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06Jos006.mp3
Commentary
Joshua 6
How many times has the Lord given specific instruction only to find the person follow loosely, and without regard to the exact detail? How many of that number would question why their prayer was not answered specifically as asked, or seemingly not answered at all? We should consider ourselves fortunate that we were able to see any sign of God answering our prayer request when we don't do what He instructs exactly as He instructs us to. When God gave Joshua exact instructions as to how Jericho is to be overcome, he didn't take a shortcut. He didn't simply decide within himself to change up the plan. Perhaps he could have went around the city a couple of times in one day, instead of only once. Perhaps he could have skipped a day... maybe his wife was sick that day? Maybe it was raining, and Joshua was so sure that God would understand the delay.
God is specific when He leads us. There are so many things that we don't understand, and sometimes we think that God is flexible in His plan; that we can be at liberty to modify His plan to meet our way of understanding. Can you stop for a second and ponder how ridiculous that is? The creator of all that is, leading the People to a destination that will put the People above all other nations in the world. To think that His way can be modified... it is unquestionable. We ought to consider ourselves fortunate that His wrath is not kindled in such that He would not only withdrawal the intended blessing, but that He would also smite us from off the earth, or to curse us with an awful curse.
If you or anyone would appeal to God for a desire or hope, would it be too much for you to do exactly as God has instructed so that you will receive exactly that which you seek? Heading down a straight line, the smallest modification will certainly take you off track, and at the end of it, the mark is nowhere to be seen. Your reaction would be something like, "Why didn't God answer my prayer?" or, "Did God hear my prayer at all?" The scripture says that we have not because we ask not or that we ask amiss. Even if we ask correctly, we still need to follow correctly. We still need to be in a position to receive that which we ask. For example, if I were to give you a car, could you receive it? Do you have a driver license? Can you afford the gas? What about the maintenance, or the insurance? If you don't qualify for the car, are you willing and able to meet the conditions? Are you willing to receive a host of changes in your life, so that you can align yourself with the blessing?
In this illustration, the person would need to make enough money to be able to afford this car. The person would need to be responsible so as to follow all of the safety regulations and courtesies of assertive driving. God don't just want you to be another driver. Often times He wants us to be above and beyond what the world expects of us, to reflect a reputation becoming of Him. He wants the world to recognize divine favor in you, and He wants us to be leaders and role models.
If our life appeals to people who don't know God, naturally they will inquire as to how they may obtain such richness in life. If the believer is not wealthy, and yet does appeal to others as being blessed, it is Gods light shining through us. It is not enough to believe that God will bless us in all that we do, we must also allow Him to lead us to an entirely new way, so that His glory can be revealed in it, and so that we can be ideal recipients of that which we ask or desire.
If this doesn't make any sense to you, try biting into an apple without any teeth. Your way will need to be altogether different than someone with teeth. One person may grind their apple down to sauce while someone else may cut small chunks to eat. This will depend upon what each person is capable of doing. Is a knife available to cut small chunks? Does a person have the tools needed to grind the apple down to a sauce?
The Israelites, as with us today, can receive that which they did not deserve, and to accomplish that which they cannot do without God. He will have us to do that which is not possible without Him, so that all will see who He is and what He will do for His own People. It is so very important to do exactly as instructed so that the result will be exactly as promised.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010pm
