11/03/2020 - AS THE LORD HAD INSTRUCTED

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But Israel did carry off for themselves the livestock and plunder of this city, as the Lord had instructed Joshua.   Joshua 8:27

Joshua’s command to his people was accepted. In Jericho there was an unsuspecting man who, fascinated by wealth, was led by temptation and seized a wedge of gold and some silver. That rebellious attitude caused the children of Israel to be defeated by a tiny city. From then on they were to keep the commandment as the apple of their eyes.

Whoever believes in the Lord submits to Him from everyday things to things that can lead to eternal loss. The devil will look for a weakness in you or someone close to you to spread a feeling that defiles the Gospel. Don’t be like Judas Iscariot, the traitor of Jesus. He turned out to be bad, for in addition to the remorse he felt, he still acted like a coward.

In Jericho they could have nothing, not even a simple outfit. God said that the things of the enemy’s fortress were cursed and therefore should be burned. All who took part in that struggle were grounded in the Word and dared not lay their hands on the anathema except Achan, who took something of little value and was lost in a shameful death.

At Ai, the holy people were to take the city’s cattle and spoils — which included all kinds of desirable and useful articles. The rest had to be destroyed, and so it was done. The lesson of Jericho was still very much alive in the heart of the servants of the Most High. Therefore, they chose to respect the Lord. If one prevaricated, he would suffer the penalty of the Law.

The ordinance was not a whim of Joshua, but something from Above. Similarly, we do not have to make up rules to keep people under our control. Alas, it was small; In total, 12,000 people died. No citizen of that place was alive. God Himself described to Joshua how they should proceed, and by obedience they subdued the arrogant city. Hallelujah!

Be careful not to do God’s work according to your convenience. Flee from temptation! As a servant of the Most High, strive to be in the divine presence. Persevering to the end will be saved. In the same way, those who stand today until Jesus returns will be rewarded.

Be alert! Do not make room to the evil one. He is always around you, roaring like a lion, seeking whom he may swallow (1 Pet. 5: 8). What he wants most is to imprison him. The devil conspires against the lives of the saved. Watch and pray not to fall into temptation!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares