December 23 – Joshua 5:1-9

December 23 – Joshua 5:1-9

5 As soon as all the kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan to the west, and all the kings of the Canaanites who were by the sea, heard that the Lord had dried up the waters of the Jordan for the people of Israel until they had crossed over, their hearts melted and there was no longer any spirit in them because of the people of Israel.

² At that time the Lord said to Joshua, “Make flint knives and circumcise the sons of Israel a second time.” ³ So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the sons of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth. ⁴ And this is the reason why Joshua circumcised them: all the males of the people who came out of Egypt, all the men of war, had died in the wilderness on the way after they had come out of Egypt. ⁵ Though all the people who came out had been circumcised, yet all the people who were born on the way in the wilderness after they had come out of Egypt had not been circumcised. ⁶ For the people of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, until all the nation, the men of war who came out of Egypt, perished, because they did not obey the voice of the Lord; the Lord swore to them that he would not let them see the land that the Lord had sworn to their fathers to give to us, a land flowing with milk and honey. ⁷ So it was their children, whom he raised up in their place, that Joshua circumcised. For they were uncircumcised, because they had not been circumcised on the way.

⁸ When the circumcising of the whole nation was finished, they remained in their places in the camp until they were healed. ⁹ And the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” And so the name of that place is called Gilga^] to this day.

The issue of circumcision for these men wasn’t really about them being circumcised as much as it was that they were being obedient.  Throughout their time in the wilderness the issues they had were due to disobedience.  When I think about it, all my issues are due to disobedience as well. 

Can you think of anything that comes between you and God other than your disobedience?

Why do you think God demands our complete obedience?

Heavenly Father, I know how I have created so many of my own problems with my stubborn disobedience.  I wish I understood myself why I struggle with being obedient.  I know You only want to protect me.  The rules You give are for our own protection and good, but we are so resistant.  I am so resistant.  Please forgive me for lacking faith as I know that disobedience is truly a sign of a lack of faith.  I believe, help me with my unbelief.

In Jesus’ name.

Amen!