SELF-INFLICTED WOUND

TEXT: JOSHUA 16:1-10
KEY VERSE “And they drave not out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer: but the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites unto this day, and serve under tribute” JOSHUA 16:10

A Christian leader once said, “Obedience to God’s word begins by being determined to make no compromise with His ways. It requires a clear understanding that God’s rules and laws are for your benefit and for you to do all you can to live by them.” Therefore obedience to God is not optional for the Christian. We are called to a life of total obedience.

By virtue of the blessing invoked on Joseph, his two children, Manasseh and Ephraim became full-fledged tribes like other children of Jacob. Ephraim was Jacob’s second born while Manasseh was the first born; yet Ephraim, the younger one featured more prominently in the records. Furthermore, the records show that the heritage of Ephraim was much and it extended into the portions of the children of Manasseh. The Ephraimites had the might to fight the Canaanites and they did. They even overcame them. But they did not drive out the enemies. Instead, they put them under tribute and turned them into slaves; thereby, disobeying the instruction of God not to cohabit with the Canaanites. The outcome of this foundational mistake was effectively captured by Hosea thus: “Ephraim, he hath mixed himself among the people; Ephraim is a cake not turned” (Hosea 7:8).

Christians who excuse sin for sundry reasons do so at the risk of their eternal destiny. Disobedience to clear instructions from God is a grave mistake that will eventually inflict incalculable damage on any individual. Make the right decision today and commit yourself to a lifetime of full obedience to God in keeping your spiritual heritage.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Obedience has no substitute.

BIBLE IN A YEAR: JOHN 19-21.

MEDITATION

Just a little disobedience

1. The commandment
   a. They were told to totally destroy the Canaanites Deuteronomy 7:1-4.
   b. The reason for the “harsh” commandment was given in Deut.7:4.
   c. Your enemy is the one that is bent on making you an enemy of God, either deliberately or otherwise, thereby sending you to eternal hell. You avoid and do spiritual distancing with such people.
   d. Observe that the reason for the commandment was for their good. You do yourself eternal disfavour when your obedience is partial.
2. The compromise Joshua 16:10.
   a. They modified or downplayed the commandment and left some undestroyed v10.
   b. It was not because the enemies were stronger. In fact Judges 1:28,29 was clear that Israel was stronger and could destroy the spared Canaanites if she wanted to.
   c. Why do you think they obeyed God partially? Sympathy for them? Business strategy to turn them to profitable labour? There will always be excuses. What are your own excuses?
   d. Why is it folly to think you are wiser or can outsmart God Who knows the end from the beginning?
3. The Curse
   Exactly what God said in Deuteronomy 7:4 happened. Their hearts were turned to idol worship and were eventually destroyed.
   Read I Samuel 15: 22-23 where God equated the “little disobedience” of Saul with witchcraft, iniquity and idol worship. 99% obedience is disobedience James 2:10. Beware of witchcraft under the self-deception of little disobedience
   God, I praise you because Your commandments are not grievous but for my good
   Lord, I repent of all partial obedience and promise to henceforth fully be obedient
   Lord, let your fear that takes every commandment with all seriousness be upon all your children, including youths and adults
   Lord, forgive us of our sins and heal our land from COVID-19

HYMN All to Jesus I surrender

1
All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.
Chorus
I surrender all,
Isurrender all.
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.
2
All to Jesus I surrender,
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken;
Take me, Jesus, take me now.
3
All to Jesus I surrender,
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel Thy Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.
4
All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power,
Let Thy blessing fall on me.
5
All to Jesus I surrender,
Now I feel the sacred flame.
Oh, the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory to His name!