Daily Reading: Joshua 10
Scripture Focus: Come up to me and help me, and let us strike Gibeon. For it has made peace with Joshua and with the people of Israel. (Joshua 10.4)
Devotional Thought: Yesterday, we saw how the Gibeonites made an alliance with the people of God, becoming an important part in the worshiping community. This threatened nearby kings who took up arms against them: "Let us strike Gibeon."
Some "Do-Nots" followed:
• Do not relax. Under assault, the Gibeonites turned to their new allies, sending word, "Do not relax your hand from your servants" (v. 6). In other words, "We've cast our lot with you. Don't abandon us now!" The Israelites honored the covenant that they had made, and protected their weak and vulnerable sisters and brothers. We need to be aware of the fact that Satan will attack new Christians to try to defeat them at the outset. And, they may struggle and stumble spiritually. We must not "relax our hand from" these new followers of God, but must come to their defense, proactively seeking and surrounding them.
• Do not be afraid. God told Joshua not to fear these enemies for they would be unable to stand against them (v. 8). I am reminded of the assurance from God in 1 John 4.4: "Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." When we come to the aid of our vulnerable sisters and brothers, we need to remember that God's got this!
• Do not stop. Joshua led his army on an all-night march. At great personal effort and cost, the Israelites pursued their enemies until they were destroyed. That is how we must be when we fight sin - in ourselves and in our fellow believers. We cannot stop until final victory is won!
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the promise of your help in our fight against sin. Grant that I may be faithful in offering my help to others who are struggling and stumbling. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 31.19-24
19 Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind! 20 In the cover of your presence you hide them from the plots of men; you store them in your shelter from the strife of tongues.
21 Blessed be the Lord, for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me when I was in a besieged city. 22 I had said in my alarm, “I am cut off from your sight.” But you heard the voice of my pleas for mercy when I cried to you for help.
23 Love the Lord, all you his saints! The Lord preserves the faithful but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride. 24 Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!
Comentários