Scripture:
Joshua 10:40-43 ESV
[40] So Joshua struck the whole land, the hill country and the Negeb and the lowland and the slopes, and all their kings. He left none remaining, but devoted to destruction all that breathed, just as the Lord God of Israel commanded. [41] And Joshua struck them from Kadesh-barnea as far as Gaza, and all the country of Goshen, as far as Gibeon. [42] And Joshua captured all these kings and their land at one time, because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel. [43] Then Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, to the camp at Gilgal.
Observation:
It’s hard to dive into the book of Joshua and not talk about the battle. In the verses chosen for the SOAP this morning we see a lot of great victories. A list of territories that we’re devoted to destruction. A pretty impressive list at that. The promised land was becoming a reality and a path was being forged. But if we are not careful we can ascribe credit to Joshua, and yes he was a great military leader and did an amazing job at following the instructions the LORD had given through Moses. I think we can remember them. Let’s see…be strong and courageous, do not be dismayed. For the LORD IS FIGHTING FOR YOU. At the end of this passage, we see how all this really happened. Yes, Joshua was obedient. He did what the LORD said to do, but GOD was fighting for him sending fear into the hearts of men. That was otherwise very strong. They would hear about what had happened in the battle before and question their ability to overcome the Israelites…because GOD HIMSELF was fighting for them. HE was fulfilling a promise that HE had made.
Application:
Almost 6 years ago I wrote a prayer down in my prayer Journal. It was short and to the point. It went something like this…GOD, I see you rebuilding my life in such a way that I can’t take any credit for it. Thank you. I think that all too often we can see great victories in our lives and think look what I have done. Pride can be very dangerous. I know I have experienced the fall from it. The landing hurts. So let me explain a little if you don’t mind. I have been saved for 14 years now. You might say to yourself but he just said 6 years ago he wrote down a prayer. Yes, the fall hurts. I stepped into ministry early and got puffed up with pride. Thinking I was doing something. Forgetting all about who was fighting the battle. When someone I love got really sick. It set me back. I looked at GOD and said something very stupid…after all that I do for you, this is what I get. That’s why the battle does not belong to me it’s the LORD’s. All the victory all the paths forged all the mountains moved all the seas parted HE did that. I have heard it said like this. Anything good in my life I give all the credit to GOD and I can take credit for the rest. So let me tell you this and leave you on a good note…GOD is fighting for you HE has already obtained victory you just have to step into it, and stay in step with the holy spirit. The war is already won…because the battle belongs to the LORD.
Prayer:
Father, you never let me down. As we stand here in victory we know that it has everything to do with you. You have fought for us. Yes, you have asked us to put on the armor. You have asked us to suit up and show up, and we did so, but the battle was already won. You have sent fear into the heart of the enemy, and as we step into the victory you have won for us let us not forget to seek your face. Let us remember this fight is yours. We can watch the walls fall and the seas part and even the sun stand still. But that is all a result of you fighting for us. You are so absolutely amazing. Thank you it’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.