Joshua 7:3 When they returned to Joshua, they said, “Not all the army will have to go up against Ai…for only a few people live there.”
I can’t decide if the Israelites just think they are invincible since God told them repeatedly that He is giving them this land flowing with milk and honey or if they are just so full of themselves from the astounding and unheard of victory at Jericho. Regardless, it seems like they totally left God out of their Ai attack plans, and the result was devastating. Not only did they realize they weren’t invincible, but they also realized one of them had sinned against God, rousing His anger.
Joshua 7:4-5a So about three thousand went up; but they were routed by the men of Ai, who killed about thirty-six of them….
It is easy to sit in judgment of their behavior, but I’m guilty of getting a bit big for my britches, too. I’m guilty of backing off of my seeking and talking with Christ when I don’t feel the deep need of crisis. I’m trying to get better about living the saying, “May I never forget, on my best day, that I need God as desperately as I did on my worst day.” I’m slowly getting more mindful, but it’s definitely a process.
Joshua 7:5b …They chased the Israelites from the city gate…and struck them down on the slopes….
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for my deep need for Your presence in my life. Help me to seek You and to know You better with every passing day. Help me to understand my deep need for You always. Draw me closer. Amen.
Joshua 7:5c At this the hearts of the people melted in fear and became like water.
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.