Victory in Christ

Manoah is probably not a name you easily recognize, but what about his son, Samson?  We know the story of how strong Samson was and that he lost his strength when his hair was cut off.  Well before Samson became this strong man, his mother was approached by an angel who said “Behold, you are barren and have not borne children, but you shall conceive and bear a son.” (Judges 13:3)  When she told her husband Manoah what had happened, he did what we all should do: “Then Manoah prayed to the LORD and said, ‘O Lord, please let the man of God whom you sent come again to us and teach us what we are to do with the child who will be born.’” (Judges 13:8)  We cannot expect God to send us an angel, but He will answer our prayers for guidance.  That guidance will come with study of His word and living a life in service to Him.

Today’s reading: Judges 10-13

At times it may seem like the evil ones of this world are winning, but God is and has always been in control. He works in His own time and His ways are the best ways. “And God also made all the evil of the men of Shechem return on their heads, and upon them came the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal.” (Judges 9:57) Paul thru his letter to the Romans tells us that we must let God handle these battles for us. “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:19-21 ESV) 

Today’s reading: Judges 8-9

Gideon was about to lead his army to fight the Midianites.  God wanted fewer men to go to fight so He could show His power.  What method did he use to decide who would go fight?  The first way was just to ask who was scared and let those people go home.  The number of men remaining was still too many so He then narrowed them down by how they drank water.  “So he brought the people down to the water. And the LORD said to Gideon, “Every one who laps the water with his tongue, as a dog laps, you shall set by himself. Likewise, every one who kneels down to drink.” (Judges 7:5)  If you had been asked to choose 300 men to go to battle how would you have done it?  I doubt any one of us would have used this method.  We do not always understand exactly the reason He does things, but just like in this battle we see that His ways work out for the best every time.  “For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” (1Co 1:25)

Today’s reading: Judges 6-7

Barak was supposed to go to battle, but he wanted some help. “And Barak said to her, “If you will go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go!” (Judges 4:8) Deborah went with him because she knew that was God’s will. All of us have probably been on both sides of these situations at some point in our life and should always be willing to help when the opportunity arises. “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” (Romans 15:1) 

Today’s reading: Judges 3-5

The Israelites had moved into the land that God had promised them.  There were certain responsibilities that they had been given.  “and you shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land; you shall break down their altars.’ But you have not obeyed my voice. What is this you have done?” (Judges 2:2)  Did it really matter that they did not completely follow His commands?  Even though we may not understand how or why, the commands of God have purpose.  It did not take too many years for the Israelites to be influenced by the people who were living around them.  “And they abandoned the LORD, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt. They went after other gods, from among the gods of the peoples who were around them, and bowed down to them. And they provoked the LORD to anger.” (Judges 2:12)  God knew that the power of influence could pull His people away from Him.  There are several verses throughout the Bible that give us that same warning.  Here are a few examples: 1 Corinthians 5:11, 1 Corinthians 15:33, Psalms 1:1, Psalms 26:4-5, Proverbs 13:20, Proverbs 14:7, Proverbs 22:24-25

Today’s reading: Judges 1-2

We read many times in God’s Word about the influence of a good example. “Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had known all the works of the LORD which He had done for Israel.” (Joshua 24:31) “Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.” (Philippians 3:17) Of all the examples that we can know or read about, there is only one perfect example and that is the one we must follow. “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:” (1 Peter 2:21) 

Today’s reading: Joshua 22-24

“But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”  These well known words from Joshua 24:15 were spoken by Joshua to the tribes. Their response was one that would be expected.  They said they could not forsake the God who brought them out of slavery and did all these great things for them. Joshua’s response to them was “You are not able to serve the LORD…”(24:19). Did he really mean that there was no way they could serve God? He wanted them to understand the seriousness of the promise that they were making. He goes on to tell them that Jehovah is a holy and jealous God. Just like God expected the Israelites to serve Him and Him only, He expects the same of us today. The idols of today may not look like the idols that they worshiped, but they can still pull us just as far away from serving our Heavenly Father if we will let them.

Today’s reading: Joshua 19-21

Joshua was guided by God to assign the land in Canaan to the Israelites. Each of the twelve tribes were given an allotment of land. The children of Joseph were separated into two; the descendants of Ephraim and Manasseh. Joseph’s descendants complained to Joshua and said they should be allotted more land. (Joshua 17:14)  Their reason was that they were a “great people”. Joshua’s response was perfect.  He told them if they were great, then they had the power to go clear all the trees off their land and then they would have more usable land. (v. 15)  This was a land promised and given to the Israelites by God.  God by His providence had given each group an assigned area.  These people knew this, but they still wanted something better.  Each of us has been blessed much more than we deserve, but are we ever guilty of being like the descendants of Joseph?  Joshua’s answer is still fitting today. Our life and everything in it is from God. If we feel like we deserve more, maybe we need to “clear the trees”.

Today’s reading: Joshua 16-18

Caleb reminded Joshua of an inheritance that had been promised to him because of his obedience. “So Moses swore on that day, saying, ‘Surely the land where your foot has trodden shall be your inheritance and your children’s forever, because you have wholly followed the LORD my God.’” (Joshua 14:9)  We are also promised an inheritance if we are obedient. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,” (1 Peter 1:3-4) 

Today’s reading: Joshua 12-15

In Joshua 11:15 we again read of Joshua following God’s plan completely.  “He left nothing undone of all that the LORD had commanded Moses.”  Could he have followed most of God’s commands and been ok?  Could he have changed around one or two things that he wanted to do differently?  What if he thought he had some ideas about how do to things that would be simpler than God’s way?  Maybe he learned from what happened when Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to it. (Numbers 20:10-13)  God wants full obedience from us today just like he did with Joshua and Moses. Romans 2:6-8

Today’s reading: Joshua 9-11