God's Command and Blessing

Read Psalm 102

"The tears, fever, lost appetite, despair, and doubt in this psalm are eerily identical to what we go through when a personal crisis erupts in our life or a disaster rips through our town or nation. Yet it is written with confident hope because attention is turned to the God who listens to the please of the destitute. When you lament, turn your attention to God's answer to these prayers: Jesus Christ. He stepped into our world and took on our groans and death, restoring confident hope at the appointed time on Easter morning." (TLSB, p. 945).

Read Joshua 8

We might read Joshua 8 and enjoy the brilliant military tactics. It truly was a cunning plan, and the Israelites had Ai (and nearby Bethel) completely fooled. Having suffered one defeat (because of their disobedience) the Israelites feigned defeat again. This time men were lying in ambush and took the city. The men of Ai who had pursued had nowhere to flee when Israel turned and began to fight. They were surrounded. Their city was already burning. It was a brilliant victory for Israel.

No doubt God had given the ability to command an army well. But is it the military tactics that gave Israel the victory? Should we praise Joshua?

No. We won't give credit to man for any victory. Other stories like the story of Gideon will prove that. God doesn't need brilliant tactics, an army of thousands, or fierce weapons. In fact, sometimes we see God win the victory without Israel even having to fire one single arrow. (I look forward to studying that account again!)

Israel won such a sweeping victory because they had the command and blessing of God. And Joshua knew it. That's why when they had won the victory he proceeded to read the entire Law of Moses to the nation. It had little to do with javelins. It had everything to do with Jesus.

Yes, Jesus. Even though they didn't yet know that his earthly name would be Jesus, they knew that a Messiah would come to fully and completely defeat the enemy. In fact, Joshua prefigures this Savior. They have the same name (Joshua in Hebrew, Jesus in Greek). The Law of Moses prophecies this Savior. The victory points forward to him.

And so we too can rejoice that we have victory over sin, death, and the enemy king, the Devil. We don't win with our brilliant military tactics. We don't win by our own doing and strength. But Jesus wins. We are more than conquers through him. He died and rose to bind the enemy. It won't be long until he (Satan) is thrown in the fiery pit for eternity. Thanks be to God, our Savior, Jesus Christ!

And as we go about our daily life, we have God's command and blessing given to us. We respond with faith and obedience. And our victory is sure, just as surely as God has given it.

Ask Yourself:

What spiritual battle do I wage today?

From where does my strength come?

How can I help others in this battle?

Pray:

Pray from your heart today concerning the answers to the questions. Ask God for his strength as you follow his command and enjoy his blessing.

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!