DON’T SETTLE FOR PARTIAL VICTORY; BE FAITHFUL WITH WHAT YOU’VE GOT AND EXPERIENCE INCREASE

TODAY’S READING IN THE ONE YEAR BIBLE:

APRIL 18  -Joshua 16-18:28; Luke 19:1-27; Psalm 87:1-7; Proverbs 13:11

OLD TESTAMENT READING: JOSHUA 16-18:28-  In the first twelve chapters of the Book of Joshua we observe the Conquest of Canaan.  From Chapter 13 to the end, we see the tribes of Israel settling in the land of their inheritance.

Joshua’s success as a leader is only as effective as his obedience to the Word of God. The leader must be a good follower.

As it was prescribed for future kings in the law of Moses to write the law in the presence of the priests, we see Joshua demonstrating his relationship of public accountability to the Word of God when he writes it out before the people.

“He wrote there on the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he had written, in the presence of the sons of Israel.” (Joshua 8:32)

Joshua is in his nineties at this time. Although much of the inheritance has been claimed, there remain major pockets of land and strong cities under the control of the otherwise defeated Canaanites.  The cities of Jerusalem, Gezer and other cities are still occupied by the enemy. The Jebusites of Jerusalem will not be driven out until King David conquers the city four generations later!  (Joshua 15:63, 2 Sam 5:6-9)

The Lord says to Joshua, "You are old and advanced in years, and very much of the land remains to be possessed.” (Joshua 13:1)

How is it with your life? You have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Have you taken possession of what has been deeded to you? Are there some remaining pockets of resistance held by the enemy?  Satan has allies in the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life that help him maintain strongholds.  The Lord wants to give you the victory in those areas that are not yet fully yielded to him even as He gave you victory when He claimed your soul at Jericho!

How is it with your mission field? There are still some territories in our neighborhoods that need to be exposed to the light of the gospel.

Joshua knew that the great danger was that the people would settle down in “partial victory” content with the victories already gained.  Our testimony of conquest, (our having been justified by faith in Christ’s finished work of redemption) can blind us to the “unfinished work” in which we can experience Christ living in us for our sanctification. There is still territory that must come under His control as we are progressively conformed to His image. His gospel witness through us needs to be extended further in the world.

In Joshua 18 Joshua reminds the Israelites once again that there is more work to be done.

"How long will you put off entering to take possession of the land which the Lord, the God of your fathers, has given you? (Joshua 18:3-8)

Sometimes we complain of our lot in life. The sons of Joseph were unhappy with their assigned territory, thinking that it was too small for them.

Then the sons of Joseph spoke to Joshua, saying, "Why have you given me only one lot and one portion for an inheritance, since I am a numerous people whom the Lord has thus far blessed?"  (Joshua 17:14 )

Joshua’s answer was tactful. He does not diminish their greatness of size or felt need. First, he calls them to fully possess the land that they have been given (17:15). The children of Joseph make excuses as to why they have not driven out the enemy.  “They have chariots of iron” they complain.

Joshua said to them, "If you are a numerous people, go up to the forest and clear a place for yourself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the Rephaim, since the hill country of Ephraim is too narrow for you."

The tribes complain that the hill country is still not enough for them and the valleys are enemy territory.

Joshua assures them that they can clear the forest in the hills AND drive the enemy from the valleys.

^[17] Joshua spoke to the house of Joseph, to Ephraim and Manasseh, saying, "You are a numerous people and have great power; you shall not have one lot only, ^[18] but the hill country shall be yours. For though it is a forest, you shall clear it, and to its farthest borders it shall be yours; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, even though they have chariots of iron and though they are strong."  (Joshua 17:17-18)

Joshua knew the way that the children of Joseph (the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh) would become strong was to be faithful to the commission they had been given to drive out the enemy and fully possess what they had been given.  Then they will receive more.

This reminds us of what we read in the gospel of Luke today:

Luke 19:17     "And he said to him, 'Well done, good slave, because you have been faithful in a very little thing, you are to be in authority over ten cities.'

Pastor David

So, naturally, we proclaim Christ! We warn everyone we meet, and we teach everyone we can, all that we know about him, so that, if possible, we may bring every man up to his full maturity in Christ. (Colossians 1:28, J.B. Phillips paraphrase)

New Life Community Church, Concord, MA 10742

www.newlife.org

Meeting Sundays at 10:30 AM at the Emerson Umbrella for the Arts, 40 Stow Street, Concord MA

Mailing Address: Post Office Box Five, Concord, MA 01742

Church Offices: 35 Bypass Rd. Lincoln, MA 01773  978-369-0061