Can He, Could He, Would He?

O. T. #476  "Can He, Could He, Would He?"
March 10, 2015
Joshua 15-Part 3
As for the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out: but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day.  Joshua 15:63

LET IT GLOW

Waiting is not my better quality. I admit that I get impatient and want particular prayers answered with a yes today. Do I believe that He could do it now, tomorrow, next year? Do I trust God enough that He could answer anytime? Would He do it tomorrow? I have to wait and see. Even if He chooses not to, He is still all powerful, all wise, sees into the future, knows best.
What did Judah miss out on by not conquering Jerusalem? Who knows what they missed. Only God knows. Perhaps they now know.

You will recall that Judah was the most populated tribe of Israel and given the most land for their inheritance, also. There were two cities of significance located in Judah.
We know that little Bethlehem lay within the region of Judah. It was so small that it was not listed as one of the cities here, but maybe it was a village not named. Christ brought it honor by being born there. Also, Jerusalem was in this land of Judea (Judah). He chose to die on the cross there. Does this land hold a special place in the Savior's heart?

In Luke 13:34, Jesus told Jerusalem that He longed to gather its children together as a hen does her chicks under her wings, yet they were not willing. Then in Revelation 21, John saw a new Jerusalem in his vision. Ultimately, Jesus will build a new Jerusalem for His children.

The MacArthur Bible Commentary describes it this way:

Jerusalem became a holy and royal city, the city of the David, king of Israel and King Jesus. Joshua killed Jerusalem's king, who had joined a pact against Gibeon (chapter 10). Israelites called the area "Jebus" until David ordered Joab and his soldiers to capture the city (2 Sam.5:6-7)and made it his capital. Judges 1:8,21show that the Israelites conquered Jebus and burned it, but the Jebusites later regained control until David's day. Melchizedek had been a very early king (Gen 14), a believer in the true God, when the site was "Salem" (Ps. 76:2, Salem is Jerusalem).

The Lord works things out, though it may take a while. Do we have the patience to trust His timing?


LET IT GROW

Jerusalem continued to be possessed by the Jebusites. Why?
Judah could not drive them out (verse 63). Perhaps it was through their sluggishness, stupidity, and unbelief; had they attempted it with vigor and resolution, we have reason to think God would have given them success.; but they could not do it, because they would not. (M. Henry)

It was a long time later, but God did take control of the great city of Jerusalem. He can, He could, He would, and He did.
Do we believe that God can give us victory in our life today? Did we believe He could have done it before now? Would He give it in the future, if not now?

All things are possible with God. I keep telling myself that while I'm waiting.

LET IT GO

Praise Him while I'm waiting.

Obey while I'm waiting.

Trust God for the right answer in His time.