Ten times the children of Israel slandered the Lord in their rescue from Egypt. Horrid words exposing their unbelief… “Why has the Lord brought us into this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and children should be a prey?” Out of all the slander against the Lord, only Joshua and Caleb remained faithful among the appointed leaders of each tribe.
But there is a shocking occurrence in Joshua’s life. After forty years of faith, Israel was smitten by a little town called “Ai”. It was so surprising that Joshua tore his clothes, fell on his face before the Lord, and prayed… “Alas, O Lord God! Why have You at all brought this people over Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us?” – (Joshua 7:7). But the Lord wasn’t having it. He said, “Get Up! … Israel has sinned.”
Defeat is never because God failed. Victories are not won with secret sins in the camp, nor are prayers heard with secret sins in the heart. Holiness - not weapons, wisdom, or numbers - is power. When Israel put away the sin, victory was assured, no matter how big, strong, or clever the foe.
Our nations have tolerated things that God has cursed and pretended like it doesn’t matter. Now many are on their faces before God saying, “Why have YOU brought us here?” I can hear Him say, “Get up! _____________ has sinned! Go organize a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land, and cry to the Lord… turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Rend your hearts and not your garments… and I will fight for you.”
And all flesh shall see the salvation of our God.
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