Scripture Text: Joshua 8:1-29
And the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not fear and do not be dismayed. Take all the fighting men with you, and arise, go up to Ai. See, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, and his people, his city, and his land. And you shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king. Only its spoil and its livestock you shall take as plunder for yourselves. Lay an ambush against the city, behind it.”
Joshua 8:1-2
Joshua and the people of Israel learned a lot from their first experience on the invasion of Ai. They were defeated because of Achan's sin and the negligence of the leadership of Joshua. However, God restored them and gave them a second chance to conquer totally the city of Ai.
In this situation, God Himself was still in command; He controlled and directed the second attack. That's why the Lord encouraged Joshua not to fear nor be dismayed because God Himself assured to Joshua the victory over Ai.
Then, God gave him a divine plan to defeat Ai:
He sets an ambush (vv. 3-9, 12)
He stages an attack (vv. 10-11, 13-14)
He pretends to retreat (vv. 15-17)
He signals the men in ambush (vv. 18-20)
Joshua faithfully followed and executed God's specific instructions and they captured the city of Ai (vv. 21-29)
Sometimes, battles are won more by deceptive military strategy than by brute military strength, as attested not only in the Bible but also in ancient near Eastern, Greek and Roman sources. Unlike the earlier case of Jericho, the defeat of Ai depended much on miraculous intervention than on clever strategy. The key in both instances is that the Lord's instructions are to be heeded carefully.
On the other hand, today's battle or war (physical war) is more dangerous and destructive because of technology. Now, Christian churches (followers of Christ) should pray more so that the divine intervention will prevail for the sake of world peace.
Therefore, the Triune God encourages and challenges us not to fear nor be dismayed for in any situation in our lives—whether physical or spiritual battle—we have Jesus Christ. All we have to do is to know Him more through His words, and to obey all His commands. If we obey and entrust our lives to Jesus, the more that He protects us from any physical and spiritual attack. He will take care of us like sheep, all the more that our Lord will extend His grace and favor to His church (His people).
Reflect
1. What situations in your life are you most afraid?
2. What are your plans, programs, or strategies to settle those situations? Do you need the divine intervention?
Remember
The Lord commanded His kingdom people both in the Old Testament (OT) and in the New Testament (NT) to obey His commandments faithfully.
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Acts 18:9-10
And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.
Read
Deuteronomy 31:8; Joshua 1:9; Proverbs 3:5-7; Acts 18:9-10
Pray
Dear God, I personally admit that I am weak and easy to be frightened and to be dismayed especially about the situations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. I humbly appeal to You, Lord Jesus, that this pandemic be totally stopped and that all victims be completely healed. Please help all the countries for their immediate economic recovery. In this modern time, please do not allow war to start in any country. Lord, please extend Your love, grace, and mercy to all people around the world. Give us world peace, please. All these things I ask in Jesus' mighty Name. Amen!
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