Read Deuteronomy 3:18-22 – “Then I commanded you at that time, saying: ‘The Lord your God has given you this land to possess. All you men of valor shall cross over armed before your brethren, the children of Israel. But your wives, your little ones, and your livestock (I know that you have much livestock) shall stay in your cities which I have given you, until the Lord has given rest to your brethren as to you, and they also possess the land which the Lord your God is giving them beyond the Jordan. Then each of you may return to his possession which I have given you.’ And I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, ‘Your eyes have seen all that the Lord your God has done to these two kings; so will the Lord do to all the kingdoms through which you pass. You must not fear them, for the Lord your God Himself fights for you.’” (NKJV)
No compromise. That’s what this awkward message from Moses is really all about. After defeating two kings on the east side of the Jordan, Moses reveals to Joshua and the people that God’s purpose is to use them to bring judgment on the wicked inhabitants of Canaan. There can be no compromise with the evil they will encounter. Total commitment is a lesson that’s hard to learn. We often think we’re there, but then the chance to give God less than our best arises, and we find ourselves sliding into ease rather than total commitment. The Bible is filled with such stories where people didn’t trust God fully and the results were disappointing. Don’t live only part of God’s purpose. Give Him your full energy and He will demonstrate His great purpose in your life too.
– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.
National Light for the Lost Day . May 6, 2012 . www.men.ag.org
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