Right Response To God's Word

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.