Joshua 5-8; Psalm 14; Luke 15
Complete dependence on the Lord is the central theme of the early chapters of the book of Joshua. Through God's actions, the spirit of all the kings of Canaan is broken, rendering them unable to fight against Israel (Joshua 5:1). God reveals His power to Joshua, allowing him to see a special angel - the leader of the army of God (Joshua 5:13-16), striking fear into the inhabitants of Canaan.
This same emphasis on God's power is evident in the story of the fall of Jericho. Its walls collapse not by the action of the Israelite army but supernaturally by the power of the Lord's host (Joshua 6).
The Israelites were to remember their dependence on Jehovah and live accordingly. Therefore, God sternly punishes any disobedience to His commands. God protects His people and fights on their side only if they obey Him. Resisting God deprives Israel of God's protection and support. The story of Achan is a vivid example of the consequences of disobedience (Joshua 7). God makes his punishment severe and visible to the whole nation to show them - without Me, you are all doomed to destruction; you are alive only by My grace. This truth applies to all people living at all times.
Joshua reads a new copy of the Law of Moses aloud to all the people, emphasizing the blessings for obedience to the law and the curses for its violation (Joshua 8:30-35).
The folly of denying the existence of God was noted even by David (Psalm 14:1). Unbelief in God inevitably leads to corruption for individuals and the entire nation.
Luke 15.
Pharisaism is a religion of self-righteousness. Personal religious achievements serve as the basis for salvation. This inevitably leads to self-exaltation of the more "spiritual" over those who have achieved less in such accomplishments. Jesus condemns such an attitude in three parables - about the lost sheep (Luke 15:3-7), about the lost coin (Luke 15:8-10), and about the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). The main message of all of them is to seek those who are lost and in sin and rejoice in their salvation - the purpose of life and the source of joy.
This same emphasis on God's power is evident in the story of the fall of Jericho. Its walls collapse not by the action of the Israelite army but supernaturally by the power of the Lord's host (Joshua 6).
The Israelites were to remember their dependence on Jehovah and live accordingly. Therefore, God sternly punishes any disobedience to His commands. God protects His people and fights on their side only if they obey Him. Resisting God deprives Israel of God's protection and support. The story of Achan is a vivid example of the consequences of disobedience (Joshua 7). God makes his punishment severe and visible to the whole nation to show them - without Me, you are all doomed to destruction; you are alive only by My grace. This truth applies to all people living at all times.
Joshua reads a new copy of the Law of Moses aloud to all the people, emphasizing the blessings for obedience to the law and the curses for its violation (Joshua 8:30-35).
The folly of denying the existence of God was noted even by David (Psalm 14:1). Unbelief in God inevitably leads to corruption for individuals and the entire nation.
Luke 15.
Pharisaism is a religion of self-righteousness. Personal religious achievements serve as the basis for salvation. This inevitably leads to self-exaltation of the more "spiritual" over those who have achieved less in such accomplishments. Jesus condemns such an attitude in three parables - about the lost sheep (Luke 15:3-7), about the lost coin (Luke 15:8-10), and about the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). The main message of all of them is to seek those who are lost and in sin and rejoice in their salvation - the purpose of life and the source of joy.
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