Click to read Joshua 5
Synopsis
The generation of Israel then were all born out of Egypt. The males had not been circumcised according to the Abrahamic covenant. This rite was important as it marked Israel's position as God's covenant people. Circumcision for God's people, unlike other culture who saw it as an entry into adulthood, was used as sign of following God. It signified the cutting off the old life and beginning a new one with God. That was why God instructed the new generation to go through the rite before taking the Promised Land.
40 years ago, the Israelites were frighten of the Ammonites and Canaanites. This time, it was the opposite (v1). Hearing the exploits of Israel with God's leading them was enough to cause fear in the Ammonite and Canaanite camps. And true enough, Israel was led into the battle by the angel of the Lord (v13-15).
Major verses
V1 - When the enemies heard about the power of God in leading Israel in their battles and especially with the crossing of the River Jordan on dry land, their hearts melted.
What I learnt - Our enemies will be overwhelmed when they know that it is God who is behind us. Let us not forget ourselves, that God is behind us and assures us of victory always.
V2-9 - The circumcision was to allow the nation to declare that they are leaving their old lives and to entering in to the new ones with God. Once the rite was over, God declared that He had rolled away the reproach of Egypt from them, thus assuring them of a new way ahead.
What I learnt - While we are not bound by the Abrahamic covenant that require all males to be circumcised, we are bound by a higher and better covenant with Jesus Christ. Still and more importantly, we need to circumcise our hearts and declare that we have a new life in Christ.
V10-12 - This was the third passover celebration the Israel was having since they left Egypt. The first one was filled with fear as the angel of death passed over them while still in Egypt. The second was at the foot of Mount Sinai 39 years ago. This one was the first celebration in the Promised Land. It was filled with joy. Also, with this act, God stopped providing manna to the nation as they could stay to enjoy the produce of the Promised Land, which were ready for planting and harvesting.
What I learnt - While God will take care of us when we are in need, prayer is not an alternative to preparation and faith is not an alternative to work. While God can and always does provide miraculously for His people, He also expects them to use their God-given talents, abilities and resouces to provide for themselves. We need to depend on God, but we must not be lazy.
V13-15 - The angel of the Lord came to lead the people into battle. Although Joshua was the leader of the people, he also knew how to respect Godly authority over him. He demonstrated this by falling face down in reverence and acknowledging God's leadership.
What I learnt - We must always respect Godly authority over our lives and in so doing, we affirm our reverence for the Lord Himself.
Summary
We need to circumcise our heart and separate our life for Him. The Lord wants to lead us into victory always. He expects us to revere and trust Him and act according to the abilities and resources that He had given to us.
Next up
The battle for Jericho begins in Joshua 6 and much can be learnt on how the Israelite fought the battle. Watch out for it ... coming on 1 Jan 07 - what a wonderful way to start the New Year!
No comments:
Post a Comment