Gun sales are up, and I’m sure that alarm companies are smiling all the way to the bank, as citizens try in every way to protect themselves from desperate criminals. The second great leader of the Israelites was dismissing himself as he felt his end was nearing, and he tried to reassure his people of the powerful God who will still serve to protect them. As we study these verses I believe that we will catch a glimpse of our sense of desperation in our challenging times.
DATE POSTED Tuesday, 2021-09-07
WRITTEN AT: Sebring, FL
BY: Ed Algreen
SCRIPTURE FROM: Joshua 23:6-10
TRANSLATION: The Voice (VOICE)
BIBLE TEXT: 6 So be firm and unswerving, observing all that is written in the law of Moses without deviation. 7 That will ensure that you don’t start to blend in with the other nations around you or call upon their gods or worship them or serve them. 8 Just hold tightly to the Eternal One, your True God, as you always have, 9 for He has driven out great and powerful nations before you like leaves in the wind, and you know that no one has ever been able to stand against you. 10 One of you can pursue a thousand because it is He who fights for you, just as He promised.
APPLICATION: It seems like we have so much at our disposal to protect us in desperate times. We lock-down in our sanctuaries (our homes), sometimes protected by steel window bars, alarms and top-of-the-line locks, and we feel secure from the outside world. But then we look at countries that have been hit by earthquakes, hurricanes or war, and it leaves a degree of doubt in our minds as to our security. The Israelites had seen God work in miraculous ways to defeat nations much better prepared than they were, but then they lost their great leader (Moses), a man very near to the heart of God. Then Joshua was introduced as an awesome successor, and over time he proved through his relationship with God, that the Israelites were still under the protective hand of God. However, with evil nations still around them, and with Joshua telling them of his earthly departure, we could see where they would probably still be very concerned about their future. This reminds me of exactly where we are at today. We have read in the Bible of the mighty hand of God, and we have heard preachers explain the awesome power of God. Many may have even witnessed God’s miraculous hand at work in their own lives, or those of our relatives, or fellow church members, or even protection from great acts of God (earthquakes, hurricanes, wars by our enemies, etc) on our nation. But it seems like every day we hear of yet another challenging disease or disaster that strike us or our neighboring nations. I believe that God is prompting us today to consider exactly who it is that we could place our faith and trust in. It is very obvious that national leaders or health agencies do not have the answers, for in spite of their efforts, Covid is still spreading like wildfire. Earthquakes and hurricanes are still devastating countries and claiming the lives of many. How far are we willing to go in seeking protection for ourselves in what could very well hit us tomorrow? Please read the Scripture real good today and notice how Joshua was reminding his people to avoid all distractions and place their total faith and trust in God alone. I don’t believe that God would have us do anything different today. For only He has our very best in mind, and only He can protect us as we finish our journey here on earth. Accepting and serving Him will provide peace of mind while here on earth, and He will reserve a place for us at the feet of the Master as we enter Heaven for all eternity. The way seems clear to me and I pray that you will not only agree, but that you will follow through in accepting the love and person of Jesus Christ as He stands waiting with open arms to welcome and accept you.
BLESSING(S) NOTED: Because of the power and love of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, He will not only love and protect us through every challenge here on earth, but He has gone to prepare a place for us in heaven where earthly challenges will disappear!
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, we stand in awe of You and for the power and majesty shown forth to our ancestors. Each day we seem to hear of one disaster or another, one disease or another, and yet an additional strain of what seems to be an incurable disease. Thank You Lord for reminded us again today that You hold the keys to the Kingdom, and that You are in charge of our lives here on earth, no matter what comes our way. Help us Lord to be willing to set aside our pride, our agenda, accept You as Lord and Master of our life, and allow You to guide, protect and see us through the remainder of our time here on earth. Lord, we are excited about the awesome beauty, tranquility and peace in Heaven, but most of all about the pleasure of being in Your presence. Please continue to guide and protect us here on earth until You are ready to call us home to glory – our eternal home! AMEN!