What a difference following God makes!
This
time Joshua first takes very clear instructions on military strategy from the
Lord. He obeys them precisely and this time Ai is defeated. Symbolically Joshua
holds out his javelin, a reminder of Moses lifting up his hands while the
battle rages in Ex 17:11. Joshua then copies and read out all the words of the
book of the Law of Moses to everyone. I am sure that took a long time! Everyone
included men, women, children and the foreigners we are told (Josh 8:35). Pray
for those at Christ
Church
Beware
disobeying God’s law, for Jeremiah condemns the house of Jacob and all the
clans of house of Israel for
disobeying God’s law. They defiled the land and unlike Joshua, they didn’t say
“where is the Lord?” (Jer 2:8.)
We must
search after and follow God and obey him. Psalm 139 reminds us we can’t escape
from God’s presence. I like this question/answer response.
Question:
Ps 139:7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from
your presence?
Answer: nowhere!
So like Joshua, Joshua 8:1 Do not be
afraid; do not be discouraged.
Today,
simply follow God’s instructions, in his written and spoken word. If in doubt,
go back to his word and read it out loud as Joshua did, (Josh 8:34).
(crèche helper)