Joshua 8
Today's Passage: Joshua 8
Chapters 7 and 8 stand in stark contrast to one another.
Chapter 7 showcases how things go when you don’t consult the Lord. Chapter 8 on the other, shows the success that comes from doing what God says to do.
Let’s clarify something really quick: just because we do what God wants doesn’t always mean that we will get everything we want or everything will go our way. In fact, sometimes obeying God comes with challenging trials or consequences, but it is worth it.
The point here is to say that, in general, living your life in obedience to God, in honor and worship of God, is the better way to live.
What in your life do you need to consult God on? Have you sought His Word? Have you cast it upon the Lord in prayer? Have you sought wisdom from your Godly community? What steps do you need to take (or not take)?
A passage like Proverbs 3:5-6 is applicable here:
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Commit whatever you’re in the midst of to the Lord. You will never regret going to God, asking for his help, casting your anxieties on him, and trusting him no matter what.
Written By: Graham Withers
The first attempt to defeat the city of Ai (ch. 7) apparently proceeded without divine instruction, leaving Israel in the dark regarding its compromised standing brought about by Achan’s disobedience. The resulting defeat was costly, as was the remedy made necessary by Achan’s/Israel’s offense. The present episode recounts the successful defeat of Ai in response to explicit divine instructions, thus underscoring the importance of adherence to “the word of the LORD” (8:8, 27), followed by a special ceremony near Shechem (vv. 30–35). The passage goes into great detail for a small battle, probably to emphasize that success comes only from following the Lord’s instructions. (ESV Study Bible)
Chapters 7 and 8 stand in stark contrast to one another.
Chapter 7 showcases how things go when you don’t consult the Lord. Chapter 8 on the other, shows the success that comes from doing what God says to do.
Let’s clarify something really quick: just because we do what God wants doesn’t always mean that we will get everything we want or everything will go our way. In fact, sometimes obeying God comes with challenging trials or consequences, but it is worth it.
The point here is to say that, in general, living your life in obedience to God, in honor and worship of God, is the better way to live.
What in your life do you need to consult God on? Have you sought His Word? Have you cast it upon the Lord in prayer? Have you sought wisdom from your Godly community? What steps do you need to take (or not take)?
A passage like Proverbs 3:5-6 is applicable here:
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Commit whatever you’re in the midst of to the Lord. You will never regret going to God, asking for his help, casting your anxieties on him, and trusting him no matter what.
Written By: Graham Withers
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