SCRIPTURE: Joshua 13
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
But the Israelites did not drive out the people of Geshur and Maacah, so they continue to live among the Israelites to this day. [Joshua 13:13] Here we find the first clue that things will not work out in Canaan quite as planned. The people of Geshur and Maacah are allowed to remain. Mercy or folly? As we will see in the next few years, it turns out to be serious folly. They let their guard down, they allowed some ‘yeast’ to remain, and in time that yeast will rise up.
We are like this. How often do we not allow minor sins or slips or compromises to remain. We do not root out sinful thoughts or behaviours, we tolerate them, we attempt to control them. Wrong thinking can shipwreck the mightiest sea vessel (ask the captain of the Titanic). Jesus warns about the danger of wrong thinking: “Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. [Matthew 16:6,12]
Knowing the history of the church, the legalism of the Pharisees and the liberalism of the Sadducees has poisoned the church throughout the ages. The message of the gospel has been compromised in both directions. This is inevitable (as long as sin and Satan is around), but the lack of diligence and seriousness on the part of God’s people is what is concerning. Do we not realize the danger we are in? We are warned again and again to be on guard, to be diligent, to be serious. Yet how often do we allow the subtle temptations of Canaan to remain unchallenged in our hearts.
An interesting comment is inserted about how Balaam was killed because he practiced divination [Joshua 13:22]. He is the sorcerer who tried to curse Israel, but God turned his words into a blessing [see Numbers 22-24]. Yes, he was put to death (dealing seriously with the danger of sorcery), but even this temptation resurfaces in the church. In His warning to the church in Pergamum, Jesus says: Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality. [Revelation 2:14] See how subtle and serious these things are, like yeast – small but potent? We cannot let down our guard. Satan is looking for ways to trip and mess us up, and to defeat us.
PRAYER:
Lord, show me where I am allowing compromise or temptation to remain in my life. Help me to deal with it seriously!
God is faithful and will do what He said He would do. Moses was very old and the Lord God once again told Joshua the conquering of the land. God continues to work through His people whether young or old His wonders to perform. All His people need to do is trust and obey and do as He asked them to do. They were set aside for a purpose and that purpose was not fulfilled. No matter what age, God purposes/plans will come to pass. Happiness is receiving your inheritance from the Lord.
The Levi tribe had God as their inheritance and the other tribes we to supply their needs. They were a living example to serve the Lord their God – no claim to land but a claim to the Lord their God and serving Him! Help me to do the same this day Lord. TGIF – today God is first – as He must be every day. I need to live for Jesus in all I do and say, always.
Living for Jesus, a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.
Refrain
O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me.
I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne.
My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.
Living for Jesus Who died in my place,
Bearing on Calvary my sin and disgrace;
Such love constrains me to answer His call,
Follow His leading and give Him my all.
Refrain
Living for Jesus, wherever I am,
Doing each duty in His holy Name;
Willing to suffer affliction and loss,
Deeming each trial a part of my cross.
Refrain
Living for Jesus through earth’s little while,
My dearest treasure, the light of His smile;
Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,
Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.
Refrain