Finish the Job

by Fred Alcain on March 21, 2025

SCRIPTURE:

26 So afterward Joshua struck them and put them to death, and he hanged them on five trees; and they hung on the trees until evening. 27 It came about at sunset that Joshua gave a command, and they took them down from the trees and threw them into the cave where they had hidden themselves, and put large stones over the mouth of the cave, to this very day.
Joshua 10:26-27

15 Just as the Lord had commanded Moses his servant, so Moses commanded Joshua, and so Joshua did; he left nothing undone of all that the Lord had commanded Moses.
Joshua 11:15

OBSERVATION:

How many times have I left tasks, orders and assignments just enough done to give the appearance and illusion of completion?  How many times has God given me a command through the Holy Spirit only for me to due just enough to stay comfortable. 

Joshua got it right.  He could’ve easily said, “you know what, my enemies are trapped in a cave and all I need to do is seal it and be done with it cause they’re never getting out.”  But he didn’t.  He instead pulled them out, stomped on their necks and finished the job.  And he didn’t stop there, he then hangs them on a tree for all to see.  And he didn’t stop there, he then puts them back in the cave where they were hiding. And only then was the job finished, as chapter 11:15 says, “he left nothing undone of all the Lord had commanded.”

APPLICATION:

It boils down to 2 things:

  1. Understanding the Assignment
  2. Obedience to the Assigner

It was Joshua’s assignment by God to utterly destroy all who got in the way of His people.

Understanding the assignment means that the purpose and goal is comprehended and executed. If I’m not sure, ask.  If I have a differing opinion, gently voice it.  But ultimately, understanding is my responsibility.

Obedience means that I see it all the way through.  I don’t move on cause the assignment seems under control, and I don’t relax cause it’s moving smoothly.  I finish the game. No loose ends, no compromising for comforts sake.

PRAYER:

Jesus, grant me the will and determination to finish the job. To leave nothing undone that You have command of me. Thank You for Your gracious reminders and undying devotion.  I love You and give my life to You. Amen

About the Author

Fred Alcain

As the Extension Pastor at New Hope Oahu, Fred’s focus is on taking New Hope’s creative arts and musical presentations out into the community as the point of the spear of Evangelism.

On staff at New Hope since 2005, Fred also oversees and shepherds our Worship and Music teams alongside his wife, Jana. With Bachelor of Arts degrees in Music Education and Hawaiian Studies from The University of Hawaii at Manoa and a Professional Degree in Music Performance from the Los Angeles Music Academy, Fred also humbly serves on the Board of Directors at New Hope Christian School and 24/7 Danceforce.

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