Monday, March 23, 2015

THE SUN STANDS STILL


Joshua 10:12-13 At that time Joshua spoke to the Lord in the day when the Lord gave the Amorites over to the sons of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel, “Sun, stand still at Gibeon, and moon, in the Valley of Aijalon.” And the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the nation took vengeance on their enemies.

            This chapter shows us that despite the cunning of the Gibeonites, Israel still remained in proper relationship to God. When the Gibeonites are threatened, Israel is threatened and she is quick to respond. Joshua proves himself true to his covenant with them and God. Israel again is mindful of God’s provision and His going before them in battle.

            The victory depends on divine action.  Assurance of God’s giving victory does not preclude human wisdom and action. Israel’s experience has shown that God provides victory when His people depend on Him and not their own power. She can rely on her God, when her God can rely upon her.

            These military conquests are a mirror into the spiritual heart of Israel. Their temporal battle against nations is more a spiritual battle to trust and obey God. Israel is seeking to achieve her spiritual identity as people of God. The spiritual pilgrimage of Israel is reflected in her military campaigns to displace her national enemies.

            Israel’s spiritual identity as the people of God requires godly leadership and obedience. The leadership of Joshua is shown as accepted by God in His listening to Joshua’s command to make the sun and moon stand still. Joshua leads the army into battle without fear or to destroy the nations who occupy the land God intends for Israel. Joshua does not waste time in celebration but moves from foe to foe to fulfill his duty to God. He displays the fearless courage of leadership. The other element obedience entailed the complete annihilation of the enemy. We may be uncomfortable with this issue, but God commanded this of Joshua in his day. The chapter shows the great lengths to which Joshua and the people went to ensure full obedience to God.

            Today God calls us to follow the leadership of Christ in full obedience to his call to live a holy life in conformity to His divine will and plan for each of us.

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