[Originally posted in a WhatsApp group (SSEU), a reading update (reflection) from one chapter of the Bible a day]
𝕁𝕆𝕊ℍ𝕌𝔸 𝟙𝟛:𝟚𝟚
"The
sons of Israel also killed Balaam the son of Beor, the diviner, with the sword
among the rest of their slain."
The
highly esteemed Reverend Balaam was used by God mightily. He even was a great
service to the whole people of God. He had invoked blessing from heaven upon
the people of Israel at least 3 times.
Who
wouldn't like to have the power, privilege, and influence of Balaam? Well,
Balaam was killed by the Israelites whom he had blessed before! And the NT has
presented Balaam as someone who apostatized for material gain.
Guard
against greed, materialism, and apostasy.
𝕁𝕆𝕊ℍ𝕌𝔸 𝟙𝟜:𝟙𝟜
"Therefore,
Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite until
this day, because he followed the LORD God of Israel fully."
Wonderful
story! Caleb, an 85-years old grandfather determined to conquer Hebron. This is
not an ordinary stronghold. It's a land of Anakim, the giants! It's like trying
to steal meat from the dens of lions! Well, Caleb trusted God's promise to
Abraham, marched out, and won the war.
He
is a descendant of Judah. And Hebron belongs to the descendants of Judah, which
was promised by God to Abraham. Years later, David became king in Hebron and
reigned there as his capital.
An
act of a faithful determined old man fighting against the giants paid off well!
We need people like Caleb, a man with a spine, a man with a backbone.
𝕁𝕆𝕊ℍ𝕌𝔸 𝟙𝟝:𝟞𝟛
"Now
as for the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the sons of Judah could not
drive them out; so the Jebusites live with the sons of Judah at Jerusalem until
this day."
It's
Jerusalem. Battle for Jerusalem. And it continues till today!
The
Israelites were commanded to conquer Jerusalem. It's a sin not to conquer.
Judges 1 recorded all the failures of Israelites to conquer the land. To
conquer requires a lot of courage. To have courage requires a lot of conviction
from the commandment of God. Apparently, Spiritual Walk with God had declined!
The
inhabitants of Jerusalem were not weaklings. Even if they were weaklings, to
drive someone out from his own home is not easy, he will do anything to defend
his home and family members!
Actually,
Joshua 10 recorded that they have conquered once, but the inhabitants
recaptured again. Judges 1:8 also mentioned that the children of Judah set the
city on fire (2nd conquest?). Also, Judges 1:21 mentioned again that the sons
of Benjamin didn't drive out the Jebusites. Centuries later, David conquered
Jerusalem and became his capital.
When
God commands us to do something and we don't do it, it's a sin. For whatever He
commands, he also gives the ability to do it. Instead of being courageous, they
were complacent cowards.
Now,
whose city is Jerusalem? Should the Israelites conquer again??? Hmmm!
𝕁𝕆𝕊ℍ𝕌𝔸 𝟙𝟞:𝟙𝟘
"But
they did not drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer, so the Canaanites
live in the midst of Ephraim to this day, and they became forced
laborers."
Another
chapter, recording the failure of the children of Israel – failing to drive the
Canaanites away. The consequence is they lived along with them, and they
[Canaanites] would be a thorn in the flesh later on!
It
serves as a perfect analogy of our battle with sin in our life. God commands us
to kill sin (not just to avoid, but to kill). It's an everyday war until we are
taken to glory.
Conquering
some sin and letting some sin alive will be the Canaanites of our life. When it
comes to sin, it is [must be] a zero-tolerance policy [said, Owen Strachan].
Like Samuel hacking Agag into pieces [said, MacArthur in one of his sermons].
The
Israelites were not walking with God faithfully. Resulting in a loss of
confidence, conviction, and courage to conquer!
𝕁𝕆𝕊ℍ𝕌𝔸 𝟙𝟟:𝟙𝟟-𝟙𝟠
"Joshua
spoke to the house of Joseph, to Ephraim and Manasseh, saying, "You are a
numerous people and have great power; you shall not have one lot only, but the
hill country shall be yours. For though it is a forest, you shall clear it, and
to its farthest borders it shall be yours; for you shall drive out the
Canaanites, even though they have chariots of iron and though they are
strong."
The
Canaanites were strong, but the children of Joseph are numerous too. Sure, some
have to die in the fighting! 😬 The habitable land may be small, but they can clear
out the forest and settle down.
BTW,
Joshua didn't suggest them to decrease the population but told them to clear
the forest. Try texting this verse to environmentalists! 😂
Hard
work, sweat, and blood are what Joshua requires of them, not an easy solution; lottery,
not redistribution of lands and wealth. Something poor countries (also as
individuals) should think about!
𝕁𝕆𝕊ℍ𝕌𝔸 𝟙𝟠:𝟛
"So
Joshua said to the sons of Israel, ‘How long will you put off entering to take
possession of the land which the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you?’"
It's
war, not peace. It's annihilation, not toleration. It's a divine project, not a
devilish one. It sounds and looks horrific, grim, and cruel. Yes, to give credit
to Richard Dawkins, God looks like a sadomasochistic being! Well, let Paul be
remembered that let every man on earth be a liar and God be true. Indeed,
mankind crucified Jesus because they thought Jesus was ungodly, blasphemous,
unholy, and controversial!
The
old octogenarian Joshua was appalled that the younger generations were not
willing: to lay down their lives for the cause of freedom from the thorns of
Canaanites; to work hard to subdue the land for prosperity and well-being of
themselves and their children!
Indeed,
we humans tend to take things for granted. The foundation which was laid
through sweats and blood, the next generation would not continue. . . but give
up so easily...
My
dad built the most beautiful home in my village, and it stood out for a decade,
and we, his children were so quick to abandon home, and even suggested to be
given away to one of my aunts who has been a widow!