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In more than three decades of my Christian life, I have been blest by 2 types of Daily devos'
(matter not exceeding 500 words) in universal Christian literature. Not only those Devos'
which have a different theme everyday but also the ones which revolve around a certain
theme over a period of time, say a fortnight, have richly edified me. In fact, both
styles have their own inherent advantages. If the former style caters to the varying
spiritual needs of a christian from day-to-day, the latter aims 'to ground'
a child of God in a certain subject in order he derives the full benefits of the
deep insightful study of a certain topic, spread over a fixed span of time.
In my Daily devo page, I have consciously tried to go in for 'a blend of both the
styles' whereby within a constant theme, I would be aiming to focus on different
facets of it which admittedly is a closer imitation of the 'Constant theme' style
than the 'Varying topics' one.
Having dwelt on the topic of Christian journey in the previous month, now in the month
of Febraury, I intend to focus on a monumental piece of Jewish history….the
Conquest of Canaan, with its particular relevance to modern day breed of
Christian spiritual warriors.
Once again, let me wish you a happy and an edifying read…
Suresh Manoharan
February 21st
Justified overconfidence?
When they returned to Joshua, they said, "Not all the people will have to go up
against Ai. Send two or three thousand men to take it and do not weary all the people, for only a few men are there."
- Joshua 7:3
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Ever since, the Israelites under the leadership of Moses, left Egypt and started marching towards the
promised land, in every war they fought on the other side of River Jordan (mostly in self defense-for
better understanding refer also Daily devo dated 16-1-08), they tasted success. Success courted them even
in their first military expedition in the Land of Canaan, what with the formidable city like Jericho also
crumbling before the Jewish juggernaut.
With such an impeccable track record of scoring so many victories behind them no wonder the scouts,
Joshua sent to spy the city of Ai (his next target) came back with a report oozing self confidence - a la Rocky
Marciano if you permit using a phrase borrowed from boxing parlance. According to them, City of Ai was just
there for the taking.
While it is not wrong to exhibit self-confidence, it is worthwhile to remember that, our confidence should
stem solely out of our right relationship with our Lord. It was right relationship with the Lord, which
guaranteed His presence amongst them that was instrumental to their military success, so far.
So even as they planned to attack and conquer Ai, was God’s presence with Joshua and his men?
As we shall see tomorrow, it tragically wasn’t, though Joshua was not personally responsible for a
spiritual goof-up in the Jewish camp.
Prayer:
Father, nothing we achieve in our lives is by our own talent. It is you, who crown our efforts with success.
Enable us to remember this at all times. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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