January 7 - Joshua 10:16-28

January 7 - Joshua 10:16-28

16  These five kings fled and hid themselves in the cave at Makkedah.  17  And it was told to Joshua, “The five kings have been found, hidden in the cave at Makkedah.”  18  And Joshua said, “Roll large stones against the mouth of the cave and set men by it to guard them,  19  but do not stay there yourselves. Pursue your enemies; attack their rear guard. Do not let them enter their cities, for the LORD your God has given them into your hand.”  20  When Joshua and the sons of Israel had finished striking them with a great blow until they were wiped out, and when the remnant that remained of them had entered into the fortified cities,  21  then all the people returned safe to Joshua in the camp at Makkedah. Not a man moved his tongue against any of the people of Israel. 22  Then Joshua said, “Open the mouth of the cave and bring those five kings out to me from the cave.”  23  And they did so, and brought those five kings out to him from the cave, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon.  24  And when they brought those kings out to Joshua, Joshua summoned all the men of Israel and said to the chiefs of the men of war who had gone with him, “Come near; put your feet on the necks of these kings.” Then they came near and put their feet on their necks.  25  And Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid or dismayed; be strong and courageous. For thus the LORD will do to all your enemies against whom you fight.”  26  And afterward Joshua struck them and put them to death, and he hanged them on five trees. And they hung on the trees until evening.  27  But at the time of the going down of the sun, Joshua commanded, and they took them down from the trees and threw them into the cave where they had hidden themselves, and they set large stones against the mouth of the cave, which remain to this very day. 28  As for Makkedah, Joshua captured it on that day and struck it, and its king, with the edge of the sword. He devoted to destruction every person in it; he left none remaining. And he did to the king of Makkedah just as he had done to the king of Jericho.

 

Although there is much to be learned from this passage, the kings’ presence in the caves and large stones rolled over the opening struck me.  Remembering my experience in caves, I recall the darkness.

 

How must the kings have felt in utter darkness? 

 

Jesus is the Light of the World yet some of us remain in darkness or have dark areas in our lives.  How can you identify any areas where you can seek light from the darkness and commit to live 2024 in and with the Light? 

 

How will you reflect Christ’s light in our world?

 

Heavenly Father, I do want to be a light in this dark world.  It seems it just gets darker and darker, but I know much of it is because we know more what is going on in the world with our communication being more instant and media showing things that weren’t known before.  But I do believe the evil and darkness seems to grow at a rate that is unimaginable.  I know You aren’t surprised by anything that happens in this world.  I also know darkness cannot occupy space that has light, so I ask that You fill me up with Your light so I can share that light with the world.  I really want to make a difference in lives for You.  Please guide me how to do that.  Help me see those I can reach for You.  Help me make decisions that are eternal, not temporal.

 

In Jesus’ name.

Amen.