7 Minute Read + Scripture readings
Today’s Bible Reading:
Joshua 10
Psalms 142-143
Jeremiah 4
Matthew 18
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
Joshua 10:8 (CSB): “The Lord said to Joshua, ‘Do not be afraid of them, for I have handed them over to you. Not one of them will be able to stand against you.’”
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
In Joshua 10, the Amorites gathered together to attack and kill the Gibeonites. The Gibeonites sent out a distress message to Israel. “Come quickly and save us!!!”
It was a fight that Joshua didn’t need or want. It was a distraction. In fact, Joshua would almost certainly lose some men in his army because of this imminent battle. But, he felt obligated to go to war because of an alliance that they had recently made with the Gibeonites.
Fortunately for Joshua, the Lord gave him assurances before the battle even started:
Joshua 10:8 (CSB): “The Lord said to Joshua, ‘Do not be afraid of them, for I have handed them over to you. Not one of them will be able to stand against you.’”
I suspect that if Joshua really believed the Lord’s words, he would have been ready for the battle. In fact, his anxiety may have turned into curiosity as he looked forward to seeing how the Lord would enable him and his army to defeat the large Amorite army.
God’s promise gave Joshua great courage!
Friend, if you are a child of God, you have the same promise. Did you know that you also have an enemy who desires to destroy you?
1 Peter 5:8 (CSB): “Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.”
In fact, we are told in Ephesians 6:10-18 to suit up in the “Christian’s armor.” Why? Because we have an enemy! It’s Satan and his forces.
Yet, while we realize that it is a serious enemy we fight against, we should not fear him. He is a defeat foe! If you stand up to him in the right way, he will run like a coward. Just read the following verse.
James 4:7 (CSB): “Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
The verse I have chosen for today regarding Israel and the Gibeonites really is applicable to the Christian and our satanic foes.
Joshua 10:8 (CSB): “The Lord said to Joshua, ‘Do not be afraid of them, for I have handed them over to you. Not one of them will be able to stand against you.’”
In fact, listen to a verse of a hymn that Martin Luther wrote 491 years ago:
“The Prince of Darkness grim,
We tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure,
For lo! His doom is sure.
One little word shall fell him.”
Friend, if you are a Jesus-follower, you are on the winning team. Satan, himself, cannot do anything to you without first getting approval from the Lord.
And when any of his minions approach you and tempt you to sin, or create doubt in your heart, or work to defeat you, you can rely upon the Name of Jesus to defeat your enemy. You can rely upon the Word of God, as you swing the Sword of the Spirit left and right to send him running.
You, my friend, are a warrior. Your enemy is already defeated. Act like it!
Joshua 10:8 (CSB): “The Lord said to Joshua, ‘Do not be afraid of them, for I have handed them over to you. Not one of them will be able to stand against you.’”
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Lord Jesus, all too often I act as if I am powerless. I act as if my demonic foe is all-powerful and there is nothing I can do except run and hide. Help me to see that I have believed his lie and have not rested in the truth of Your Word. In Christ, I am a warrior. In Christ, I am more than a conqueror. Help me, as I rely upon You and submit to Your authority of my life, to live like the spiritual warrior that I am. Amen.
Matt’s Musings 