Obedience

Josh.11:15

Just as the Lord commanded Moses His servant, so Moses commanded Joshua, and so Joshua did. He left nothing undone of all that the Lord had commanded Moses.

 

What a man of active obedience! Joshua battled as the Lord commanded. When he went up to the hill country, the Lord told him not to fear for He had given the enemy into his hand. So trusting God he went forward! The Lord threw the enemy into a panic as Israel chased them. Large stones pummeled them from heaven, and they died. More died from the hailstones than from the warrior's sword. At this time Joshua spoke to the Lord  and asked that the sun and moon would stand still. God answered, time stopped until Israel killed their enemy. There has been no day like it before or since, when the Lord heeded the voice of a man, for the Lord fought for Israel.

 

So Joshua struck the whole land, the hill country and the Negeb and the lowland and the slopes, and all their kings. He left none remaining, but devoted to destruction all that breathed, just as the Lord commanded...And Joshua captured all these kings and their land at one time, because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel. I love the phrase, just as the Lord commanded. That is really the essence of obedience. No matter the odds or how big the enemy God wants obedience. He will take down the enemy and give us the power to fight, but we must obey and devote all sin to destruction. Powerful words! How many times do I see myself stumbling into sin much like the wilderness walkers instead of the army of Joshua? What a word for me! Devote all sin to destruction!

 

Father,

Give me Your grace and strength that I might devote all sin to destruction. Transform my weakness and feeble attempts into Your conquering strength. I know the battle is already won. Help me to live in that knowledge.

In His name,

Amen