Lists

O. T. #469  "Lists"
February 27, 2015
Joshua 12
And theses are the kings of the land which the children of Israel smote, and possessed their land on the other side Jordan toward the rising of the sun, from the river Arnon unto mount Hermon, and all the plain on the east.  Joshua 12:1

LET IT GLOW

Aren't there all sorts of lists? Can you name a few with me? There are written and mental to-do-lists, daily, monthly, and perhaps yearly; grocery lists for this week and next week after I forget an item; activities and events listed on calendars to attend and/or participate in; birthdays to remember; things to organize, purchase, to complete for a project. Whew! The list continues on and on.
In this chapter we read of a list-cities and kings Israel conquered. What does it have to say to us? Let's find out.

God promised the land in His covenant with Abraham (Gen. 12:7), and reaffirmed that He would give victory in conquest (Joshua 1:3,6). The conquest of all these kings, covering areas up and down the "whole land" (11:23), was caused by the Lord's faithful help, which fulfilled His Word. (MacArthur)

What promises has God kept in our lives?

• never leave us nor forsake us
• eternal life for those who believe in Jesus
• forgiveness of sins
• carry our burdens when given to Him
• strength for the task and calling of God
• provision of our needs
• answered prayers
• physical, mental, emotional healings
• faith to carry on
• compassion, love, encouragement, grace, mercy...

The list goes on. What would you add to it? Tell us.

LET IT GROW

This chapter is a summary of the first half of Joshua's book. It was through the power of God and the keeping of  His promises that Israel was able to conquer their Promised Land.
First, we read of the kings which they conquered under Moses' leadership east of the Jordan River. (verses 1-6)
Next listed are the territories, (mountains, valleys, and plains), the 31 kings and cities which Israel conquered under Joshua's leadership west of the Jordan River. (verses 9-24)
Among them are the central kings (verse 9), southern kings (verses 10-16), and northern kings (verses 17-24).
Do you think God had a roster listing those pagan one to be destroyed?

I think to myself, "Yeah! Israel had victories, one after another." Yet, let's not skim over the list too quickly. It took a lot of time for the army of the Lord, Israel, to defeat them, 7 years in all.

Listing the blessings and provisions of God's grace is a good practice for us. Ann Voskamp suggests it in her book, One Thousand Gifts. Research has shown that doing so results in a person being 25% happier. Who doesn't need some happiness these days?

Do we share the victories which the Lord Jesus has given us in our life?
Do we give Him the glory for them?

LET IT GO

Pray.

Read God's Word.

Be thankful for all He has given. (even more snow)

Obey His voice today.

Share His love.