PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Joshua 15-16
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Judah could not dislodge the Jebusites, who were living in Jerusalem.” (Joshua 15:63)
The book of Joshua starts with God’s promise of help, if they stay true to God.
“Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8)
God enables them to be successful in Jericho, and in subsequent battles.
So what is happening here in Jerusalem, why are they not being successful?
The text does not tell us, but it is a hint of what is to come (read Judges).
They became ‘worldly’, allowing faith and sin to co-exist.
The problem was in their hearts, they were accommodating immorality.
Jerusalem represents the city of God, where the temple would be built.
And yet Jerusalem seems to remain a mixed up city, with mixed loyalties.
It was Jerusalem that eventually crucified God’s messiah.
This is why God had to send a messiah, because His covenant partners kept failing.
Jesus’s heart is pure and devoted to God to the very end, and is successful for us!
He now gives us His Spirit to help us dislodge the sin in our hearts that remain.
What is the sin in your heart that you need to dislodge, and can with Jesus’s help?
PRAYER
Lord, Israel could not overcome sin in their heart, and neither can I. But together with You I can, if I am willing. Help me to not give in to sin in me, but to keep fighting it with Your help!
The final stage of moving into the promised land – dividing up the land by ancestral tribes. There is room for individualism – each tribe responsible for their section of the country – yet part of the whole for everyone’s benefit – including the special provision for the tribe of Levi. Sharing is a hard thing – we like to have and to get. A daughter’s request is given. God answers our prayers as well – through Jesus who has open up the ‘promised land’ for us – we have been given much. It’s important that we share. Help me see and to divide from what the Lord has given me.
God’s people were to drive out the inhabitants of the land they were receiving. But they did not and lived among them. And doing that, in time, they became like them, forsaking God’s way. As I live this day for Him, I must keep my eyes on Jesus and not on the inhabitants of the land who go their own way. I need to dress myself daily with His armour and be SpiritLed so I do nor live unto myself but unto my Saviour, Jesus Christ. Lead me and guide me this day Lord. I need You every hour to stay on track.
I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.
Refrain:
I need Thee, oh, I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee;
Oh, bless me now, my Savior,
I come to Thee.
I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their pow’r when Thou art nigh.
I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide, or life is vain.
I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises in me fulfill.
I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;
Oh, make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son.