Joshua 8 - 10.18.24
Scripture Joshua 8:1-2; 34-35 NIV
”Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Take the whole army with you, and go up and attack Ai. For I have delivered into your hands the king of Ai, his people, his city and his land. You shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king, except that you may carry off their plunder and livestock for yourselves. Set an ambush behind the city.”“
”Afterward, Joshua read all the words of the law—the blessings and the curses—just as it is written in the Book of the Law. There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded that Joshua did not read to the whole assembly of Israel, including the women and children, and the foreigners who lived among them.“
Observation:
Joshua has been told over and over again to be strong and courageous. I am thankful God knows our weakness and reminds us of the actions we need to take. In this instance he had a reason to be discouraged, Israel had lost a battle resulting in lives lost. The cause was discovered and dealt with, more death.
God told Joshua to go and fight Ai; they would be victorious. He also added another instruction, this time they could take items and livestock for themselves. So sad that Achin could not have waited. God planned to bless them when the time was right. He gave a Joshua a plan. They were to set an ambush behind the city. Joshua bravely carried out this plan and they were victorious. Soon after he built an alter, inscribed the 10 Commandments in stone for all to see, and read all the words of the law to the people. He recognized the importance of the people knowing God’s Word.
Application:
God wants me and you to be strong and courageous. One mix up does not nullify God’s plan. There will be consequences if we disobey, but we can repent and move forward in victory. God is there waiting to give us direction. It is vital that we hear and know God’s word. I want to seek God first for His will. Struggles will come, but He has a plan to defeat the enemy.
What a great reminder as we journey through the 3-day Ascent how Joshua brought Israel together to hear the Word. God gives us all we need to be successful. It is important to take time out to seek Him.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, I am in a season where I need to be strong and courageous. There are things I’m facing that seem impossible. Thank you for your words of encouragement. As I seek you, you give me a plan. Help me learn from your creativity. Sometimes the key is to ambush from behind.
Be with the DSC church family as they fast and pray. Help all who need direction from you. Give us wisdom to follow your Word and correction where needed to get on the right track. You have so many good things ahead. Thank you! Amen
- Cindy Howard