Today’s meditation is taken from Joshua 9:1-2, “All the kings west of the Jordan River heard about these things. They were the kings of the Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. They lived in the hill country and in the plains. They also lived along the seacoast of the Mediterranean Sea as far as Lebanon. All these kings came together and made plans to fight against Joshua and the Israelites.” (ERV)
As we continue our studies on the life of Joshua we are learning some important lessons for our own lives. God helped Joshua to cross the River Jordan that was overflowing the banks, to conquer the formidable city of Jericho, and to triumph over Ai, though they initially had to face defeat at the hands of Ai. Joshua also built an altar where he offered sacrifices to the Lord, and he built and painted a wall wherein he wrote all the statutes of the Lord. Joshua also read all the laws and precepts of the Lord in the hearing of all the people of Israel so that everyone from the eldest to the youngest could hear the same.
The rebellious plot
When the kings and people who lived around the Israelites heard the word of God that was proclaimed, they joined together to rise up against Joshua, and the Israelites. They were in one accord to war against Joshua. Interesting that these kings did not conspire together when Joshua crossed the Jordan or when he subdued the city of Jericho. Suddenly when they heard the word of God they ganged up together because they knew that if Joshua prevailed over them, God’s kingdom would be established, and His will would be done, and their own little kingdoms would be destroyed. These kings decided to concur together so that they could fight against God’s kingdom and His people.
Whenever the word of God is read or taught to the people, it will call for a response from the people. Sadly, even today there are many striving to build their own kingdoms instead of God’s Kingdom.
God’s response to those who plot against God and His people
Every time people conspire together to plot against God and His Kingdom, they imagine that God is perturbed.
This is God’s response as we read in Psalm 2:2, “Their kings and leaders join together to fight against the LORD and his chosen king” (ERV) and in Psalm 2:4 a, “But the one who rules in heaven laughs at them.” (ERV)
God laughs at such people because He knows that no matter how hard people may try, no king or leader or authority can prevail against the Almighty God who rules in heaven. Nothing that is done against God can succeed. As children of God when we see such atrocities, we have no need to cry or lament, but like God we can laugh at these provocations. The reason is that we must bear in mind that only the will of God will be fulfilled in the end, and God will always triumph.
Let me give you an example from the game of cricket. There are many who are great fans of the game, and who will not miss a live match. Let’s say for example that someone watched a match, and India won the game. If that same game was replayed that night, would they in any way feel down when a wicket is taken? Not at all, because they already know the result that India has won the game. So also those who trust in the Lord Jesus must know that the outcome has already been declared, and Satan along with his works will be destroyed for certain. We are going to see this end since God has ordained this. In the meantime when we go through the ups and downs of life, face the accusations of men, and are up against all sorts of hardships and oppositions, we need not lose heart as children of God. The Lord desires that we too should laugh at these trials, and move on, knowing that the victory is ours. There is a sound of murmuring and lamenting over various situations, which we must replace with rejoicing, because the Lord laughs at these and they are nothing before Him.
How are we building?
Let me give you a good example from the bible to explain this point. Oftentimes man has chosen to be in rebellion against the ways of God. God commanded man to multiply, fill the earth and subdue it. However, in the days of Noah, God sent the great flood that destroyed all of mankind except Noah and his family. The descendants of Noah decided that they would gather together and build a huge city with a tower, so they could make a name for themselves.
I guess they also thought that in case there was another flood they could go to the top of that tower and stay safe. Someone must have come up with this novel idea, and all the others must have assented to this. They must have made elaborate plans to execute the same. All through this process the Lord remained silent. The people began to get all the things ready for the construction of the tower. This must have probably taken years to process, and they must have rejoiced at the thought of executing their plans.
God did not send angels to stop this great plan of the people, He did not send a flood or do anything else that was dramatic. All that God did was to confuse their languages so that each man could not understand the other, and hence could not work together to accomplish their dream plan. Ultimately the entire plan was stopped, and the people were scattered throughout the world.
Remember that God is never in a hurry to do things. He is longsuffering and patient wanting for everyone to come to repentance. It is good for us to ponder as to how we are building our lives, our families, our work, our church or anything else that God has entrusted to us. Are we building these in accordance with God’s word or are we going contrary to God’s word? Many have set aside the counsel and wisdom of God and are doing things according to their own understanding. Though we build such things they will not have the blessings of God or His presence. Whenever God’s word comes to us let us receive it with humility, and obedience and not strive to go against it. A life that is led in obedience to God’s word will be sure to receive the blessings of God.
Maybe we are not rebellious in all areas, but if there are some parts of our lives where self is ruling, and we are not willing to submit to God’s will. If this is so, let us humbly let go and submit to God.
The deceptive plot
The people of Gibeon were a people group who lived close to the people of Israel. When they heard about Joshua and all his accomplishments, they responded differently.
We read in Joshua 9:3-4, “The people from the city of Gibeon heard about the way Joshua had defeated Jericho and Ai. So they decided to try to trick the Israelites. This was their plan: They gathered together old wineskins that were cracked and broken. They put these old wineskins on the backs of their animals. They put old pieces of cloth on their animals to look as if they had traveled from far away.” (ERV)
While one group of kings and people rose in rebellion against Joshua and the people of Israelites, there was another group who wanted to enter into God’s protection in a devious way. The people of Gibeon knew that the God of Israel was Almighty, and that if they found security in Him they would be safe from the destruction that befell Jericho and Ai. The men of Gibeon pretended that they were coming from a far-away country, and sought to take refuge under Joshua. They deceived Joshua by bringing along with them everything that looked old and worn out, as though they had undertaken a long journey. In reality they were a people very close to where the Israelites resided, and God had actually commanded Joshua to not make any sort of agreement with those who lived nearby. However, these men from Gibeon by fraudulent means made Joshua enter into a covenant with them to keep them safe and protected.
A lesson from Jacob
Anyone who thinks that they can succeed by cheating others can be sure that at some point of their lives they too will get cheated. A great example is Jacob who schemed, pretended to be the elder son, took advantage of his father’s dimness of vision, and received all of his father’s blessings by treachery. Jacob must have prided himself in this fact that he was able to obtain all of his father’s choicest blessings for himself. However, when we read about the life of Jacob we realize that he deceived his father only once, but his Uncle Laban deceived Jacob many times.
As children of God let us never think that we can deceive God in any way. Every time we draw near to God we should do so in the right way.
Give as God desires
Let me give you some examples. Even in giving to the Lord, there are many who give so they can get back manifold from God. The bible teaches us that God is no man’s debtor, and He is one who blesses us. Nonetheless, our giving should be with the right motive. God is not a bank where when we invest our money we get it back with interest, and our relationship with God should not be transactional like that of a bank with its investors.
Jesus paid the price with His own life in order to redeem us, and make us His children. Everything that the Father owns is ours as well. We give therefore because we are in awe of who God is, and of the unfathomable love that He has bestowed on us. We should never give with the thought that we should receive more if we give more. Let us be those who give to God cheerfully, whole heartedly and with gratitude for this is what God approves. If we give with any other motive we rather not give to God because God will not accept such offerings from us.
Remember that Cain and Abel gave an offering to the Lord, but God only accepted Abel’s offering and He rejected Cain and his offering. The reason was that God saw their hearts and perceived their motives behind their giving. All of the earth is the Lord’s and everything in it. Hence, only if our giving is an expression of love will God accept our giving.
Worship that God accepts
Think about the numerous worship songs that are being released in recent times. Even before the release of the song, there is so much of hype and advertisement almost equal to that of the release of a secular movie. There are those who are genuinely producing these songs, but there are others who do so to get quick fame and popularity. If our motive is to gain from these worship songs we can be certain that God will not approve of it. Many of the songs written is yester years were those that were written from the various experiences that individuals went through, and from their closeness to God in the midst of severe trials. These were therefore from the heart, and inspired by the Holy Spirit. No wonder then that even when we sing these songs even today, we still can experience God’s presence in a powerful way. Today we can spend lots of money to record a song, with fantastic music, and backgrounds for videos, but if our motives are not right, they are not acceptable to the Lord.
The Lord does not approve of those who like the people of Gibeon chose to be deceptive in order to gain the favor of Joshua.
These are the words of God through Amos, who lived in a society where the rich oppressed the poor, there was no justice and there was no love. However, there was much worship and songs, but these are the words of God to Amos.
We read in Amos 5:23, “Take your noisy songs away from here. I will not listen to the music from your harps.” (ERV)
God refers to their songs and music as noisy sound that irritated His ears.
Let us be cautious about how we approach God. Our going to God should not be just to seek material blessings from His hands. If that has been our motive may we repent and surrender ourselves to God. Whether God blesses us or not let us live for God, and seek after Him with a sincere heart truly for who He is. May we love God, follow God, compose songs and worship Him with the only motive to glorify and honor God. When we do so surely God will be pleased and people will be blessed and experience the presence of God. Let us accept the word of God obediently, and not rebel against it.
The way to approach God
We read in Joshua 2:11-13, “When we heard about this, we were very afraid. And now, not one of our men is brave enough to fight you, because the LORD your God rules the heavens above and the earth below! So now, I want you to make a promise to me. I was kind to you and helped you. So promise me before the LORD that you will be kind to my family. Please tell me that you will do this. Tell me that you will allow my family to live—my father, mother, brothers, sisters, and all their families. Promise me that you will save us from death."” (ERV)
Rahab lived in a house on the walls of Jericho, a city doomed for destruction. In spite of living amongst an unbelieving people, Rahab recognized who God was, protected the spies whom Joshua sent, risked her life, and proclaimed her faith in the Lord. She believed that if she put her faith in the living God she will be safe under His wings. As Rahab approached God by faith, though the walls of Jericho came crumbling down, Rahab’s house stood firm, and she and all of her family were saved from harm. What is more astounding is that Rahab’s name is recorded in the lineage of Jesus.
We must draw near to God only by faith. Let us not rebel against the word of God as did the kings in the days of Joshua. Also let us never be deceptive like the people of Gibeon who schemed and plotted just to receive the blessings of God. Instead let us draw near to God with faith like Rahab did, and stand firm and true in that faith till the very end.
Rev. F. Andrew Dixon
www.goodnewsfriends.net
Transcribed by: Sis. Esther Collins
