Divine Battle Strategy

Text: Joshua 8:1-29 Theme: Every successful spiritual battle has a God-directed strategy. Key verses: “Then the Lord said to Joshua, ‘…Take the whole army with you, and go up and attack Ai. For I have delivered into your hands the king of Ai, his people, his city and his land. You sahll od to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its kings, excerpt that you may carry off their plunder and livestock for yourselves. Set an ambush behind the city.'” (v. 1-2) “They will pursue us until we have lured them away from the city, for they will say, ‘They are running away from us as they did before.’ So when we flee from them, you are to rise up from ambush and take the city…Do what the Lord has commanded.” (v. 6-8) “Then the Lord said, ‘Hold out toward Ai the javelin that is in your hand, for into your hand I will deliver the city.’ So Joshua held out his javelin toward Ai. As soon as he did this, the men in the ambush rose quickly…and captured it.” (v. 18-19) “Twelve thousand men and women fell that day – all the people of Ai. For Joshua did not draw back the hand that held out his javelin until he had destroyed all who lived in Ai. But Israel did carry off for themselves the livestock and plunder of this city, as the Lord had instructed Joshua.” (v. 25-27) What God said to me: Dwayne, pay close attention to this passage today. Don’t assume that what you see at face value is all I have for you today. The greater lesson to be learned here is the spiritual side to this battle. I was involved and dictating every decision and moment throughout the battle. Joshua was giving orders that I, the true commander, was handing down to him. That is how you must live your life, Dwayne. You must never go into your day (which is yet another potential spiritual encounter with the dark side) without my leadership. You will be routed every time, just as was Israel the first time they attempted – on their own – to take Ai. Yet, when I gave to word to go up against them, when I promised ultimate victory, when the plan was executed according to my commands, the victory was complete and perfect. The enemy was played for fools. They were taken totally off guard, following my preconcieved lure. (That reminds me of a little situation my defeated foe found himself in 3 days after he had put my only and precious Son on a cross to die…) And yes, the javelin in the hand put forth hold great significance for you as well. Your family and those you help lead will need at times to see the javelin. They need to know and be assured you are leading them with confidence and toward victory. They need a clear sign about what to do and where to go. Be clear and direct. Be humble and seeking. Be victorious in the end, my son – for I am with you through life’s every battle. What I said to God: Thank You, my mighty Warrior and King. I so love sitting with You and listening at Your feet as You speak to me through Your written Word. What battles lie ahead today? Whatever they are, I know they are ultimately spiritual and that I and my family will win, if we listen and carefully obey our Commander in Chief, Jesus Christ.