Stay the Course
You were running a good race.
Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?
Galatians 5:7
Background
As noted in ETL Part 2, repetition in scripture should cause us as readers to take a closer look. Another element that should grab our attention in the Bible is contrasts. In the book, Living by the Book, the authors state, “The flip side of comparison is contrast–things that are unlike. We could say that in Bible study, as in love, opposites attract. At least they attract the eye of the observant reader.”
As we study the book of Joshua, we learn more about leadership when we observe what went right and what went wrong. It is also vital to observe the response of a healthy leader when things do go awry.
Obey with a Promise
Let’s take a step back and start with a comparison first. Psalm 1 and Joshua 1 contain overlapping themes. Psalm 1:3 NIV reads,
He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous, For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
Joshua 1:8 ends with
So that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
In the next two examples one sees Joshua’s humanness, but we also see his response and repentance to his mistakes as well.
But..
Read Joshua 7. It starts out with the word “but”. This is usually not a good sign! We find out about Achan’s sin, which we will discuss in a future devotional. For the moment concentrate on Joshua’s actions. The Israelites are confident after their conquest of Jericho, so confident that they make their own plans without consulting God (see verses 1-5).
Furthermore, it is interesting that in this case Joshua does not go into battle with them. Do you think he was tired? The book of Joshua often contains the phrase “Joshua rose early”. Maybe one day he just wanted to sleep in! Nevertheless, we see the army of Israel defeated at Ai. (Note that in every other battle after this, Joshua goes out with and leads the army. See Joshua 8:10, 10:7, 10:29-43, 11)
Single parents, do not let others or the world lead your family. Go out leading!
Joshua’s Response
Joshua has the right response to the army’s failed attempt to conquer Ai. He is grieved (see 7:6), and he goes directly to God. We will not be perfect parents, but when we get off track or see things going awry in our homes, we can follow Joshua’s lead. Go directly to God. God gives Joshua guidance on how to set things right. See verses 10 to 13 of chapter 7. God will give you guidance too.
The Second "But"...
Next, read chapter 9 about how the Gibeonites deceive the Israelites. Here we find another contrast as well as a response. The people of Gibeon are afraid of Israel so they cook up a ruse to deceive them. Looking like they had traveled from a far off land, they trick the Isralites into making a binding covenant with them.
The mistake? Israel did not consult God yet again. In fact, these words pierce my heart, it literally says in the NIV, they “did not inquire of the Lord.” The Message says, “The men of Israel looked them over and accepted the evidence. But they didn’t ask God about it.”
I want to grab Joshua by the shoulders and shake him! And I am sure some days God wants to grab me by the shoulders and shake me! How many times have I looked at things from a human perspective, jumped into an agreement or made a decision without inquiring of God? Check back to ETL 2 for further study on asking God for wisdom.
Joshua’s Response
Joshua is a true leader and a man of his word. Joshua takes responsibility for his mistakes. Let’s look at this response. Read verses 9:22-27. First, Joshua upholds the oath and saves the Gibeonites from the People of Israel who were angered at their trickery.
Reading further, in chapter 10:1-15, we then see Joshua defend and deliver the Gibeonites from enemy forces of the five Amorite kings who are coming to attack their city. Finish reading Chapter 10 to see how God is with Joshua in this battle.
Although Joshua made a mistake, he owned up to it. God never ceased to be with him. God even worked through his mistakes as Joshua honored the covenant he had made with the Gibeonites.
Take Away
Being ETL as a single parent does not mean we do not make mistakes. It does mean we are quick to repent when we make mistakes. We go to God, others and our children to make amends.
Reflection
- What decisions are before you now? Are you including God in your decisions?
- Where have you made choices without consulting God? Do you need to make amends or take responsibility for mistakes you have made?
Feel free to comment below.
Source: Living by the Book. Howard G. Hendricks, William D. Hendricks. Chicago : Moody Press, 1991.
Do you need a side to take to a potluck? Dressed Up Baked Beans will do the trick. This is a family recipe with credit given to my mom. Feel free to pass them onto your family! It’s a good thing to pass on.
Click here for the Recipe or visit the Recipe Page.