Scripture Text: Joshua 15:1-63
But the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the people of Judah could not drive out, so the Jebusites dwell with the people of Judah at Jerusalem to this day.
Joshua 15:63, ESV
Jerusalem was part of the land of Judah and the inhabitants who lived there for a long period of time was called Jebusites. That land was very important in the history of Israel and in the entire world. In this chapter, we can see how God instructed Joshua about the land allotments for the people of Judah. However, in verse 63, people of Judah couldn’t remove the Jebusites who lived in Jerusalem. Did God allow the people of Judah to spare the life of that inhabitants? Or was it God himself who allowed the Jebusites to live in the land together with His people?
Because of the victories and successes of Israel given by the Lord, they became relaxed, overconfident, or maybe tired, until they neglected to force the Jebusites to leave Jerusalem nor liquidate them (Judges 1:21). In other words, they disobeyed the Lord's commands, that's why the Lord became angry with His people. Before David reigned as king of Israel, the Jebusites in Jerusalem remained untouched. But God helped David to capture totally the stronghold of Zion, that was, the city of David ( 2 Samuel 5:6-7).
Because of the negligence and disobedience done by Israel, the Lord allowed some inhabitants like Jebusites to live in the land to be thorns for them, and to test the faithfulness of His people if they can keep the Lord's commandments as their ancestors did.
Neglecting God and not obeying Him faithfully had been the source of problems of God's people (Israelites), and even Christians today. Some believers-followers of our Lord Jesus Christ are neglecting to worship and serve the Lord faithfully through Christ's church. Some believers-followers of Christ are neglecting by not doing the task of advancing kingdom of God by proclaiming the Lord's gospel to the unbelievers.
Therefore, as proper people of our Lord Jesus Christ, He expects us to obey His commands faithfully just to please and glorify our God the Father in heaven. This is what God wants us to do for Him.
Reflect
Do you want to please and glorify God?
1. Obey His will forever!
2. Do not neglect His commands until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again!
Remember
Neglecting the Lord and not obeying His command and instruction is the source of people's problems.
"Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it" (Proverbs 8:33)
Read
Deuteronomy 31:16-21; Judges 1:21, 2:1-3, 20-23; 2 Samuel 5:6-10; Hebrews 10:24-25
Pray
Dear God, thank You for Your living Words, they remind me always about the goodness and grace of the Lord Jesus through the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. I pray for Your total protection to be upon all my co-believers-followers in Christ around the world. Please protect our hearts to always obey Your will forever! I ask these in Jesus' Name. Amen!
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