24/01/2024 - THE KING’S ORDER

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So the king of Jericho sent to Rahab, saying, “Bring out the men who have come to you, who have entered your house, for they have come to search out all the country.”  Joshua 2.3

The king of Jericho must have been furious when he heard that some of the men of Israel had gone to Rahab’s brothel. He did not ask her if they were there by any chance, but as if it were a decree, he ordered her to send them away. That house would be the last place they could be, because they feared the Lord. However, since all things work together for good to those who love God (Romans 8:28), they were taken there.

In times of war, a combatant, needs to be in an unsuspected position for the enemy. We are fighting against the forces of evil, so we can also be led to undesirable places. As there are lost people everywhere, the Spirit of God can lead us into dark regions to bear witness to the Truth and rescue souls. Be a servant with fear!

People can also come to us with problems that are difficult to solve and, when they open their hearts, tell us exciting things. However, never allow yourself to be tempted, because it is unacceptable for a soldier to make such an agreement with the enemy. We cannot betray our God and Father. Therefore, stay alert not to disappoint the One who has prepared you for the good fight. By believing, you win!

Apparently, the king’s watchmen were more skillful than Joshua’s, but that wasn’t the final truth. If God is guiding our steps, why try to understand the events that happen along the way? Do not look down on anyone or let yourself be overwhelmed by any temptation; stand firm and fight against the kingdom of darkness in all the devil’s onslaughts against you. Never grow weary while doing good (Galatians 6:9), rebuking the enemy.

After receiving news that some strange people had been followed and their attitudes were not good, the king gathered information from his agents and, once the suspicion was confirmed, ordered the capture of the daring intruders.  You cannot hide from everyone’s eyes. When a servant of the Lord goes astray, there will be people who will know unbelievable things, like denying faith in Christ. Because we are the letters to be read by the lost, we will always be sought after (2 Corinthians 3:1-3)!

Today, there are modern ways of spying on another country. However, at that time, technology was different. They didn’t have the resources of today, and the men of Jericho weren’t wise, but they made every effort to defend their territory as best they could. The news of the Israelites’ presence in Rahab’s house reached the king’s ears. So, the ruler sent his messengers there, ordering them to capture the invaders.

When they knocked on the door and gave the king’s warning, Rahab was in danger. The messengers could have used force to get Jericho’s adversaries out of that house. How did the spies feel after they heard how the king’s emissaries spoke to Rahab? Did God help Joshua’s envoys? We will see that in the next lesson!

In Christ, with love,

R.R. Soares