Scripture
Joshua 23:10-“One of you routs a thousand, because the LORD your God fights for you, just as he promised."
Observation
At first glance at this verse, I can’t help think #mambamentality. Yes, another Kobe observation. One routs a thousand, that’s a Kobe thing. But that thought process is quickly extinguished by the second part of the verse. One routs a thousand, not because of a win at all cost mentality, but because of the Lord our God.
As Joshua speaks to the people in a season of rest, he wraps up part 1 of his address reminding them of the power of God to defeat many through just one. I love it. I picture 2006 Kobe willing the Lakers to beat the Suns, hitting shot after shot and finally the dagger to win the game. Yes, I understand it wasn’t God who allowed all those shots to go in, but the picture of one man defeating a group of opponents is what fires me up to remember that with God, all things are possible. With God, all it takes is one obedient and faithful heart.
Application
God providing wins isn’t a card you pick up randomly in a board game that you can use at any time to defeat your opponents. It’s also not a set of rules for you to follow in order to gain favor. As Joshua lays it out for the people, it’s clear it’s by and through God and God alone. Our only action and response is obedience.
“Be strong and careful to obey all that is written, turning neither right or left.” Joshua doesn’t just say, obey, but he says be careful to obey. To me, that means my obedience isn’t a blind or thoughtless action. I don’t just simply obey for obedience’s sake. I make sure the mind that makes the decision is in complete alignment with the heart that fuels the decision.
“Do not invoke the names of their gods or swear by them…”. At first, this one seems easy. I don’t worship any God besides the one true God. But, I am guilty of putting things before Him, often blinded by what the world looks at as success and happiness rather than placing all my successes and happiness on Him and His will and plan. While I don’t have a bronzed calf that I bow to, I do need to be sure there is no other thing that I place above my God.
And then verse 11 says again, to “be very careful to love the Lord you God.” At this point, I wanna say, “Joshua, I get it.” I’ll win every battle as longs as I put God first and love Him. I alone can rout a thousand because God fights for me.
While I love the images of one man taking down a host of others singlehandedly, I need to:
- Place my affections on the fact that God is for me and that is the reason I win. Yes, I’ll put in the effort, tape up the sprains, shake off the wounds, but ultimately it’s only through His grace and His strength that my victory is assured.
- Never put my desire for winning above my love for Him and His victory. This one needs to find roots in my heart. I too often desire success in order to prove the doubters wrong. I need to instead desire His mercy in order to overcome my doubts.
- Be careful that my obedience isn’t rewards or favor-based, but it is true obedience rooted in love for the One who deserves it. It’s easy to follow a set of rules in order to win. It’s God-honoring to follow Him no matter the outcome.
Prayer
Jesus, I’m so grateful that You are for me. I rest in peace knowing the end of the story, You win! Now may you give me the courage and strength to obey wholeheartedly, finding joy in Your grace, victory in Your arms, and peace in Your love. Amen.
