February 2, 2015
Joshua 4-Part 2
About forty thousand prepared for war passed over before the LORD unto battle, to the plains of Jericho. Joshua 4:13
*Thank you friends for all your prayers and patience in allowing me down time. I made it through surgery and am gaining strength daily. God is so good!
LET IT GLOW
Prepared? I thought I was, but in reality, I wasn't prepared. I heard those stories about the pain after a person's gall bladder was removed, about the pain one has after hernia surgery. Yep, I thought I was prepared, after all, I had been through two C-sections and one hysterectomy. What could be worse that that? Ohhh, little did I know. During the procedure, they fill you with CO2, which results in gas in the innards. Let me tell ya, it takes its time moving out of residence, too. The cramp would take my breath away. All I could do was whisper, "Jesus, help me!" He was there to help and stopped the pain. Thank you Lord Jesus! Are we prepared for what today holds?
Israel thought they were prepared for the conflicts facing them in the Promised Land. Little did they know what lay ahead.
The stones were set and the people hasted and clean passed over Jordan. (I like how it says that.) The priests bare the Ark in the middle of the river. Was it a solemn time or were the people encouraging those who kept the Ark on their shoulders all day as they passed by them? Scripture does not say. Everything was finished that the LORD commanded Joshua to speak unto the people. And according to all that Moses had commanded Joshua. (verse 10) Two million folks, wow! god provided what was needed-faith to cross and dry ground, as well as His presence.
In verse 4, the 12 men were prepared to take a stone from the Jordan for the memorial on the other side. Prepared in this verse means to set up, establish, ready.
There was a time that someone said, "It is finished!" Do you recall who said it? Jesus said it, as He hung on the cross, as recorded in John 19:30.
Finish in the Greek language means complete; execute; conclude; accomplish.
Jesus completed the assignment His Father had for Him to accomplish, and that He did. He was the sacrificial Lamb of God that takes away our sins. Such love!
Can we say that we are accomplishing what God has assigned us? Are we doing it with joy? Are we established in our faith in God?
LET IT GROW
Israel's first campsite in the invaded land was at Gilgal, which was 1 1/4 miles from Jericho. (MacArthur)
That is where the memorial of 12 stones were placed-a memorial of miracles, as Guzik calls it. The children would see the stones, ask what they meant, hear the story, and learn about their God.
In verses 12-14, who crossed over, armed, in front of the Israelites? The 2 1/2 tribes, Reuben, Gad, and 1/2 tribe of Manasseh did.
Liberty Bible Commentary informs us:
These 40,000 trained fighting men were instructed by Moses. Back in Numbers 26, their total potential fighting force of these tribes was about 110, 580 men. They were living up to their pledge to God to defend the land and their brethren until all Israel could dwell safely in the land. Apparently, only 40,000 of these soldiers crossed over the Jordan inn order to allow the strong guard to remain behind and defend those tribes on the east of the river.Read verse 13 again, About forty thousand prepared for war passed over before the LORD unto battle, to the plains of Jericho.
These warriors were prepared for war right away. They were trained and armed.
The word prepared in this verse is a different Hebrew word previously used in verse 4. It means to pull up, equip, strengthen.
Are we prepared for a spiritual battle today? Are we armed with the whole armor of God, as found in Ephesians 6:11-18? That is how we can stand against the wiles of the devil.
We need the:
- helmet of salvation,
- breastplate of righteousness,
- truth around our loins,
- feet taking the gospel of peace,
- shield of faith,
- sword of the Spirit, the Word of God;
- praying with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit;
- watching with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.
LET IT GO
Be prepared for a spiritual battle daily.
Ask God to put His spiritual armor on me.
Keep recalling the victories which God has given in my life, sharing with others.
Rely on God for future victories.
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