“The Canaanites and the other people of the country will hear about this and they will surround us and wipe out our name from the earth.  What then will you do for Your Own GREAT NAME?”  Joshua 7:9

 Currently, I am enjoying a fantastic Bible study on Joshua as he leads the Israelites into the promised land.  I thought I knew the stories fairly well, but I had no idea what the Lord was going to impress on me for my own journey through the “wilderness.”  The Israelites had so many conflicting emotions, they were both fearful and bold, apprehensive and strong, believing God yet relying on their own strength, but in every situation, God showed Himself strong!

Joshua and the armies of Israel were overconfident as they approached the small walled city of Ai.  The spies sent to check out the city came back and said only a few men would have to go up against them.  “Only 2-3 thousand are needed to take the city.  Don’t weary all the people for only a few men are within the city walls,” they said.  So only a few went up to fight the enemy and the men of Israel were soundly defeated.  Thirty-six men were killed and the rest were chased away by the army of Ai.  The people’s hearts “melted and became like water.”  This took place shortly after their enormous victory at Jericho!  The people hadn’t inquired of the Lord, they thought they could win a victory in their own strength.  We are ready to forget 10,000 mercies in the face of one difficulty!

Joshua tore his clothes and fell face down before the Ark of the Lord.  Then the “if only” began.  If only we had stayed on the other side of the Jordan!  The Canaanites will hear about this and wipe us from the earth!    Then Joshua said, “What then will you do for your own great name?”  WOW!  He was more concerned with the Lord’s Own Great Name than he was with the plight of the Israelites!  Israel needed to repent, there was sin in the camp and it had to be taken care of.

Joshua 8 explains God’s plans for taking the city of Ai and they were very different from the destruction of Jericho.  This time, they were to set an ambush, draw the enemy out of the city, then turn and attack.  The Lord gave them a great victory and they were able to keep the livestock and plunder, as the Lord instructed Joshua.  Isn’t it wonderful how the Lord uses different means to draw us to Himself, gently nudging us in one direction, leading us strongly on a certain path, or telling us quietly to wait?

The phrase “your own great name” really impressed me.  I did a search of that phrase and there are hundreds of references to God’s “great name” in the Bible.  The Lord desires for His name to be honored.  I thought in my own life, am I as concerned about reflecting Jesus and being conscious of pleasing Him for His great and awesome name?  Everything we do and everything we say should bring honor to God.  Unbelievers watch us to see how we will live our lives.  Believers also watch us.  Do those coming behind see us as an inspiration or a discouragement?  “We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.  We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned, struck down, but not destroyed.  We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.”  2 Corinthians 4:7-10

DISPLAY JESUS!

Your friend, Jean