The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him in Joshua 21:44b,
"Not one of their enemies withstood them; the Lord handed all their enemies over to them."
As the Lord fulfilled his promises to Israel, we read that the Lord "handed all their enemies over to them." God's people experienced victory that the Lord provided. Joshua told the Israelites, "You yourselves have seen everything the Lord your God has done to all these nations for your sake; it was the Lord your God who fought for you." Joshua 23:3. In their victorious campaigns against their enemies, Joshua wanted the people to know it was the Lord, not their efforts that brought their victories. To be sure, the Israelites did fight and followed what Joshua asked of them, but it was the Lord that provided the victories.
As believers we have our enemies to conquer as well. The world, the flesh and the devil are all arrayed before us as our enemies. As we live in this life, death itself awaits us as an enemy. But, just as the Lord brought victory to the Israelites, so he does for us as well.
Concerning death, as Paul discusses our resurrection as children of God, he says, "When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: 'Death has been swallowed up in victory.' 'Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?' The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:54-57.
Concerning opposition from the world, John says, "Everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God." 1 John 5:4-5. Our key to understanding this victory over the world is found in the previous chapter, verse 4, "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." Here is found, as well. our victory over the devil, the "one who is in the world".
Concerning that proclivity to sin, the sin nature that dwells within us, Paul tells where our victory comes from in regard to it, "You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you." Romans 8:9.
Of all the multiplied gifts from our God, certain victory is ours! He has promised us, "He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful." 1 Corinthians 1:8-9. What more could he do for us?!
Please pray for my friend Rod Cornelius. He is having serious medical issues. He is a man who has had an important impact on my life and I pray that he senses the Lords presence and his loving touch during this difficult time. Thank you.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share your thoughts of worship with us from your Bible reading today. We'd love to hear from you!
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
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