Convo with Pastor - Joshua 13:1, 6

When Joshua was an old man,

the LORD said to him,

"You are growing old, and

much land remains to be conquered. ...

I will drive these people out of

the land for the Israelites."

Joshua 13:1,6

 

I think it was important that Joshua was growing old. Why? So Israel would notice the frailties of the elderly man and would attribute their victories to God rather than any human.

 

When things go right, human beings always like to assume credit.

 

The ever-present temptation is to put ourselves on the throne. And if you doubt that, read the verses that lead into today's lesson: "These are the kings Israel defeated:

The king of Jericho

The king of Ai, near Bethel 

The king of Jerusalem

The king of Hebron 

The king of Jarmuth

The king of Lachish 

The king of Eglon

The king of Gezer 

The king of Debir

The king of Geder 

The king of Hormah

The king of Arad 

The king of Libnah

The king of Adullam 

The king of Makkedah

The king of Bethel 

The king of Tappuah

The king of Hepher 

The king of Aphek

The king of Lasharon 

The king of Madon

The king of Hazor 

The king of Shimron-meron

The king of Acshaph 

The king of Taanach

The king of Megiddo 

The king of Kedesh

The king of Jokneam in Carmel 

The king of Dor in the city of Naphoth-dor

The king of Goyim in Gilgal 

The king of Tirzah.

In all, thirty-one kings and

their cities were destroyed."

Joshua 12:8-14

When we think of kings, we think of monarchs ruling over huge empires. These guys were mayors of mostly middling cities. But it just goes to show you that we like to think of ourselves on the throne.

 

In fact, read the first line of that quote and compare it to the truth from our verse for today: "These are the kings that who defeated"? We like to sit on the throne. We like to claim responsibility for successes. It was and is God who is victorious. And our strength comes from partnering with him.

 

In Christ's Love,

a weak man who knows how to be strong

(and the only thing I need to exercise is my faith)

-------------------------

From that verse, I get the sense of God taking care of Joshua.  You are growing old so I will drive the people out.  Joshua is getting older and weaker, yet God is taking care of him. God will make sure the Israelites are safe and secure so Joshua can be at peace.  

Likewise, God takes care of us. He knows just how weak we are and just what we need. If we rely on him, he will take care of us ... in every imaginable way.