Joshua 10:16-28 Five Amorite Kings Executed

The conquest of the promised land requires an active pursuit of the enemy. If I want to establish the kingdom of God upon the earth, I cannot be passive. Certainly the enemies of God's kingdom are not people. Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil. Joshua's campaign against the Amorite kings is a type of Christ's attack on Satan, sin, and the world (not people, but evil institutions). It is also a lesson for me. The establishment of God's kingdom upon the earth begins with the establishment of God's kingdom in my heart. I must actively pursue my spiritual enemies and squash them.

Joshua reminds Israel of God's word: "Do not be afraid or dismayed; be strong and courageous. For thus the Lord will do to all your enemies against whom you fight." God does not want me living in fear and distress during the conquest. He wants me to be strong and courageous. He wants me to know that he fights for me. He wants me to actively pursue my enemies believing that my enemies cannot stand in the battle.

Joshua uses a strong visual aid to illustrate his point. He brings out the Amorite kings and asks his leaders: "Come near; put your feet on the necks of these kings." Placing the feet on the necks of the defeated enemy, making them a footstool, was a proclamation of supremacy. Joshua gives them the opportunity to feel the supremacy by acting it out with him. It is a means to reassure the people of God's promise to fight and beat the enemy for them. 

Christ has certainly secured the victory against the enemy at the cross. He crushed Satan with a deadly blow. He cracked sin with its shame and guilt. He swallowed death with all its power. Nonetheless, what took place on the cross must be implemented in the hearts of people, one person at a time, until the kingdom of God is established upon the earth. God has chosen me to be a warrior, a minister of reconciliation, an agent for change who advances his kingdom. 

Though the enemies of God's kingdom have been defeated, they remain in battle until the day of Judgment. My efforts to advance God's kingdom will meet opposition, but not failure if I trust and depend on God. The promise is victory! It is a guaranteed outcome! But I must actively pursue the enemy and engage in battle. It is a conquest not a contest. Why do I take a passive role in this conquest? Why don't I actively pursue my enemies every day?

Lord, encourage my heart to know that your victory is mine. Don't let me be complacent and passive. Help me overcome fear and distress. May I actively pursue my enemies and engage in battle every day of my life.

Joshua 8:1-29 The Fall of Ai

Canaanite religion was characterized by a few things that were in quite contrast with the God of Israel. For one, Canaan was organized as a conglomerate of city-states where each one was ruled by a king who also acted as a priest for the people. For the Israelites, God was the king and a priest was appointed from the Levites. The worship rituals of Canaanite religion included extreme sexual immorality (bestiality, homosexuality, orgies, etc.), child sacrifice, and extreme corruption. All of these practices were prohibited among the Israelites. The literature of the day describes the Canaanite gods at length and it is impossible to think that the God of the Israelites was a development of Canaanite religion.

The love, holiness, and integrity of God are in stark contrast with these city-state despots. The God of Israel cannot stand the sight of sin as demonstrated with the sin of Achan. Achan and his family were stoned in an effort to eradicate intentional sin from the midst of Israel. The instructions to wipe out the Canaanite city-states must be understood from this perspective. The holy God of Israel stands against the gods of Canaan and sends his chosen people to cleanse the land from sin before they settle in it. One must think that there is an opportunity to repent, just like with Rahab and be spared of the destruction, but the Canaanites set their face against Israel.

Intentional sin is an abomination to our God. I tend to downplay how pervasive sin really is in my life and of those around me. My tendency is to excuse myself: "After all, I am only human." My humanity should not serve me as an excuse to engage in sin. It should motivate me to seek God all the more and depend on his help to overcome it all the more. The establishment of God's kingdom upon the earth begins with its establishment in my own heart and life. That is my battle day by day. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!

Lord, help me in my battle against sin. May I not settle for my sinful nature, but battle against intentional sin to please you and serve you. You have conquered sin and death! Help me enjoy the benefits of such victory through dependent obedience to you.