March 23, 2021

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The Lord Fights Our Battles

Joshua 5 and Joshua 6

Joshua 5 begins with the circumcision of the new generation and Passover. This new generation’s circumcision demonstrates Israel’s commitment to the covenant with the Lord.  

They celebrate Passover, reminding the new generation of the Lord’s redemption of Israel from bondage in Egypt. These rites serve as spiritual preparation in the hearts of Israel as they prepare for battle.

Joshua is approached by the commander of the army of the Lord. He tells Joshua to take off his sandals as he is standing on holy ground, linking Joshua to Moses’s divine encounter at the burning bush in Exodus 3:5

Joshua 6 describes the battle for Jericho and the unlikely rescue of a prostitute. The Lord instructed Joshua to march around the city of Jericho and upon hearing the priest’s trumpets sound, the people were to shout.

The walls fell, giving way for Israel to capture the city of Jericho. Everything was devoted to the Lord for destruction, except for Rahab and her family, because of her faithfulness to Israel. The destruction of Jericho represented God’s judgment on the wickedness of Canaan, and the Lord was with Joshua and Israel.

 Luke 3

John the Baptist begins to preach in the wilderness and crowds flock to hear what he has to say. He travels all over the region, proclaiming baptism as repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 

It has been 400 years since the people heard from a prophet so they were curious to see if this man is the Messiah, whom they have been waiting on for centuries. John responds to the people’s questions, stating he baptizes with water but the one coming is mightier than he and will baptize with the Holy Spirit. 

Jesus asks John to baptize him and Scripture notes that when he came up out of the water, the heavens opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him like a dove. The heavens parted and a voice from heaven stated, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased” (Luke 3:22). 

Luke shows how Jesus is God’s Son through his baptism, anointing by the Spirit, and genealogy traced back to Adam, the son of God.

Make it Personal
  • God prepared the Israelites for battle spiritually, in both heart and mind. How have you seen the Lord prepare you for battles of your own? 
  • Have you ever wondered if God is with you in a battle? How can you trust that although you don’t understand what He is doing, He is walking with you?
  • Baptism was first a Jewish ceremonial washing known as Mikveh. Check out this article from Jews for Jesus to understand more about what baptism meant in the days of John and Jesus. 

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