Have you ever gotten yourself into a mess because you were sure that your way was the right way? Then when it was all said and done, you realized that your way was wrong. That is what happened with the Israelites in our story for today. Through their experience, we can learn how to follow God’s battle plan for our lives.
You will destroy them as you destroyed Jericho and its king. . . Set an ambush behind the town. Joshua 8:2
Let’s back pedal to the beginning of chapter 7 in Joshua. The Israelites had just defeated the city of Jericho. From there, Joshua sent some men to spy out the town of Ai. Here is what the spies reported.
There’s no need for all of us to go up there; it won’t take more than two or three thousand men to attack Ai. Since there are so few of them, don’t make all our people struggle to go up there. Joshua 7:3
In their arrogant confidence, 3000 men went to Ai to defeat them. Verse 5 tells us of the result.
The men of Ai chased the Israelites from the town gate as far as the quarries, and they killed about thirty-six who were retreating down the slope. The Israelites were paralyzed with fear at this turn of events, and their courage melted away. Joshua 7:5
It cost them the lives of three dozen men before they decided to check with the Lord. Joshua needed to deal with 2 issues before they could do anything else. These are also issues that we must continually deal with as well.
Clear the Way to Engage in God’s Battle Plan
The first one was the one that initially caused their problems. There was sin in the camp. God will always reveal sin to us and help us deal with it. That though is a subject for another writing. God, however, will always forgive us when we ask Him to.
When the sin in the camp was taken care of, they then inquired of the Lord for His battle plan. Fulfilling the second issue they needed to deal with, defeating the enemy. Under God’s guidance, His strategy was much different than theirs.
God’s battle plan taught the Israelites 2 valuable lessons. These are lessons that we also must take to heart to be victorious over the enemy.
- The first is, don’t take the enemy for granted.
- The second is, learn how the enemy will respond in a given situation.
They followed God’s battle plan completely. They offered the enemy the same scenario as before. This time they staged a few men who acted like they were running for their lives. They instead were leading the army of Ai to chase them away from the city. When far enough away, the rest of Joshua’s army conquered Ai.
Here is what we can learn to follow God’s battle plan for our lives. The group that distanced itself from the enemy represents you and me. The group that moved in for the battle itself represents God. His plan will set our enemy up for defeat every time.
Read a related post on victory in the Lord called God Has Given Us The Victory.
The Battle is the Lord’s
This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. You will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. 2 Chronicles 20:15,17
Check out these related posts.
- What is the Best Way To Experience God’s Power?
- God’s Plan For Us
- The Story Of The Fall Of Man
- What Is God’s Plan For Your Life?
- Be Strong And Courageous In The Lord
Lord, help us to stay in tune with you and follow your battle plan. Your plan will always result in our victory.
You would enjoy reading the cornerstone post on discipleship called How To Be An Effective Devoted Disciple Of Jesus
The book of Joshua is very interesting. You can read chapter 8 here
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