Joshua and Israel

It is interesting that for the last few day, I kept hearing about Joshua in cell group, church and in the blog of a friend. From a simple story of the fall of Jericho to Ai fall, there are few things we can learn from Joshua (Joshua 5:13 to 7).

First, OBEDIENCE. In Joshua 6, GOD gave Joshua the strategy to defeat Jericho, asking him to march around the city once with his army and do it for six days. On the seventh day, march with the priests carrying the ark of the covenent and trumpets around the sity for seven times and after the seventh round, give a long blast and the wall of Jericho will collapse. Can you imagine if Joshua did not follow the instructions of GOD, even if the strategy sounded so ridiculous? Any military person will tell you that it is not possible to take a city like this especially Jericho has tall stone walls. But GOD require our pure obedience to seek His counsel and follow it.

Second, SIN. the Israelites completely destroyed Jericho and every living thing in it as stated in the Bible, however, GOD instructed that they are keep away from devoted things, or any silver and gold and the articles of bronzes and iron as these are scared to GOD and must go into His treasury. Jericho was the first city they destroy after Israel crossed the Jordan river, so they are not to plunder the city as the things in Jericho are considered the first fruit to GOD. The truth came out only when Israel went up against Ai and lost thirty-six men. It was the sin of Achan and some men, who have taken silver and devoted things (I believe they are idols) from Jericho, that had caused the defeat. Because sin was in the camp, so the people of Israel could not defeat Ai and moved on. In conclusion, sin in the camp affects not only the sinner, but everyone in the church; in bigger perspective, the body of Christ, every christian.

Third, LEADERSHIP. Moses trained Joshua to be the leader of Israel and before Moses died, he laid hands on Joshua and Joshua was filled with the spirit of wisedom and it is written that the Lord known Joshua face to face. Dr Brain Bailey mentioned in church that the training of leadership in the church must be continuous because after Joshua died, the conquest of the land that GOD promised is incomplete till King David and lack of leadership has brought confusion. It is interesting that he pointed out that Joshua has seen Jesus in Joshua 5:13-15, where Joshua called the man "my Lord", who is the commander of the Lord's army. He told Joshua to take off his sandals, for the place where he stands is holy. Dr Brain Bailey also pointed out that we should always seek the direction of GOD as Joshua did not enquire of GOD whether GOD will deliver Ai into their hands before Israel carried out the attack. Hence, as a leader, we should always enquire of the perfect will (strategy) of GOD before making any decisions.

Wow! What a powerful messenge! I pray that I will straighten my life and seeking GOD's perfect will in my life. Amen.