool." And they offered on it burnt offerings to the LORD, and sacrificed peace offerings. And there, in the presence of the children of Israel, he wrote on the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he had written. Then all Israel, with their elders and officers and judges, stood on either side of the ark before the priests, the Levites, who bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD, the stranger as well as he who was born among them. Half of them were in front of Mount Gerizim and half of them in front of Mount Ebal, as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded before, that they should bless the people of Israel. And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessings and the cursings, according to all that is written in the Book of the Law. There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded which Joshua did not read before all the assembly of Israel, with the women, the little ones, and the strangers who were living among them.

(Jos 8:30-35)

The way Joshua responds to this great victory over Ai blesses me. When they had accomplished all God had asked them to do, they didn’t go and relax; instead they worshipped Him, and read His Word. Compare this to what happens immediately after their first victory, the battle of Jericho. There is a strong contrast, and we can learn an important lesson in the details of that contrast.

Now Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Beth Aven, on the east side of Bethel, and spoke to them, saying, "Go up and spy out the country." So the men went up and spied out Ai. And they returned to Joshua and said to him, "Do not let all the people go up, but let about two or three thousand men go up and attack Ai. Do not weary all the people there, for the people of Ai are few." So about three thousand men went up there from the people, but they fled before the men of Ai. And the men of Ai struck down about thirty-six men, for they chased them from before the gate as far as Shebarim, and struck them down on the descent; therefore the hearts of the people melted and became like water.

(Jos 7:2-5)

No prayer, no seeking the Lord, instead Joshua bases his plans on the counsels of men. “No problem” they say, “we can take ‘em with a small army”. They had forgotten that the victory was the LORD’S and they were merely vessels He worked through. They experienced miserable defeat because they didn’t wait on the Lord. The Lord didn’t even want them to go fight yet, because there was sin in their own camp that needed to be dealt with!

This second battle with Ai is different: it begins with a clear command from the Lord - Now the LORD said to Joshua: "Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; take all the people of war with you, and arise, go up to Ai. See, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land. And you shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king. Only its spoil and its cattle you shall take as booty for yourselves. Lay an ambush for the city behind it."

(Jos 8:1-2)

The plan was given to them, and in obedience to the Lord, they took action. After they were finished, they worshipped God, and publicly read His Word. This gives us a clear example of how we should do things.

1. When the Lord grants us victory, we shouldn’t automatically assume the next step, we should wait on Him.

2. We shouldn’t do anything without seeking Him first.

3. After a victory, we should worship the Lord, and remember the role He plays in our lives. When He accomplishes something great in us or through us, we should give Him the glory due His name.

Joshua 7

But the children of Israel committed a trespass regarding the accursed things, for Achan the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed things; so the anger of the LORD burned against the children of Israel.

(Jos 7:1)

And Achan answered Joshua and said, "Indeed I have sinned against the LORD God of Israel, and this is what I have done: When I saw among the spoils a beautiful Babylonian garment, two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. And there they are, hidden in the earth in the midst of my tent, with the silver under it."

(Jos 7:20-21)

And Joshua said, "Why have you troubled us? The LORD will trouble you this day." So all Israel stoned him with stones; and they burned them with fire after they had stoned them with stones. Then they raised over him a great heap of stones, still there to this day. So the LORD turned from the fierceness of His anger. Therefore the name of that place has been called the Valley of Achor to this day.

(Jos 7:25-26)

In the last chapter we jut learned all about the tremendous victory Israel had over Jericho, as they exercised real faith and obedience. This chapter shows us the hidden side to all of that, and it starts out with a big BUT. In the midst of the great victory, there was some serious hidden sin; Achan had stolen the accursed things!

Look at what Achan took – A beautiful Babylonian garment, a handful of silver, and a large chunk of gold. They had looked so good, so tempting, that he just couldn’t pass them up. What deception! Achan was totally ripped off by the devil! Look at what he did with the stuff he took… HE BURIED IT IN THE GROUND! He couldn’t wear the garment, spend the silver, or display the gold… it all had to lay hidden away. This stuff he took could bring him NO ENJOYMENT.

Whenever I read this I flash back to when I was in high school. I didn’t bury stuff in the ground; I just buried it beneath my socks and underwear. Mostly tapes and CDs I wasn’t supposed to listen to. I lived in constant fear of getting caught, and the worst part is that I never even enjoyed those tapes and CDs! If I did listen to them, it was late at night with one side of my headphones on, and the other ear listening to see if my parents were coming. It was so LAME. I was living in fear, and living in darkness. The lie that the devil told me was that it was worth it because I got to experience what I had been missing out on. It was a lie for sure… I wasn’t missing anything. I was like Achan, I thought, “I have this stuff, but now what am I supposed to do with it?!”

The saddest part to me is this: Achan’s sin affected everyone else. It wasn’t like it stopped with him! That means that our hidden sin can affect the others around us. Our moms and dads, our brothers and sisters, our friends… sin doesn’t just stop with us.

So, my question for you this morning is this: Do you have anything buried under your tent? If you do, it would be best to dig it up now. If we don’t deal with that sin, it won’t remain hidden for long!

Joshua 6

Now Jericho was securely shut up because of the children of Israel; none went out, and none came in. And the LORD said to Joshua: "See! I have given Jericho into your hand, its king, and the mighty men of valor. You shall march around the city, all you men of war; you shall go all around the city once. This you shall do six days. And seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark. But the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. It shall come to pass, when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, and when you hear the sound of the trumpet, that all the people shall shout with a great shout; then the wall of the city will fall down flat. And the people shall go up every man straight before him."

(Jos 6:1-5)

By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days.

(Heb 11:30)

FAITH AND OBEDIENCE… Today we have a beautiful picture of real faith that is patiently obedient to the LORD. A lot of times when I think of faith, I think of David charging at Goliath, or Jonathan taking his armor bearer and attacking the philistines alone. These were instances when God put something on a guy’s heart, and he ran forward with reckless abandon; clinging to God’s promise alone, risking it all for His kingdom.

Today we see faith of a different color. Faith that patiently waits, that does things that seem foolish to the natural man. SIX DAYS! For six days the Israelites left camp, circled the city of Jericho, and went home. On the seventh day, they march around the city 7 TIMES! 7 TIMES! If you ask me, that seems like the worst possible way to prepare for battle. March for miles and miles in all your battle gear, and THEN go and fight!

Joshua and the Israelites didn’t see like men see. They saw with eyes of faith, from the LORD’S perspective. Human reason could have never predicted what was about to happen… but it was exactly what God had promised. It turned out to be the BEST way to prepare for this battle, because the LORD made the walls fall down! All of Jericho knew that day that they were not fighting against mere men… they were fighting God Himself!

There are so many times that the LORD has us do things that run contrary to what we would naturally do. If we really trust the LORD, we will obey even in those difficult situations. It takes faith to wait. REAL FAITH. Faith that is able to say, “I don’t understand why LORD, but you said it and that is enough for me”. Do you have that kind of faith?

Joshua 5

And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a Man stood opposite him with His sword drawn in His hand. And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, "Are You for us or for our adversaries?" So He said, "No, but as Commander of the army of the LORD I have now come." And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, "What does my Lord say to His servant?" Then the Commander of the LORD's army said to Joshua, "Take your sandal off your foot, for the place where you stand is holy." And Joshua did so.

(Jos 5:13-15)

THE WRONG QUESTION. Joshua asks the Angel of the LORD (AKA Jesus) the wrong question. It is a question we are often guilty of asking God, putting ourselves in a place we should never be in… “Who’s side are you on?!”

Joshua sees the Angel of the LORD come and immediately asks, “Are you for us, or for them?” You see, all of the nations were now scared of Joshua and his men, and I think maybe this was going to Joshua’s head a little. “Are you gonna join us, or am I gonna have to kill you?” That is how I take this question he asks.

I love the answer Joshua gets… NO! I am not for you, or for your enemies… I command the LORD'S armies. It is almost as if the implied question thrown out to Joshua is; “are you for the LORD?” It wasn’t Joshua and His armies that would be winning these battles; it was the Lord and HIS armies. It shouldn’t have been Joshua doing the asking… It should have been him doing the answering.

I love Joshua’s response; he humbly worships, and offers his service. We can learn a lot from this. Often when we face challenging times, we say to God, “just who’s side are you on anyway?!” This isn’t right at all. The real question is: Will I take the Lord’s side? Will I serve Him and fight for Him? Will I await His command rather than trying to give Him orders?

We need to remember who is really in control. Even when the Lord puts us in positions of leadership, we need to realize that He is still the commander in chief… we are taking orders from Him, not giving them. This was a real turning point for Joshua. It was here that he learned just whose battles these were, and who would be doing the real fighting. I pray that we can learn the same lesson!