Complete Victory

Text: Joshua 10:16-28 Theme: God’s gives complete and thorough victory to His children. Key verses: “Joshua and the Israelites destroyed them completely – almost to a man…The whole army then returned safely to Joshua in the camp at Makkedah, and no one uttered a word against the Israelites.” (v. 20-21) “Joshua said, ‘Open the mouth of the cave and bring those five kings out of the cave…he summoned all the men of Israel and said to the army commanders who had come with him. ‘Come here and put your feet on the necks of these kings.’ So they came forward and placed their feet on their necks. Joshua said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the Lord will do to all the enemies you are going to fight.’ Then Joshua struck and killed the kings and hung them on five trees…” What God said to me: Dwayne, some would look at this scene and say that Joshua should have shown mercy on these kings. Afterall they were now helpless without their armies. Yet, to not destroy them would have meant disobeying me and not finishing their task. Those kings represented the very evil and wickedness I was determined to stamp out as my people moved into their new land I had given them. Joshua took advantage of that moment to encourage his commanders and expand their vision for what was to come. As long as I gave the go-ahead and assured the victory, there was no one who could stand in their way of complete victory. Mercy? Showing mercy is determined by me and given through me. Your job is to follow my command and finish each step of my plan. What I said to God: Thank You, Lord, for this time of vacationing relaxation with my family. I praise You for Your Word and Your voice to me today. I am not sure how what I’ve read today should be applied. But I want to be faithful and read and listen. One thing I can glean from this scene is the importance of finishing my job and doing what You have assigned to me – even if that task seems cruel and disagreeable. Help me not let my guard down while I’m in this relaxed, vacationing mode. My commitment to You never takes a vacation!