“And Joshua said, “Alas, Lord GOD, why have You brought this people over the Jordan at all—to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? Oh, that we had been content, and dwelt on the other side of the Jordan! O Lord, what shall I say when Israel turns its back before its enemies? For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land will hear it, and surround us, and cut off our name from the earth. Then what will You do for Your great name?”” (Joshua 7:7–9, NKJV) Several thoughts come to mind: It appears by what He said, that Joshua accuses God of not holding up to His word. His statement is similar to the complaining wanderers saying it would be better in Egypt. That woman you gave me - always deferring blame. Instead of asking God what or why this event occurred, blame was placed upon God. Jewish sages say, that when God told him about sin in the camp, he asked who. They relay that God did not squeal. They point to the fact that it is the Glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings to search out a matter - hence, the lots (see Deut 29:29 and Prov 25:2). We are investigative creatures. God is well aware. We thrive on discovery and learning for ourselves, but in our instant everything world, many do not realize the true benefit of diligence, building the character that makes the knowledge truly worthwhile. God told Him, after the cleansing of the camp, to take all the people of war with him and conquer Ai. The first time, he didnt appear to consult God, but sent spies, who, in their confidence of their previous win against Jericho, thought they could take the city with a small amount of people. Consulting God would have: 1)revealed the sin in the camp, 2)saved 36 lives, and 3)avoided the sin of blame shifting to God. How often have we been broadsided, going in our own strength and confidence, knowing we got this, all the while neglecting to consult the Lord of Hosts in the daily battle we address? So what can we stubborn goats learn from this?
Posted on: Sun, 10 Nov 2013 16:56:08 +0000
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