Joshua Chapter 8: Verse 1 (NIV-UK)
Then the Lord said to Joshua, ‘Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Take the whole army with you, and go up and attack Ai. For I have delivered into your hands the king of Ai, his people, his city and his land.
The Israelites had only just entered into their land of promise. God had given them a great victory at Jericho, but because there was hidden sin in the camp, and also perhaps because they got a bit complacent, when they went to attack the city of Ai without God’s blessing, they were routed. They had to put things right with God before they went any further. Once they had done so, God told Joshua to go up once more and attack AI; this time He promised to go with them. He told Joshua not to be discouraged. He knew how this new leader was feeling. He wouldn’t have spoken as He did without knowing Joshua’s heart. Perhaps Joshua was feeling a bit reticent to go up to Ai again, so God spoke specifically to encourage Him.
When we have gone off at a tangent, tried to run ahead of God or plainly sinned, Jesus’ sacrifice made it possible for us to put things right with God and by His grace get back on the road again. But taking that step once more can make us feel a little apprehensive because of what happened in the past. When we put things right with God and ask for His forgiveness, God makes a conscious decision to forget what we did. But we ourselves often find it difficult to forget, and may get anxious about messing things up again. These verses were intended to encourage Joshua but they are meant to encourage us too. God will be with us as we set off once more on the road, He wants us to go. Our sins are forgiven but also forgotten and that is something that is worth remembering and giving God thanks for.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for reminding me that when I make things right with You, You expect me to pick myself up and get back on the right road. Help me not to look back at the things I have brought under the blood of Jesus’ sacrifice, but to step out again in obedience. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.