Victory in Jesus
Today's Verse:
And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them. ~Joshua 10:24
The theme of the Book of Joshua is the victorious Christian life. When a sinner gets saved, he is brought into a life of victory. “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” We walk by faith and not by sight. Faith is the eye lens and the holy inspiration that enables us to move forward and to conquer the enemies that are before us. We must remember that we fight in victory, not for victory. Every child of God is more than a conqueror through the Lord Jesus Christ. Our Scripture this morning takes us to the place of a major victory that Joshua and his men accomplished. He told the captains of his men of war, “Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings.” What a powerful picture of the position that God has placed us in. God calls upon each of us to put our feet upon the necks of the spiritual enemies who seek to overthrow us.
We see the promise for victory.
When the beckon came to Joshua to help the Gibeonites, the Lord gave Joshua an assuring promise. “And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear them not: for I have delivered them into thine hand; there shall not a man of them stand before thee.” Once again, the Lord gave Joshua complete assurance that the victory was his. As we read our Bible every day, let us give special attention to the promises that God gives us for victory. Preceding each promise are two comforting words: fear not. The victory is from the Lord and not from our strength.
We see the pursuit in victory.
Joshua had to ascend from the plains of Gilgal to the rugged mountains where these Amorite kings lived. No victory is possible without an ascent. Going uphill is demanding and results in shortness of breath. Battling the enemy on narrow, unpaved roads filled with rocks and boulders and the possibility of falling to one’s death is intimidating. However, Joshua knew these were the risks. He set in his mind that the risks would not deter him from battling the enemies with a spirit of courage. Be courageous in battle. Climb the steep passageways. Pursue the enemy. Meet the enemy head-on, and remember the victory is yours.
We see the prayer for victory.
Joshua soundly defeated the enemy on their turf. As they fled for safety, he followed after them in hot pursuit. He was moved with urgency to win the battle that day. As the sun started to set, he prayed for something no one has ever asked for before him, nor has anyone asked for after him. He prayed for God to hold the sun still for a whole day. God answered this prayer! There was never anything that ever had occurred like this before. Spiritual victories are won in prayer. Our praying must be daring, dynamic, and doubtless.
We see the performance in victory.
Joshua told his captains to place their feet upon the necks of these five kings. That sight was a great inspiration. It told these captains and men of war, "The victory is yours." Put your feet on the necks of the enemy. Let it be known that you are more than a conqueror through Christ.
Go forward with your Bible in your hand and knees ready to bend in prayer. You are victorious through Jesus!
Have a victorious God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Joshua 12-15