Joshua 11 & 12

We need to appreciate that the campaign of Joshua was not an easy feat. This had been going on for a long time, maybe even up to 7 years. So when Joshua 11 concludes with the phrase “The land had rest from war” it comes as a great relief for the people.

It might appear that the Christian life is like th - an easy rest. The reality is that as Christians we are at war. There's no escaping this fact as in the New Testament we are often referred to as soldiers for Christ. Our war is fought against the spiritual powers that grip our world. We ask the people of God have tasks to accomplish and there are dark forces that fight against us to try to destroy the kingdom of God.

We are at war

Our weapons in this war are not weapons of destruction. They are listed in Paul's letter to the Ephesians (6:10)

Our rest

We can, however, know rest in this war. Israel themselves found rest in many ways.

Rest from fear - God is on our side

Israel were completely outnumbered and out-gunned, and with that comes fear - a fear of defeat. It is a natural response!

Whilst there is every reason to fear, a call from God can give us rest like it gave Joshua rest. God didn't simply tell them to not be afraid and just move on - He told them how He would deliver them. He reminded them that He is bigger than any army they might stand against.

Use this to remind yourself that nothing in the world, or the spiritual beyond, can compare to our God. Ask yourself “How big is my God?” And you will find that nothing is bigger or greater than Him.

Rest comes from obedience

In our passage Joshua faithfully obeyed God's commands and God's promises. He still sent Israel out to fight and did all that God had instructed. Each experience so far in their conquest had given them the faith to trust and obey God in fighting this battle. Faith grows from evidence - the objective truths of God's word.

The list of kings

Chapter 12 provides a quite dry historical record of the kings that had been defeated. But it's deeper purpose is a record and celebration of what God has done. As your challenges pile up, remind yourself of what God has done so that you inspire and encourage your faith to keep going.

Eternal rest

Joshua and the Israelites’ rest was only temporary, but the writer to Hebrews speaks of the eternal rest found in our God and His promises.