VICTORIOUS CHRISTIAN LIFE – A Study: Part 10

The Israelites could not possess the land as soon as they crossed over the River Jordan. They have to fight against the inhabitants of Canaan before they can occupy the land. Even though the Lord has already given them the land, these enemies will not allow them to possess it. So, they have to conquer them first. Israel knew this, so they crossed the river well prepared for war, Jos. 4:13.
     Even when they journeyed through the wilderness, they had to face several enemies. But here, not only are the enemies more in number but also more frightened, aggressive and united (5:1; 11:1-5).
Fight Inevitable
There is a lesson for us in this. When we plan to go forward and appropriate all what the Lord has planned for us, evil forces with all their resources will work against us to frustrate our effort.
     Never forget, salvation is free, but victory and enjoyment of spiritual possession demand meticulous labor and real fight. The more we long to go forward, the more the enemy will fight, and the fight will be more severe.
     Often, we neglect this aspect. Many think, Christian life is very easy and entertaining.
Notice Apostle Paul's exhortations,
     "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil" (Eph. 6:11).
    "This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, .......you may wage the good warfare" (1Tim. 1:18).
    "You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ" (2Tim. 2:3).
How much are we aware and ready for this battle? How successful are we in this conflict?
     Sadly, many have been careless and seriously suffering as a result. But the Israelites were ready for battle - 40000 men. If the soldiers are ready, and the enemy too is gathered together against Israel and that too in the enemy territory, what shall Israel do now? Start the fight!
Not Ready Yet
But the Lord says, "Wait". You have to do something more before you will be ready to fight against the enemy to conquer their land and possess it. Remember, God is never in a hurry. It took around four thousand years to send the Seed of the woman to redeem man. Now more than two thousand years have passed since He ascended to Heaven, still the Lord is waiting to return.
     Our hurry often reveals our impatience and pride, and it ends up in waste. Let us slow down and listen to the still small voice of the Spirit. The Lord spoke through Isaiah, "In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength" (Isa. 30:15).
     Before rushing into action, make sure that we have fulfilled God's requirements. More than fight and activities, keeping faith and loyalty to the Lord are important.
     As far as Israelites were concerned, five things needed to take place before they could move forward and fight. All these five things teach us valuable lessons on how to prepare for our spiritual fight.
1. Erect two memorials, 4:2, 3, 9.
One in the midst of Jordan and the other in Gilgal, the first camping site.
Why memorials?
These had two objectives, one as a sign for the future generation (vs. 6, 7, 21, 22). The Lord wants the fathers to teach their children of the wonderful works of God, using this monument as a sign.
     But there was another objective, a testimony for the gentiles, (v. 24). Anyone who sees this huge heap of stones will remember the mighty works of Jehovah. Unbelievers must be challenged when they look at the mighty works of God for His people.
     Remember, earlier when Israel crossed over the Red Sea, there was no such command to erect a monument.
Notice the contrast:
At the Red Sea: There was no requirement from people; Moses said ‘stand still and see’ (Exo. 14:13). It was God's own work, on His own initiative. Whereas at Jordan: Many requirements were there like faith and obedience before the Lord would do a mighty work among them.
     One thing is obvious, crossing the Jordan was unique, and they should often remember it. What could be the spiritual meaning of these monuments?
a. Stones in the middle of Jordan, v.9
It was the place where the feet of the priests bearing the Ark stood, while the people crossed over. There, their self-life, rebellion, and wandering all came to a stop. The defeated, disobedient life of wilderness was buried there. Thus, it was the place of their death - death of the old man, self, etc. Crossing the Red Sea is a picture of Christ's death for us. On His own initiative, He died to redeem us; we have no part in that work other than believing it. But to enter into the rest and for possession, we also should recognize our death with Christ.
     That is what crossing the Jordan signifies - our death with Christ (2 Cor. 5:14). We don’t need to crucify ourselves to get rid of our flesh. God has already done it in Christ. We ought to be aware of this truth and yield to Christ (cf. Rom. 6:6, 11, 16).
     Each time Israel would see this monument, they would remember the end of their old life through Jordan. Similarly, we too should always think of not only Christ's death for us but our death with Him as well. Thus, we need to refuse to respond or yield to the old sin nature, (cf. Rom. 6:12; 2Cor. 4:10-12; Eph. 4:24; Col. 3:8-14; John 12:24).
     So, in preparation to fight, conquer and possess, we need to die to self—reckoning ourselves dead.
b. Stones at Gilgal, 4:20
Anybody can easily recognize the twelve smooth stones that were taken out of Jordan and placed at their first camping site. This heap of stones testifies Israelites’ new life. They not only died to their self-life but also got a new life in Gilgal. Israel had to ensure to remind themselves these things often (cf. Josh. 10:15, 43; 1Sam. 7:16).
     So it is in the life of a believer. Not only have we died with Christ but we are also alive in Christ (Rom. 6:11; Gal. 2:20; Col. 3:3, 4). To succeed in our spiritual battles, we need to keep both these aspects - death and new life - always in our mind (Rom. 6:13, 14; Eph. 1:19, 20; 4:24). G&P

To be continued (DV)

Victorious Christian Life - A Study: Part 10