Series: Biblical Cities- Jerusalem [#2]
JERUSALEM- BOLD FAITH
Matthew 23:37
Introduction:
We are continuing in our Series about some of the most mentioned Cities in the Bible. Tonight, we are going to study the city that is 1st on the list- Jerusalem. Jerusalem is mentioned 811 times in the Bible. Currently, there are 3 different Religions that consider Jerusalem to be a holy site- Judaism, Islam, and Christianity.
Matthew 23:37
Our text is the 1st time you will see the city named Jerusalem. Joshua had been fooled by the Gibeonites into a treaty. Though it should have never been made, Joshua had given his word in the name of Jehovah, so he kept it because he was a man of integrity. Because of the treaty with Gibeon, Israel had control over central Canaan. The Kings of Southern Canaan knew about the treaty, so they attacked Gibeon.
From the time of Joshua till David, about 400 years, Jerusalem defied the Israelite armies. David’s 1st act after officially becoming King was to take Jerusalem and make it the capital of Israel because it would not cause jealousy among the tribes and would provide an excellent fortress.
Joshua 10:1-7
Do you see the picture of the gospel in that story? You and I are Gibeon. We are like the enemy nations of God, and God has not made war with us. God has made peace with us through Jesus Christ. He has turned us from enemies into friends, therefore whoever attacks us attacks God. My enemies are now God’s enemies; and anytime I feel like I’m surrounded and I’m attacked, what should I do? Like Gibeon, I should cry out and say, “Jesus, I need your help.”
Joshua 10:6-8
Bold faith…
1. Acts upon the promises of God.
Although the Gibeonites had fooled Joshua, Joshua held up his end of the agreement, which was to protect them. They had God’s promise of protection and that is what they received. The Gibeonites needed help immediately and Joshua went immediately. God told Joshua to not be afraid, because He had given them victory.
Joshua 10:9-11
Bold faith…
2. Is rooted in the power of God.
Joshua knew he was going to win the battle; but he still had to march- In fact, they marched all night long. How often do you know you have the battle won through Jesus; but you do not want to put in the work. God threw the enemy into confusion and Joshua and his military defeated them. Those that fled were destroyed by large hailstones that God rained down on them.
Joshua 10:12-14
Bold faith…
3. Believes God for the impossible.
Joshua asked God to make the sun stand still and the moon to stop, until they avenged their enemy. This just shows that God is a God of impossibilities.
