Continuations

For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth...Eph 5:9

looking at events preceding the conquest as recorded in the book of Joshua.

The first major battle to be waged in the land promised to God’s children is at the city of Jericho. It is here that we are introduced to a powerful character in the person of Rahab, the harlot. Key to our understanding of the use of the word “hornet” is her assessment of the children of God as they made their way to the Promised Land. In describing the attitude of the people in Jericho she said, “I know that the Lord has given you the land, that the terror of the Lord has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land are fainthearted because of you” (Joshua 2:9). We are not told how Rahab and the inhabitants of Jericho received that information. In the similar account recorded in Exodus 23, apparently an angel was sent ahead for the purpose of dispensing that information. We simply are not provided with enough information as to how the information was delivered to Rahab, but their terror indicates that they were informed and the effect that God intended was realized.

We must also note here that “the hornet” was not designed to remove the responsibility of God’s people to fight for their inheritance. God did say

that the victory would not be through the “sword or bow” of His people. This is not saying that they would do nothing. What it said is that it would be through God’s power that their enemies would fall rather than the military prowess of God’s people.

What does this mean for us today? I do not believe that God miraculously acts in such ways today. He does work through providence, but never violating the free agency of man. The news of the actions and victories of God can still “pave the way” for further victories. Our benevolent acts can open doors for evangelism in poor areas. The establishment and growth of the church, either at home or abroad, can call people’s attention to us and what is being accomplished as we faithfully comply with God’s will. As with God’s people in their conquests as recorded by Joshua, the victories will not be due to our strength or expertise in such matters. These victories will be the result of His people faithfully complying with His word and using the power of His gospel to save souls (Romans 1:16). May we continue to study our Bibles, apply those truths to our lives and seek to faithfully implement those truths as we labor in this world.

Pat McIntosh
(The Entrusted Word, Vol. 1, No. 3, Pg. 10)