SCRIPTURE: Joshua 10:16-28
OBSERVATION:
The Bible often stresses the role of leadership in the rise and/or fall of the people or nation. God has ordained leadership to manage this twisted, sinful world, but unfortunately the leaders themselves are often twisted and sinful (Romans 13:1-7). What happened to these kings was not a unique or new thing, they had defeated many other kings and leaders, symbolically stepped on their necks and hung them from trees as a sign to all who saw them. This is an example of the judgment expressed in Psalm 7:15-16, that those who dig pits to capture others will end up falling in them (or ‘he who lives by the sword will die by the sword’). God is not into revenge, this is not His way of getting back at these cruel kings. It is the “wages of sin”, a reminder to all of us that “what goes around comes around”. This is especially critical for those in positions of power; they will be held accountable for how they used or abused their power, and those entrusted to their care.
APPLICATION:
How am I using (or abusing) the power, blessings or opportunities that God has entrusted to me? What kind of harvest am I sowing (Galatians 6:7-10)? I need to see this passage as a reminder of the seriousness of my calling, and of the accountability that I am under. God has given me so much, but I am responsible to use it in a way that blessed Him and those entrusted to my care.
PRAYER:
Lord, to the best of my knowledge I am not abusing my position of authority, but that does not make me innocent. Open my eyes to see the ways that I am being an unfaithful servant, not to make me feel condemnation but to motivate me to change where I can. Amen.
The evil was pursued to the very end and no one muttered a word. Wow, Amazing God’s presence is among His people and powerful. That needs to be present in my life. To rid my heart of all evil and to have God’s presence and power in my life without a discouraging word. Joshua’s words need to ring true in my life – Do not be discouraged, Be strong and couageous! – God will fight your enemies. The Lord, the Lord my God must be My light and my Salvation. Whom will I fear if He is my Guardian and Guide and Protector?
God, you are my God and I will ever praise you
God, you are my God and I will ever praise you
and I will seek you in the morning
and I will learn to walk in your ways
Step by step you lead me
and i will follow you all of my days.