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Pocket Sized Thoughts – Joshua – Part 25

If you are a great people …” (17:15)

Like their twin brother Ephraim, the half tribe of Manasseh also failed to drive out all the former inhabitants of the portion of land allotted to them. They complained about their inheritance. Quite rightly, Joshua challenges them. He says in effect, “If you are a great as you say you are, then go and prove it.” There was plenty of land still to go around, though giants with chariots of iron stood in the way. A different strategy was needed as they cut down trees to make a way into the centre of their inheritance. Don’t rely upon past achievements, or even present reputation. Be exhorted and arise. Be strong in the Lord and the power of His might and drive out those things, habits and sins which have stayed far too long in the ‘land’ which God has given you to inherit. There is so much to possess and to be done for God and His Name. What a privilege to be invited into this great work – let us not fail Him in any way.

PRAYER :- “Lord, let my words be backed up by reality so that my faith be genuine.”


Pocket Sized Thoughts – Joshua – Part 24

They did not drive out the Canaanites.” (16:10)

The tribe of Joseph receive a double portion in the form of his children, Ephraim and Manasseh. Half of Manasseh had already received their claim on the east of the river Jordan. The other half shared with Ephraim. Despite the strength of 1½ tribes, they were unable to subdue and drive out the Canaanites. They failed to fully possess their inheritance. Subsequent history shows that although Ephraim became the dominant tribe in the northern kingdom of Israel, they became ‘leaders’ in that kingdom’s decline (see Hosea’s prophecy). They were meant to be doubly fruitful, for so is the meaning of their name, but they turned back in the day of battle (Psalm 78:9). They assumed that the things allotted to them by God’s choice would be automatic. They failed to exercise their God-given strength in possessing their God-given inheritance. Nothing is automatic in the kingdom of God. Though He freely gives, God does not reward laziness. We must be strong in faith, devotion and in the going through of trials. Then, we will subdue our enemies and possess our inheritance. Otherwise, we will sadly share the same fate as Ephraim. May the Lord preserve us from that happening to us.

PRAYER :- “Lord, keep me strong, so that I do not accept compromise.”


Pocket Sized Thoughts – Joshua – Part 23

He gave her upper springs and nether springs” (15:19)

As the division of the land proceeds, there are still battles to be won as some of the old inhabitants of the land stubbornly refuse every attempt to defeat them. This was especially true of Jerusalem (v.63), the Jebusites testifying to Israel’s inability, weakness and lack of faith in God’s Word. In sharp contrast, there is (again) the example of Caleb. Having already obtained Hebron as his inheritance, he is in such a position of victory, he is able to offer his daughter in marriage to any who would overcome the inhabitants of Kirjath-sepher. Othniel (‘Lion of God’) steps forward, determined to win not only Achsah, Caleb’s daughter, but also to win the honour of being a son-in-law to Caleb. With righteous boldness, Achsah also asked for springs of water in what was otherwise an arid land. Due to his position of victory, Caleb was able to doubly grant this request, which became a source of life for others. What an inheritance she obtained! Don’t despise your apportioned lot in life, neither be jealous of others. Instead, be bold in faith and ask God to give you something which will transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, for His own name’s sake.

PRAYER :- “Lord, thank you for all that You have won and freely give.”


Pocket Sized Thoughts – Joshua – Part 22

There remains still very much land to be possessed.” (13:1)

As Joshua reached old age, the work of conquering had not yet been completed; much land still remained to be possessed. Our work is only done when God takes us to Himself. We must never rest on past laurels of victory; to do so would be to invite trouble indeed. While we sleep the enemy is active. In this sense, there is no retirement in the kingdom of God. The time will come when we are physically unable to do things but God wants us to be always in that fighting frame of mind to our last breath, the sword of prayer still held strongly in our hand. In this, the example of Caleb stands out prominently. Forty years he had waited and all through that time of delay and possible frustration, his consistent, undying testimony was that he “wholly followed the Lord” (14:8). He was as strong in his 85th year as he was in his fortieth. His body was older but his faith was undiminished. The promise still held good and as a ‘reward’, he was given Hebron, a key, central city in the land. We don’t have to wait until we are 85, but let the example of Caleb inspire us to greater exploits when naturally we may have been written off by some. There is still much to be done in and for the kingdom of God, even by older, ‘retired’ people.

PRAYER :- “Lord, help me to whole-heartedly follow You, without holding back, even in my old age.”


Pocket Sized Thoughts – Joshua – Part 21

All the kings, thirty-one.” (12:24)

31 Kings are named which have been defeated by Joshua and the armies of Israel. It is an impressive list and demonstrates the resistance of a force against the will of God. In our lives, we also will meet many obstacles, both things and people which will openly resist and opposes the will of God for our lives. We must decide ahead of time whether we are going to co-exist with such opposition, or whether, under the hand of God, we will go out in faith and conquer. The nations of these kings occupied a variety of geographical terrain from mountains, to valleys, to rivers, to deserts. No two were identical. The enemies of God will come in all kinds of forms and guises, shapes and sizes. In Christ and by faith, we are equipped to combat them all from whatever quarter they come, of whatever form they take. Our God is not limited to defeating one type of enemy only; all of them are to become His footstool (Hebrews 10:13). Let us take heart and be of a good courage, as Joshua was, and overcome because He has given His enemies into our hands. None could stand against the Lord and against the man, or woman, chosen by God and standing in His name. Therefore, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10).

PRAYER :- “Lord, thank you that no foe can stand against You.”


Pocket Sized Thoughts – Joshua – Part 20

Be not afraid because of them” (11:6)

The campaign of invasion now switches to the north of Canaan. The armies of Israel faced a new weapon, that of horses and chariots. But, not even these strong weapons of war were any match for the armies of the living God. Even the head of several kingdoms, the chief, also fell before them. Joshua did everything as the Lord commanded and he had the remarkable testimony that he left nothing undone which the Lord commanded him. The battle was long and hard but Joshua’s and Israel’s armies did not seem to tire or grow weary. Even ‘principalities in high places’ (the Anakim from the mountains, v.21) were also defeated. All fell before Joshua, not immediately, but it was even as God spoken before and promised to Moses. Finally, for the new nation of Israel as a whole, by means of much war, the land had rest. It was now ready to be divided and inhabited. The corrupting influence of evil practices had been removed. When sin is cleansed and evil overcome, the sanctifying work of the gospel can begin.

PRAYER :- “Lord, thank you that no matter how strong, or many the enemy is, You are always greater.”


Pocket Sized Thoughts – Joshua – Part 19

Put your feet upon the necks of these kings.” (10:24)

While their confederate armies were being destroyed, the five kings hid in a cave. When they were brought out, Joshua commanded the captains and leaders of Israel to put their feet upon their necks. It was a visible demonstration of what the Lord had done through them on that elongated day. After they were hung, the bodies of the five kings were put back in the cave which was sealed with very large stones. Their enemies were not only destroyed but now fully out of sight. God wants us to be strong and not fear, nor give up under the pressure of repeated attacks. Be strong in faith and let people know that God is with you by putting enemies under your feet and not having them ruling over you, nor have any tongue speak against you. More cities and kings are taken, while special notice is made of Debir ( = ‘accuser’). This particular enemy will appear more than once to disturb and attack the church. But, it also is utterly destroyed by Joshua and Israel. After all the campaign, they return to Gilgal, the place of circumcision, indicating that they were placing no confidence in the strength of the flesh. By utter dependence upon and faith in Christ, constant victory and unlimited success against those things that come against His people and that He has appointed for total destruction.

PRAYER :- “Lord, thank you that You want each one of us to be strong in You and not to be afraid.”


Pocket Sized Thoughts – Joshua – Part 18

Not a man of them will stand before you.” (10:9)

Adonizedek was the king of Jerusalem at that time. Eventually, God would reveal that Jerusalem was the place where he had chosen that He should reign and put His name there. But back then, it was occupied by another king. There are many usurpers and Adonizedek was one. Motivated by fear, he forms a confederacy with four other kings. Their names are full of meaning :- Hosham means ‘crowds’; Piram is ‘wild’; Japhia is ‘high’ or ‘exalted’; while Debir means ‘whisperer’ or ‘accuser’; if ever there was, these are a league of enemies coming to attack and disrupt the church. They set up camp against the Gibeonites, Israel’s new covenant partner. Being faithful to the covenant, the Israelites come to the aid of the Gibeonites and the Lord promises Joshua victory. Two remarkable miracles are recorded. The first is that God sends great hailstones which kill many of the enemy. The second miracle is that by the word of Joshua, the sun stood still, giving light while the army of Israel pressed home the victory. No matter how strong, varied, or complex the attack, God can take us by a way that leads to victory. It may be by direct divine intervention (the hailstones), or by the boldness of faith in the heart of a man. The attacks of the enemy are many, but much more are the deliverances of the Lord.

PRAYER :- “Lord, thank you that no-one can stand against us when we truly believe in You.”


Pocket Sized Thoughts – Joshua – Part 17

They did not ask counsel at the mouth of the Lord.” (9:14)

The events of chapter 9 reveal a defeat of a very different kind when a group of people employed subtlety and cunning to gain advantage. Such has been the case on many occasions against God’s people and the church. Jude tells us how deceitful men can creep in unawares and silently (Jude v.3). We need to be constantly vigilant and upon our guard in case the enemy takes advantage of us. In the story, the Gibeonites realising that they faced certain annihilation adopted the very plausible strategy of disguising themselves. Dressed in old clothes and armed with persuasive words, it was all very convincing. Despite questioning and interrogating them severely, the leaders of Israel made the deadly error of not asking the Lord (v.14). They had been too busy occupied with victories, battles, strategies and thus were distracted. They ended up relying upon their own wits, but it was a great mistake. Too late they realised their fault. Church growth is a wonderful thing, but beware that we do not become distracted by the busyness that such growth creates, The enemy is never too far away. When the deceit had become uncovered, distress and complaint soon followed (v.18); but, by then it was too late to turn back. A compromise was reached whereby the Gibeonites became menial servants. Beware of the craft of men; it is far from easy to retrace our steps.

PRAYER :- “Lord, help me to see what is most important and always to rely upon You.”


Pocket Sized Thoughts – Joshua – Part 16

He wrote there … a copy of the law” (8:32)

Significantly after the victory and death of the king of Ai, Joshua builds an altar . It was the first altar and indeed the first thing that was built in the land. How precious to the Lord it is when the victories He gives to us are marked with the sacrifice of thanksgiving. It was made of uncut stones so as not to be polluted by the hand of man. It was built in Ebal where cursings had been read out a short time before (Deuteronomy 27:13, etc). A copy of the law was written and read out in its entirety before the whole nation. Thus, the defeat which had be turned to victory, underlined by sacrifice and the written word, which was read out; all of this served as a very sober lesson so that no-one should forget. Sadly, we forget all too quickly. Having God’s word emphasised over and over, again and again is a very good thing so that past mistakes should not be repeated. We should learn too from other great men and pioneers in the church, being instructed by their life and example.

PRAYER :- “Lord, thank you that Your word shows us the way to blessing and victory.”