Let’s Make A Deal

Two mornings ago I was reading in the book of Joshua. The particular chapters were covering the “oh so exciting” divisions of the land allotted to each of the tribes of Israel. Though tedious and challenging for most of us, there are a few nuggets that are invaluable gems packed with spiritual implications. I came across two of those gems (verses) carefully tucked in by the Holy Spirit. Although I was familiar with this portion of God’s word and have even heard one of my favorite bible teachers, Alan Redpath expound on them, as was struck with a fresh sense of urgency and conviction.

God had in no uncertain terms promised His chosen people the Israelites, that their glorious deliverance from bondage, oppression and slavery in Egypt, would lead to an even greater destination. The Promised land would be the resting place for the Israelites full of blessings they had never experienced prior to their release. God initiated this promise to bless His people and give them every opportunity to flourish and thrive. The purpose however was to be a people set apart on this earth to be a light to the surrounding nations and a testimony to Yahweh!

God’s promise would stand but there was a caveat. The people of God would have to do battle. The Lord made it very clear through Moses’ repeated warnings that driving out the enemy who up until that time was occupying the land, was essential in order for His people to experience the fulness of His blessing (Deuteronomy 20:16-18). 

Unfortunately God’s people did not live up to their part of the agreement. Listen to how the people set apart for God made a bargain with the enemy.

But they did not drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer, so the Canaanites live in the midst of Ephraim to this day, and they became forced laborers. (Joshua 16:10).

The same sin is repeated in Joshua 17.  By the time you get to the book of Judges the opening chapters tell the unfortunate truth of just how allowing the enemy to remain in the land diminished the quality, quantity and robust blessings the Lord had intended for His people. Rather than driving out the enemy, God’s people said, “let’s make a deal.” As a result, the Israelites would find themselves back in the very misery that the Lord had once delivered them from.

Have we given ourselves over to these voices that say, “a little bit is not as bad as”… or, “just once in awhile is okay”? Before we know it we have become calloused to the conviction we once felt and the enemy is living comfortably in our midst.

Ladies, we cannot give up or give in to those areas of sin that we think we can manage. You and I cannot make a deal with the enemy, our flesh or the world. We must be vigilant about the battle but not in our own strength! God’s word reminds us that through our Lord Jesus Christ we have every provision possible not only to wage war against the enemy but to be victorious.

God help us to be…

Alert 1Peter 5:8 “Be if sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” 

Submitted James 4:7-8 “Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”

 Armed  Ephesians 6:10-13 Amp “In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might. 11 Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places. 13 Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious].

Active (intentional) Ephesians 4:21-24 ” if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, 22 that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, 23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.

Lord, thank you that Your mercies are new every morning! Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Help me to drive out the enemy that I have allowed to occupy certain areas of my life. Be willing Jesus to make Your redeeming grace and glory shine through me once again.