Much To Be Done

When Joshua was an old man, the LORD said to him, “You are growing old, and much land remains to be conquered. [Joshua 13.1]

For all the victories described in yesterday's OYCB reading, today God points out to Joshua there is still more to be done. Much had already been conquered, but much yet remained.

This seems to be the story of the Church. While we might look back and say, "Much has been done..." the fact remains, there is much yet to be done.

As long as we are living and breathing on earth, our work is not done. Until Jesus returns, the earth is in need of Him and His Gospel and we are under commission to bring it.

I want to point out a couple of parallels: 

God said, in Joshua 13.6, "“I myself will drive these people out of the land ahead of the Israelites."

Jesus said in Matthew 28.20, "And be sure of this: I am with you always..."

In other words, God is saying to His people, "I got this."

It is hard not to delve into what I know is coming for Israel... For, I know they struggle - things get complicated - a lot happens - victories will be difficult. But why?

Well, God said, and Jesus said, "I will be with You..." both assured victory. The Bible is clear that Israel 'rejected' God in embracing other gods. God will not "be with" divided loyalty! And, the record (of the Bible) supports that. It wasn't God's fault - it was Israel's.

So who's fault is it today when Christ followers do not experience victory in every battle?

I will leave that question to be meditated upon...

Father, help me purge my mind and my heart of any false notions that defeat and loss are any of Your doing. Help me to gauge my life by the victory I walk in (or don't) as to whether You are "with me." I realize, in this moment, how much more I need to repent...