Returning to the will of God
Author
Faustino de Jesús Zamora Vargas
Summary: The story of Joshua teaches us that when we return to God's plans, we find safety and solid ground. We must remember that God's promises come with sacrifices, consecration, holiness, and obedience. The church must also remember that its plans should come from God's vision and be based on keeping His word. We may face tests and trials, but refocusing on God's word and obeying His commands will lead us to victory. We must always remember to praise and appreciate God after victories and make His word the foundation and Jesus the center of our spiritual journey.
When we return to God's plans, the Christian life is safe and solid. Joshua learned his lesson, humbled himself before the Lord (Joshua 7.6) and refocused his mission to accompany the people as a military and spiritual leader. Today we do not tear the clothes or cover the body with sackcloth to show the shame that our sinful acts bring. But the Lord does not ignore the repentant heart that declares the arbitrariness of its acts. Jesus is the path. To return to the path recognizing that we are weak and that we need him so as not to lose the sense of divine direction, he is intelligent and wise.
The church makes evangelism plans to fulfill the Great Commission, but often forgets that mission comes from God and is from God. The church plan starts from his vision. The strategy rests on keeping and keeping your word. Then, and only then, can the triumph be complete.
The term promise is misinterpreted quite often. God promises, but demands sacrifices, demands consecration, calls for holiness, urges obedience. The promises are not free and easy to reach. The Christian life is not the Garden of Eden, but an adventure of conquests with God before him, trusting in his word, obeying his precepts, imitating Christ.
Joshua returned to battle against the city of Ai. This time he would not be blinded by the fame gained since the victory at Jericho. Now he was accompanied by a renewed feeling of gratitude to the Lord and a burning desire to obey his orders. He organized the forces and followed God's plan. When Joshua extended his spear toward Ai (Joshua 8:18) at God's command, the people knew that victory was guaranteed. Everything was done according to his will.
The Lord inspires dreams and visions in today's leaders, but they are not achieved without divine direction, they are not fulfilled if there is no organization and discipline, they are not achieved without laying the foundation of His Word. And what should be the attitude after a victory? Joshua made an altar and offered sacrifices (Joshua 8.30). The church should do nothing less than praise you and express its appreciation. Joshua wrote a copy of the book of the law and read it to all the people after the victory. The church must not forget that the word of God is the foundation and Jesus the center of its realization as a spiritual body.
God often leads us to certain “Ai-type” events to test our faithfulness and measure our obedience. We need to refocus on his Word over and over again. The victories in Christ must renew in his church the passion of the first love, the enthusiasm to reintegrate ourselves into his will. Obedience provides direction for posterity and the future of the body of Christ, instills courage, and affirms its strengths. "Hai" is always reconquerable. We can get back on track, we can do the Lord's will, we can remove the sin that immobilizes us and finally, we can count on the permanent presence of the faithful and merciful God.
God bless your Word!
Suggested Reading: Joshua 8