Scripture Text: Joshua 7:2-9
Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth-aven, east of Bethel, and said to them, “Go up and spy out the land.” And the men went up and spied out Ai. And they returned to Joshua and said to him, “Do not have all the people go up, but let about two or three thousand men go up and attack Ai. Do not make the whole people toil up there, for they are few.”
Joshua 7:2-3
The reason why the small ruin town of Ai defeated Israel is because of the covetous and greedy act of Achan (vv. 1, 20, 21). Joshua had no knowledge about Achan who sinned, that's why the whole Israel celebrated the first victory given by God when they conquered the city of Jericho. Joshua and all the people were overconfident and were overwhelmed with the triumph.
Another reason why the small ruin town of Ai defeated Israel is because of the negligence of Joshua. He neglected to ask wisdom from the Lord, and he sent immediately his spies to the ruin town of Ai to gather information. He did not seek, knock, nor pray, nor consult God. Instead, he trusted the spies so much and assumed that they would easily conquer all the enemies in Canaan, especially the small town of Ai—but they failed! Israel was defeated and it resulted to a tremendous tragedy— the death of 36 Israel soldiers (v. 5).
If Joshua had consulted and prayed first to God, maybe the unexpected defeat and tremendous tragedy for Israel would not have happened. But God allowed it! When they attacked Ai, there was no assurance of victory because they disobeyed God. Their hearts were contaminated and melted, and the assembly was disunited.
However, when they attacked the established city of Jericho, God's presence was with them and the Lord assured victory for His people to fulfill His covenant to their forefathers. They obeyed God, and the whole assembly was united.
In Christian faith, the assurance and only hope for victory is God through Jesus Christ. His presence through the Holy Spirit is very important for every battle of our lives. Without Him, we have no chance if winning.
If we neglect to seek God's wisdom, our plans will always fail, our prayer or plea will be rejected by the Lord because He is far from the unrighteous, but He will bless the righteous.
Therefore, whatever be the circumstances in our lives, always pray, see to it that Jesus Christ is in our hearts. Consult Him faithfully, and seek His approval regularly. Jesus is our life, His word is our wisdom. If we lack wisdom, we must ask Him through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, for us to be victorious.
Reflect
1. Do you always seek God's wisdom?
2. Do you faithfully seek God's approval in all your plans?
3. Do you want to secure your future? You need Christ!
Remember
Those who ask, seek, and obey the Lord will be safe and secure without fear of disaster. But to those who disobey Him, the Lord won't listen nor answer their prayer,
Read
Proverbs 1:22-33; James 1:5; Matthew 7:7
Pray
Dear God, thank You for the wisdom and knowledge You entrusted to me. I pray that I won't neglect to obey You. Instead, I will read Your word always as the source of my true wisdom and knowledge. Forgive me Lord for my shortcomings in praying, praising, serving, and worshipping You, that caused disrespect to Your mighty Name. Holy Spirit, please help me to overcome these things. In Jesus' Name. Amen!
Comments