Study:2::-

Preparation to Fight, Josh 4 & 5 - Part - 2

Nelson Thomas Mumbai

Review:
We have so far seen the significance of the two memorials erected soon after crossing river Jordan. One speaks of our death with Christ and the other speaks of our new life in Christ. Even though forty thousand men were ready to go for war, yet before they could fight and conquer the land, they had to fulfil few more requirements.
     Remember, God is never in a hurry. So, never be more zealous than God; doing His will is more important. Let's consider the second out of the five requirements the Israelites had to fulfil, teaching us how to prepare for our spiritual fight.
2. Circumcise the new generation, Josh. 5:2-9
What is circumcision? It involved cutting off of the foreskin of every male Israelite. Such a surgery before facing the enemies is not only painful, but even weakening them in the enemy territory, and thus dangerous indeed. (The Gen. 34:22-25 story of the killing of males of Shechem by Jacob's sons proves the risk involved.)
     Why did God insist circumcision at this juncture? If it was so important why did the Lord not talk about it earlier? Three possible reasons are there:
a. To renew the relationship, Gen. 17:6-14 (v. 7, 10)
Circumcision was a surgical sign of the Abrahamic covenant, v.11. Without this sign no claim can be made on the Promised Land which is based on the Abrahamic covenant, v8, 14.
     The Lord had already taught this truth to Moses earlier. Before he could work under the Abrahamic covenant - to deliver Israel - he had to observe it (Exo. 4:24-26). Yet he ignored it for the past many years.
Notice two things here:
     i. Godly leaders like Moses also could make mistakes. So, never follow any man blindly.
     ii. God's miraculous works are not necessarily a proof of our godliness.
The Lord protected and provided for them; even He divided Jordan for them. All these mighty works of God took place even as they were disobedient in this vital area. Some often say, 'God did this and that for me, that means He is pleased in my life'! Not necessarily.
     Now the time has come for the Lord to say to us, 'stop, enough; no more going forward, unless you correct this mistake'. Make a knife and cut off the foreskin, renew the relationship.
     God will allow us to continue for some time even if our relation with Him is not clear, but there will be a time, when He will stop us. We become unworthy for further progress. Because, more than activity - fight - the Lord values relationship (cf. Rev. 2:2-5).
     Let's pause and consider how our relation with Christ is? Do we simply assume that everything is alright because of the normal activities? Remember, activity is not spirituality. Let's make sure there is no disobedience in any area of life.
b. To remove reproach, Josh. 5:9
When they were in Egypt, the Israelites used to see the uncircumcised Egyptians as impure and abominable. Now they have become like the uncircumcised Egyptians. They were adopting the style, fashion, attitude, taste, practices, etc., of Egyptians now.
     The foreskin represents the remains of Egypt, that which should have been thrown away by now, they were still keeping with them. This reproach/shame should be removed before they can go forward to fight and conquer the land.
     We too often cling on to the lifestyle of the world and desire to move forward in Christian life. Many of the present generation whose forefathers were strict on spiritual separation, prefer to follow the style of the world. However total separation is necessary before God can bless and use us fully.
     He may allow us to continue for some time, even experience mighty things, but to fight successfully, possess the inheritance, and enjoy spiritual prosperity a higher level of holiness will be required. Examine and forsake what is against God’s word (cf. 2 Cor. 6:17, 18; 2 Tim. 2:4, 20–22; Heb. 12:1).
c. To remove self-confidence, Josh. 5:8c
Another possible reason for the Lord to insist circumcision at this stage is to render them weak enough to trust in the Lord alone for victory. After circumcision, they will be weak unable to move at the least for three days. If the enemy attacks at this moment, there is no other way but to simply trust God for protection.
     So, this could be a means to destroy their self-trust; because self-confidence could be a hindrance for spiritual fight. We need to acknowledge always that there is no good in us (Rom. 7:18, 19). The moment we trust our self; there begins our failure. Remember, it’s in our weakness the strength of the Lord is manifested, (2 Cor. 12:9, 10). G&A

NTK