Christmas

Devotional

Esther

Joshua

“As I was with Moses, so will I be with you.” (1:5)

As we enter a new year, we hope for new things. The book of Joshua introduces a new era in the history of God’s people. The children of Israel have left Egypt and they are about to leave the wilderness of 40 years and enter into Canaan, the promised land. Moses has died and a new leader, Joshua, has been appointed by God to take the people in. The first half of this first chapter is almost all taken up with the Lord God directly speaking to Joshua. There are great promises of possession, clarity of purpose and exhortations to be strong and obedient. This rested upon the assurance that God would be with him. It is a high honour indeed to be chosen to do God’s work. But we are not chosen for our abilities; our ‘natural’ qualifications disqualify us. We do not boast because as Joshua followed on from Moses, we enter into other men’s labours (John 4:38). Any enterprise for God embarked upon must have the key ingredient of God’s presence. His presence is His blessing; without His presence, there would be no blessing, no matter how strong we think we are, or how convinced that we are doing God’s will. We must know that as He was with others, so He is with us. This removes all ground for pride; humility and utter dependence upon God are essential qualifications for doing God’s work. If we have these, we are ready to go forward.

PRAYER :- “Lord, thank you that Your presence with us gives all necessary courage.”

“This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth.” (1:8)

Another vital qualification for doing God’s work is a thorough practical knowledge, deep respect and love for the Bible, “this book of the Law.” It was not to depart from Joshua but become an indivisible part of his life. Its truth was to be the very atmosphere he breathed by meditating in it day and night. Too many enter upon God’s work with great ideas or a mere academic knowledge of the Scriptures. If this be the case, it will lead men nowhere except into unbelief and despair. But where there is a deep love and great desire to not only know what God is saying, but also to do it, then such a man will know the hand of the Lord with Him. With the word of God in his heart, he will have good ground for not only being strong and courageous, but unafraid and not dismayed when inevitable discouragements emerge. The Bible in our lives prepares the way ahead. Better to learn it while young, rather than thinking we will learn it all when we are appointed into a position of responsibility. May God give us grace to make these things a priority in our lives.

PRAYER :- “Lord, give grace, I ask, to consistently read your word year by year.”

“Go, view …” (2:1)

Jericho’s reputation had spread far and wide; it was strong, well populated, walled and ancient. Because it was the first city the nation of Israel faced it was a gateway to possessing the whole land. If Israel had failed to conquer Jericho then they would have proceeded no further. There may be things and sins in our lives that appear well fortified, ancient, well established and seemingly impossible to overcome. They stand in defiance of us growing and progressing any further into all of God’s promises and inheritance. But conquer it/them, I must. Spies were sent to scout any weakness, which was found out from the unlikely source of a woman prostitute. God knows in advance where weaknesses lie. Do not give up at the sight and in the face of the seemingly impossible. He has allowed such obstacles so that you may overcome and possess them. What joy, hope and courage it brings when such obstacles and impossibilities fall, not just to ourselves but to all who are with us.

PRAYER :- “Lord, thank you that there is no barrier, obstacle, or sin to you that is too great to overcome.”

“I know that the Lord has given you the land …” (2:9)

Of all the people who lived in Jericho, only a prostitute who lived in a poor dwelling on the wall, had faith to obtain salvation. Everyone knew of Israel’s invincibility; they had heard and such knowledge brought fear and dismay (v.11,12). It seems strange that the inhabitants of Jericho, knowing their fate, did not seek some kind of negotiation and mercy which would have spared them. But their pride and arrogance prevented them from humbling themselves. Rahab was of a different order. Used to being ill-treated, she had nothing to lose. Like everyone else, she had heard the reports of Israel’s victories. Unlike everyone else, she sought mercy and obtained it. The conclusions and reasoning she had reached caused her to intercede for herself and her family. In exchange for helping the spies, she was given the guarantee of the token of red thread which she was to hang from the window of her poor property. Her faith, as it were, hung upon a thread. But it was a thread that was not to break and guaranteed salvation for her. Not only salvation, but her name goes down as one of the few women mentioned who were direct ancestors of the Lord Jesus (Matthew 1:5). We may hear similar things to everyone else but it is what we do with them that has such a life changing impact. May the disqualifications of our background not be an impediment to having true faith in God, taking our position as part of God’s people and having our names written. like Rahab’s, in the book of eternal life.

PRAYER :- “Lord, thank you that Your enemies know of Your power; help us not to faint through fear.”

“The Lord has delivered all the land into our hands” (2:24)

One final word needs to be said about the two men who were sent as spies into the city of Jericho. Forty years previously, 12 spies were sent into the promised land. Only two brought back a good report. The other ten were full of despair, unbelief and discouragement which quickly spread to the entire nation. This time, it was very different. Despite their narrow escape (thanks to Rahab), the two men came back with a truly positive report, stating that fear was not in themselves but in the inhabitants of the land …. because of them! They were full of faith assured of victory that the Lord was about to give them. What had changed? The inhabitants were still the same; the giants were still there and the spies had had first-hand experience of the walled cities that seemed so impregnable and forbidding forty years ago. It was a new generation with a new leader. Faith breathed through the people as they were not depending just upon the law. God was speaking and His words were mixed with faith. Unbelief had been carried away and all things seemed possible. Thus it is with our heavenly Joshua, Jesus Christ; let us cling to Him and His words. If not, we will lapse back into legal servitude and sure defeat.

PRAYER :- “Lord, thank you that all Your promises are sure and steadfast.”

“When you see the ark … go after it.” (3:3)

As Joshua contemplates the future, the focus of the nation is shifted to the ark. When the ark, which typifies the presence of God, moves, then the people were to arise and “go after it (v.3).” Years of waiting were now at an end. Though they were going a new way and into new territory, they were assured of the Lord’s presence in the form of the ark. As the ark began to move, the response of the people was to obey the command to sanctify themselves. God was about to do a great thing in causing the waters of the river Jordan to cease flowing. God, as it were in the form of the ark, was passing ahead of them. They were to follow, but they had to be a sanctified people who followed. Everything displeasing to the Lord had to be left on the further bank of the river; it could not come into the new inheritance. Everything had to be new. Nothing unclean could enter the land. Are we a sanctified people? Do we have such a clear vision of God’s presence that removing every questionable thing from our lives is not just a necessity but a delight? This work magnified Joshua in the sight of the people. Our wholehearted, sanctified response will magnify our heavenly Joshua, the Lord Jesus Christ.

PRAYER :- “Lord, keep my vision of You always clear so that I follow You without fear, or doubt.”

“The priests … stood firm on dry ground.” (3:17)

The river Jordan was the final barrier between the nation of Israel and the promised land. Though, on account of the rains, it was in full flood, God still made a way through. As soon as the feet of the priests who carried the ark stepped down into the river, the waters further upstream ceased to flow. Unlike the Red Sea, there was no agency, like wind, employed, neither was there Moses' rod; the ark and its correct, sanctified carrying by the priests was sufficient to stop the waters and allow the people to cross over on dry land. The priests carrying the ark stood still as the people crossed over. The waters stopped at a city called Adam. This is highly suggestive of all the sin that flowed down since Adam’s disobedience. It had finally been cancelled out allowing God’s people, people of faith in Christ, unhindered by sin to cross over and begin to possess their possessions and enjoy their full inheritance that God had prepared for them. It was a symbol of baptism as they passed from the old to the new. The river Jordan is often depicted as the symbol of death as we pass over from earth to heaven. Though there are elements of truth in that, it signifies a far greater death, as the old, pointless, fruitless, barren years of wandering come to an end and the new life of being in all of God’s promises in Christ Jesus really begins. Have we gone through this spiritual baptism of death followed by resurrection and new life?

PRAYER :- “Lord, in giving me a new inheritance, thank you that You cut off all my old, natural inheritance.”

“All may know … that the hand of the Lord is mighty.” (4:24)

To symbolise this passage of death into resurrection life, one man from each tribe was selected to carry a stone from the middle of where the river Jordan was to the side on which they now stood. This memorial of twelve stones was a constant reminder of God’s work of bringing the people to His desired destination. As the last of the people passed over, the priests carrying the ark could finally move and also enter the land. The Ark had done its work in ensuring a safe passage over. The waters of the river returned but the twelve stones remained; 12 stones going in and 12 different stones coming out. Thus, is the work of the Lord. He intends to bring us right through. Nothing is to be left on the other side. Our lives, like the stones are to be constant testimony to the power of God in translating us from one kingdom, a kingdom of pointless wandering, to another, a kingdom of glorious light (1 Peter 2:9) where God’s presence is continuous. Such lives are to speak to all the world that such change is entirely due to the mighty hand of God (v.24) and nothing to do with the effort and hand of man. Such a changed life also causes despair among or enemies as few other things do (5:1). Has the Spirit of God done these things in us?

PRAYER : “Lord, thank you that this new life in Christ is a result of Your mighty hand and not ours.”

“This day, I have rolled away the reproach [shame] …” (5:9)

Change is never easy. The manna that they had eaten for so long finally stopped as they began a different diet of the fruit of the land of Canaan. To ease the change, circumcision was performed on all the men who had been born during the wilderness years. It was the first act after entering the land. The old life of the flesh was being completely rolled away, such is the meaning of Gilgal. The legacy of the past, by circumcision, was being removed. Unfettered by the mistakes of the past generation, they were now free to move forward. We are now the circumcision who worship God in the Spirit and have no confidence in the flesh (Philippians 3:3). They were in a new land, a new experience as the old had been cut away. All these events wonderfully teach us of the power of a new life in Christ. All the shame of the past has been erased. The second act upon entering the land was to keep the feast of the Passover. The death of the lamb signified not just coming out of Egypt but entering the new promised land of Canaan. All this is possible for us because of the wonderful death of Christ.

PRAYER :- “Lord, thank you, that in Christ, You erase all the shame of the past.”

“As Captain of the Lord’s host, I am now come.” (5:14)

To really confirm their entrance into the new, promised land Jericho had to be defeated. As said before it was an impenetrable fortress – none went out and none could go in. To defeat it seemed impossible. As Joshua was considering this, a man appeared before him with his sword drawn in his hand. Thinking it was an enemy, Joshua challenged Him. The man revealed to Joshua who he was. To Moses as legislator, God appeared as the Lawgiver; to Joshua, as a soldier, God appeared as the Captain of the army. The Jericho’s we face are truly impossible; we cannot possibly hope to defeat them in our own power. We need a Captain, a leader of the Lord’s host, with all the angels of God at his beckon call. Such a man is Christ, who destroyed death by rising from the grave. He alone can destroy the impregnable citadels of our lives, causing the most ancient, well-established and thickest of walls to fall down so that not one stone remains upon another. Let us trust Him to do as He did to Jericho with every sin in our lives.

PRAYER :- “Lord, thank you that as my Captain, You conquer very enemy; I willingly follow.”

“The wall fell down flat.” (6:20)

God had spoken the word that the city would be given into the hand of Joshua. The promise was absolutely guaranteed, but the nation of Israel still had their part to play; their response was obedience and faith. For six consecutive days they encircled the city once. The inhabitants of Jericho must have been mystified to see the whole nation, priests and soldiers among them, walk in silence around the city, then return to their camp, doing apparently nothing. The only sound was that of the trumpets and the ram’s horns. No human voice was heard. The temptation was to go ahead and do something …. anything but to wait and be silent. But that was what they had been commanded to do. On the seventh day, they walked around the city seven times, then on the seventh occasion, preceded by a long blast upon the trumpets, Joshua commanded the people to shout. When they shouted, the walls fell and the army rushed into Jericho and killed everyone except Rahab and her family. In prayer (whether together in prayer meetings, or alone), the temptation is to stir up excitement. Better to wait for that certain note of the Spirit from heaven because if the trumpet gives an unclear sound, none can prepare themselves for the true battle of intercession (1 Corinthians 14:8). But, if the right note of the Spirit is there, no weapon of the enemy can prosper and no resisting thing of the powers of darkness can withstand the power of God’s people when they truly pray in the Spirit. This occurred in Acts 4 when God turned threats of imprisonment into glorious liberty. May we learn these lessons and pray accordingly.

PRAYER :- “Lord, thank you that You can destroy the hardest of strongholds.”

“Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive.” (6:25)

Hebrews 11:30 tells us that it was by faith that the walls of Jericho fell down. But where was this faith? No-one, not even Joshua stood up and proclaimed victory in the Lord’s Name. We get all kinds of inflated ideas about our own abilities, or our “own faith.” But the faith demonstrated on that day was a faith that was intimately linked to obedience. They fully obeyed the command to walk silently (apart from the trumpets and ram’s horns) around the city until the appointed time came for them to shout. The other thing to note was the continual bearing of the ark – God’s presence was ever-present in all their circulations of the city. Without Him and His presence they could have done nothing. And, there was another kind of faith demonstrated on that day, the saving faith of Rahab. She had received the spies and obediently hung out the scarlet thread from her window to signify where she was. One kind of faith destroyed; another kind saved. Thus, the multi-faceted aspects of faith are demonstrated, lest we get inflated ideas of how faith should work. May God teach us His ways as he did with Joshua – the Lord was with him and everyone knew it (v.27). Joshua’s warnings about re-building Jericho went unheeded (absence of faith) by Hiel, in the days of King Ahab, with the prophesied tragic consequences of the death of his sons (1 Kings 16:34). We are not to rebuild what God has destroyed.

PRAYER :- “Lord, thank you that You save as well as destroy, raise up as well as pull down.”

“Achan … took the accursed thing.” (7:1)

In chapter 6 verse 18, just prior to the destruction of Jericho, Joshua had given a very strict order that everyone was to keep themselves from the ‘accursed thing.’ What it was precisely, we are not told, but it was some form of idol, which God had appointed for total destruction. Because of it, the inhabitants of Jericho had become accursed and eventually destroyed; and the same would apply to any Israelite who took it. Success can be as much (and even more) a temptation to sin as defeat. Such was the case of Achan who secretly took the accursed thing for himself. He said that first he saw the accursed thing, then he coveted it which led to him taking it and hiding it (v.21). We must be so careful what we look at with our eyes. At first, no-one knew or was any the wiser for what Achan had done. But, such acts cannot be hidden for long. Defeat revealed it and it is very possible that God graciously, reluctantly allowed the defeat at Ai to bring to light as to what Achan had done. As long as the accursed thing was in the camp (even though hidden), there could be no further victory. The sin of one man affected the whole and only when really dealt with did victory come again.

PRAYER :- “Lord, keep my yes pure for You, so that no sinful thing finds its way into my life.”

“Israel has sinned …” (7:11)

Chapter 7 also teaches us how to deal with sin. We see Joshua’s initial reaction to the defeat at Ai. He is devastated and rightly falls before God in importunate prayer as to how they could possibly have gone wrong. God’s reaction is very straightforward. “Get up” he tells Joshua and in effect says “you are wasting your time praying; now is not the time for such things; the issue is far simpler.” Often, we can go round and round in our minds trying to analyse where things may have gone wrong. We pray and ask God for special words of knowledge, or a greater gift of discernment while all the time, the answer is far more simple. There was sin in the camp and it had to be destroyed; there was no negotiation in this as God gave then no other option. First, they sanctified themselves, then, by a process of elimination, Achan is filtered out as he is the guilty man. The evidence is laid before everyone as a witness (v.22). The punishment seems harsh to our minds but there must be no legacy, nor opportunity to sin in the same way again. The lesson is simple; we cling to old things, habits, sins, etc at our peril. There is only one remedy :- “Be separate says the Lord and do not touch the unclean thing; then I will receive you.” (2 Corinthians 6:17).

PRAYER :- “Lord, help me to simply and radically deal with all sin.”

“Stretch out the spear that is in your hand.” (8:18)

Once the sin in the camp had been properly and radically dealt with, the people of God are ready to move forward as God assures them that the city and king of Ai will fall. The last attack in chapter 7 was done almost complacently; not many were sent because they thought the victory would be easy (7:3). Chastened by the bitter defeat, this second time they were to make no mistake; 30,000 of the bravest soldiers were chosen. Also, there was to be the very different strategy of ambush. Joshua and those with him deliberately exposed himself so as to draw the enemy away and into a false sense of security. As they pretended to flee at precisely the right moment, God told Joshua to stretch out his spear toward the city. This was the signal for the ambushers to arise and set fire to the city. In dismay, the people of Ai looked back and realised that their fate was sealed. The battle is a picture of the Lord Jesus who went into a ‘valley’ alone (v.13), exposing Himself and making Himself a type of victim. He took the full onslaught of the enemy, so that others may arise and claim the victory because of what He has done. We could never have faced what the Lord Jesus faced; let us give thanks for that but also that we should arise and receive all that He has done and gone through on our behalf. Let our faith not fall short by diminishing His amazing work on the cross.

PRAYER :- “Lord, thank you that You took the wrath of the enemy, so that we may know victory in our lives.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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 85^th 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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“How long are you slack to possess the land.” (18:3)

As the land became subdued, worship was re-established at Shiloh where the Tabernacle was once more set up. As they became focussed and God-centred once more, the word of exhortation and rebuke rang out loudly in their ears. “How long will you delay before possessing the land which the Lord has given you?” It was a very valid question and not to be dismissed. There is a danger that we can slacken off in our Christian lives, especially if we become weary and tired in the work. As we worship the Lord, we must allow for words of exhortation, rebuke, correction, encouragement, etc. God needed to speak, through Joshua, to the people again, reminding them of their God-given responsibility to possess that which, through Him, was theirs. We must not settle back and allow the status quo of mediocrity to dominate and determine our lives. There is no shortage in the work of the Lord. Let us gather round Him and His throne to receive fresh vision and strength and allow the word of God inspire us to stir ourselves up again to go out and conquer once again in His name.

PRAYER :- “Lord, let my faith be real and do not let me slide into spiritual complacency.”

“And the area … was too small for them.” (19:47)

The division of the land proceeds in a fairly routine way until we read about the motivation of the tribe of Dan (v.47). Here is faith and a heart reminiscent of that of Joshua and Caleb of old. Routinely, they were given their borders, but then they came to conclusion that their inheritance was too small for them. Rather than lodge a complaint, they stirred themselves into immediate action. Without delay (perhaps taking to heart Joshua’s words of the previous chapter), they rose up and took Leshem, making it their own by re-naming it after their own name. Thus , the transfer of ownership becomes complete. Leshem means fortress and it would have stood as a perpetual reminder of the inadequacies of faith in the Lord’s people. This, the tribe of Dan would not tolerate. They could have thought, “Oh, this will do, it’s enough.” But, they had a heart of holy dissatisfaction, went out, conquered and thus, enlarged their border. Are we content in lesser things? Does God not want to add to that which we already have? If our sphere of faith and godly influence is too small, then, instead of complaining, let us seek the Lord as to how our ‘border’ can be enlarged.

PRAYER :- “Lord, let me always see that there is more to be known of You and done for You.”

“They shall take him in … and give him a place” (20:4)

As part of the division of the land, the vital importance of allocating the cities of refuge was made early on. Summary/mob justice was not allowed to become a permanent feature in the land; the rule of law must be maintained. Pre-meditated murder had no sanctuary, but death through accident at the hands of another gave the chance to flee to the cities of refuge. It has been said that the roads were kept clear and the bridges in good repair, so that there should no delays in the person’s flight, in case the revenger of blood caught up with him and killed him. Once in the city of refuge, the case was carefully heard by the priests, who stood for mediation. The man who had fled, his life was literally in the hands of the mediators. Only after the closest, fullest and most impartial investigation, could a man’s guilt be confirmed, or annulled. The court of divine justice has and will find us guilty of sin and offending a holy God. Our only hope of appeal and salvation is to flee to our heavenly Mediator, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will assess our case. If our plea for mercy is genuine, He will not turn us away from His grace so as to avoid the punishment of death our sins so surely deserve. It has also been said that there were constant and many signposts pointing the way to the nearest city of refuge. Let us pay heed to those signs and not ignore the clear way to salvation.

PRAYER :- “Lord, thank you that there is such abundant mercy to be found in You.”

“They gave the Levites out of their own inheritance” (21:3)

No portion of land was given to the Levites as the Lord Himself was their inheritance. However, each tribe set aside a number of cities, 48 in total, for the Levites to live in. In this way, the priestly, spiritual service was not in isolation from the rest of the nation, but rather, lived among them. This is God’s way of maintaining His testimony to all people. Monasteries, convents, sanctuaries and even mission stations are alien to the ways of God. He and His ‘ministering’ people are to be totally accessible at all times. With this final allocation, the last work of dividing up the land came to an end. Every word that God had spoken had been fulfilled (v.45); all that He promised had become reality. This is always the case with God’s word and hardly ever the case with man’s. This difference alone should establish our faith in Him. As if to confirm the testimony of God’s faithfulness, there is a lovely picture in verse 11. The city of Arba, which means the ‘Strength of Baal’ had previously belonged to father of all the children of Anak, the giants who had defied Israel and brought so much unbelief into the nation (see Numbers 13:33). This same city, as a result of conquest, was now being given to Levi and thus, a glorious change of use was being observed. The source of Anak, their father, no longer existed – all had changed and the new name, Hebron, meaning ‘Fellowship’ typifies the change of use. Our God is able to transform everything for His new, wonderful and eternal purposes from the degraded purposes of the past.

PRAYER :- “Lord, thank you that You always want those who ‘minister’ to You to dwell in the land.”

“Love the Lord your God.” (23:11)

Joshua is now old and his time on earth has almost come to an end. His work is done and now the Lord’s work must be carried on by another. The last two chapters of the book that bears his name are mainly his final words. Firstly, he speaks to the elders, judges and heads of Israel. There is no one successor to Joshua but they are to be as the spiritual guardians of the nation. Joshua’s words are those of warnings and promises. The central exhortation is two-fold :- listen and love (v.11). They were to listen to God’s commands and ensure that they first were to be above reproach. If they failed, or disobeyed in any way, how could they possibly guide the nation? And, they were to love the Lord. If God was the first affection in their hearts, they would avoid anything to displease Him. If love for God was strong, they would not seek satisfaction anywhere else. True love for God will keep us from disobedience and keep us from idols. May the Lord truly help us to love the Lord first and foremost, not to leave that primary place and substitute love for Him with other things. How vital this is if the work of God is to go forward with good success and so, not to know the shame of defeat.

PRAYER :- “Lord, let my love for You be always stronger than a love for anything else.”

“Choose this day whom you will serve … as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (24:15)

Joshua’s second ‘final’ speech is to the whole nation as they presented themselves before God. He reminds them of their origins and how that the parents of Abraham, the ‘father’ of their race served idols. From this idolatry, by way of Egypt, God saved them and brought them to a place where they would worship the true and living God and enter into a covenant relationship with Him. To this end, they were a privileged people, saved for special purposes. They then had a choice which Joshua sets before them : they could serve the Lord, or they could serve idols which their hearts were prone to. Joshua makes his choice clearly before them all (last part of v.16). The influence of a godly life affects their response. Their reply is recorded in stone as a witness against them should they ever depart from the true and living God. But, once that life has been removed and a new generation emerge who have not directly seen, or known the works of the Lord, other forces come into play and spiritual life, strength and vigour begins to decline as they lust after other things. We thank God for those who have blazed a trail ahead of us; let us honour their memory by following the Lord with all our hearts and only serving Him.

PRAYER :- “Lord, may my days really count in serving You.”

Christmas

Devotional

Esther