January 3 - Joshua 8:10-23

January 3 - Joshua 8:10-23

10  Joshua arose early in the morning and mustered the people and went up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai.  11  And all the fighting men who were with him went up and drew near before the city and encamped on the north side of Ai, with a ravine between them and Ai.  12  He took about 5,000 men and set them in ambush between Bethel and Ai, to the west of the city.  13  So they stationed the forces, the main encampment that was north of the city and its rear guard west of the city. But Joshua spent that night in the valley.  14  And as soon as the king of Ai saw this, he and all his people, the men of the city, hurried and went out early to the appointed place toward the Arabah to meet Israel in battle. But he did not know that there was an ambush against him behind the city.  15  And Joshua and all Israel pretended to be beaten before them and fled in the direction of the wilderness.  16  So all the people who were in the city were called together to pursue them, and as they pursued Joshua they were drawn away from the city.  17  Not a man was left in Ai or Bethel who did not go out after Israel. They left the city open and pursued Israel.  18  Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Stretch out the javelin that is in your hand toward Ai, for I will give it into your hand.” And Joshua stretched out the javelin that was in his hand toward the city.  19  And the men in the ambush rose quickly out of their place, and as soon as he had stretched out his hand, they ran and entered the city and captured it.

And they hurried to set the city on fire.  20  So when the men of Ai looked back, behold, the smoke of the city went up to heaven, and they had no power to flee this way or that, for the people who fled to the wilderness turned back against the pursuers.  21  And when Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambush had captured the city, and that the smoke of the city went up, then they turned back and struck down the men of Ai.  22  And the others came out from the city against them, so they were in the midst of Israel, some on this side, and some on that side. And Israel struck them down, until there was left none that survived or escaped.  23  But the king of Ai they took alive, and brought him near to Joshua.

 

Joshua stayed with his people during this important time of working to regain victory.  He showed the people he was their leader and did not leave them.  He also followed God’s instructions exactly and victory was in the hands of the Israelites.

 

Jesus is our Joshua.  He is always with us and goes before us in life.  Are you seeking Jesus to lead you in life’s decisions or are you trying to do it all on your own?  Jesus longs to guide and direct you.  Call upon Him today.  You are not alone.

 

Heavenly Father, as I read these verses and the thoughts Robin shared, I have to admit although I KNOW I am never alone and You are always with me, I don’t always FEEL that way.  That is how I know I can’t rely on how I feel to make decisions.  How often did the people of Israel make decisions based on how they felt?  How often do I?  Way too often, I’m sure.  I know You gave us emotions and You have a reason for everything You do, but I have to admit that this is a tough one for me.  Help me rely on You and what I know is Your truth, and not allow how I feel in a given moment or on a given day to cause me to make decisions that are not in Your will.  Thank You for loving me enough to help me see Your truth.

 

In Jesus’ name,

Amen!