Day 85, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Joshua 7–9
Trouble; How to Handle it
Nobody wants trouble, but everyone experiences it. Troubles that come from outside our influence are challenges to overcome with God's help. However, troubles that come from issues inside our family, business, school, or other organization can be devastating if not dealt with as soon as possible. We must pray for wisdom from God, and if needed, seek immediate counsel and then act! How do we handle trouble? Today's Bible study will help us with this.
Trouble in the Ranks
The Israelites aren't in the Promised Land of Canaan long before there's trouble. They feel confident about their victory over Jericho, although the LORD won the battle. They did little except march around the city, blow trumpets, shout, and then rush in—the LORD knocked down the walls.
The next battle, Ai, is an embarrassing loss for Israel. What happened? There was trouble within Israel's ranks—there was sin in the camp. Against the LORD's specific instructions, Achan, a brother Israelite, stole treasures from Jericho, treasures devoted to destruction. Here are some lessons we can learn from this defeat (Joshua 7:1-15):
• Trouble can come in little packages; they're not always seen.
• God is holy and just. He punishes sin—he doesn't overlook it.
• Sin affects others besides us.
• It's important to obey God even in the little things.
We must confess and forsake our sins, so the LORD can restore our relationship and give us victory. God offers us forgiveness, peace, spiritual life, and his favor. (more)After the embarrassing defeat at Ai, the Israelite leaders stone Achan and his family to death and burn their possessions. Then, God restores the relationship and his favor to Israel.
A Winning Battle Plan
The LORD knows Joshua and all of the Israelites need their confidence back, so he gives them a winning battle plan. God commands Joshua to call out the entire Israeli force. Then Joshua sets up an ambush to burn Ai's city when the soldiers leave it to pursue Israel's army. Her main army flees to lure Ai's army away from the city. When the Israelites see the smoke of the ambush's fire, they reverse their retreat and win the victory.
Notice the instructions for the looting of this city differ from those of the previous battle against Jericho (Joshua 8:2). This time, the Israelites can keep much of it. If only Achan had been faithful and waited on God, then the LORD would have allowed him to keep some treasures.
Here is a lesson for us: we should be patient and obedient. The LORD will provide all we need and even many things we desire if we wait on him. Let's not steal or have a “credit card” mentality—we shouldn't force things to happen. If we wait on the LORD, we find he's good. He rewards those who wait patiently for him.
After the conquest of Ai, Joshua builds an altar for worship and sacrifices. Then he leads Israel in recommitting themselves to the LORD (Joshua 8:32-35). On stone slabs, he copies the complete Law of Moses (probably the book of Deuteronomy) in the presence of all the Israelites. Afterward, to fulfill the covenant (Deuteronomy 11:26-30). the Levites read all the Law with its blessings and curses on the mountains of Gerizim and Ebal. Joshua leads the people to obey the LORD in everything and in every way. He leads them with righteousness, respect, and honor for God. He knows the Rock of Israel is their confidence.
In times of trouble, God can be our Rock. A good spiritual leader will lead his family, church, or other organization to worship and obey the LORD.
Trouble Outside Our Influence
When the kings in Canaan hear what was done to Jericho and Ai, they band together to fight Israel.
However, when the people of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, they resorted to a ruse: They went as a delegation whose donkeys were loaded with worn-out sacks and old wineskins, cracked and mended. The men put worn and patched sandals on their feet and wore old clothes. All the bread of their food supply was dry and moldy. Then they went to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal and said to him and the men of Israel, “We have come from a distant country; make a treaty with us.” (Joshua 9:3-6, NIV)
Joshua and the people believe their convincing story but don't seek the LORD's counsel. Israel grants the peace treaty and then discovers the Gibeonites tricked them. Because they made an oath to them, however, they are honor-bound to keep it. To make the best of an unpleasant situation, they put the Gibeonites into forced labor, carrying wood and water. This foreign kingdom becomes a burden to the Israelites. Now, they must defend not only their own people but the Gibeonites as well.
Here is another lesson for us: We may or may not detect trouble from outside sources. However, when it comes, we should seek the counsel of the LORD on everything questionable. We should seek the LORD's counsel to avoid being deceived and suffering negative consequences.
Focus Verse
Psalm 37:3 (NIV) “Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.”
Here is a video that goes with today's Bible study. Start at 10:22 mark and stop at 12:52.
Discussion
What should we do when we experience trouble outside our ranks (sphere of influence)? Examples: Corrupt politicians in other states, or persecution of Christians in other countries.
What should we do when we experience trouble within our ranks (family, business, school, or other organization)? Examples: lying and hiding, or abuse
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to me, Rod, the author
Looking Ahead: When we deal with sin and obey the LORD, we can have a Winning season in our life. Would you like to win? Join us for our Next Lesson.
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