Text: Joshua 16:1-10
The people of Israel were to destroy all the nations, cities, and people dwelling in Canaan. However, that was not done all at once, and it was not always because of their sin. God had reasons for having some enemies remain. Israel was not yet large enough to occupy the entire land at once. If they tried, the land could be ruined, and the wild animals could have become too many. Also, if some enemies remained, it would allow the next generation to learn warfare and to trust Yahweh for victory (Judg.3:2).
How grateful we should be that Jesus conquered all our enemies for us. But would it not have been great if we could have gone to be with Jesus on the very day we received Him as our Saviour? But if that happened, we would never learn; to walk with the Lord; to be strengthened and matured in our faith; to grow in our appreciation of what Jesus did for us; or to grow in our love for Jesus and our trust in Him. God has purposes for keeping you here. Persevere! Build your godly
character and hope (Rom 5:3-4).
Meditate on verse 10. What is God teaching you in this verse?
Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, drive out every evil intent from my life. Amen.