40 So Joshua struck all the land, the hill country, the Negev (South country) and the loworland and the slopes [that descend to the Dead Sea] and all their kings. He left no surviv, but he utterly destroyed all who breathed, just as the Lord, the God of Israel, had commanded. Joshua 10:40
These chapters make me so uncomfortable and I am tempted to say where is the God of mercy who loves all mankind? These battles were fought at the command of the Lord. He had promised to strike down all the enemies of the children of Israel and He fulfilled His promise.
As I was agonizing over this today, the Lord spoke to my heart with a very convicting message. Joyce, you are so concerned about these ancient people who did not believe in me. You feel such compassion for these people and the slaughter they suffered, and yet you do not display that same compassion and distress over the unsaved around you. The same thing that happened to all these kings and kingdoms will happened to all who refuse to follow me, even today. I will continue to destroy the enemies of my people but in a very different way. I have made a way of escape, yet many do not know of it. Do you care enough to share with them the wonderful story of escape from the enemy of their souls?
Oh, Jesus, this is so hard to hear and so true! When we don’t know exactly how to approach this truth, but please make it plain to us and give us strength and courage to obey your call. Teach us, Lord, guide us and help us to use the sword of truth You have already given us to fight for the lost. It IS NOT Your will that any should perish. Help us, Jesus!
I know these passages are hard to read and understand. I don’t have the mind of a sovereign all-knowing God. I think He’s trying to show us how seriously He takes sin. And as you wrote, how we need to be praying for and sharing with the lost while there is still time.
LikeLike