Joshua 9-13; Luke 16

The inhabitants of the land of Canaan had filled the measure of their iniquities (Genesis 15:16), so God delivered them to destruction, and Israel was commanded to destroy them. Moreover, this was necessary so that God's people would not intermingle with the morally degraded pagans and learn their idolatry. Unfortunately, from the very beginning, the Israelites began to compromise their obedience. Without consulting the Lord (Joshua 9:14), they made a covenant with the inhabitants of Gibeon to spare them. Furthermore, for some reason, they did not drive out the inhabitants of Geshur and Maacah (Joshua 13:13). All of this had tragic consequences for Israel in the future.

 The description of Israel's conquest of the Promised Land is filled with phrases like "the Lord delivered" and "for the Lord fought for Israel." Israel's acquisition of the land became possible only because the Lord ordained it, supernaturally led them there, and struck the people living there. This is especially evident in the story of the war against the five kings (among whom was the king of Jerusalem). On that day, the sun stood still (Joshua 10:13), and the Lord cast down hailstones from heaven, striking down Israel's enemies (Joshua 10:11).

 Luke 16
 Many often misunderstand the parable of the dishonest manager. Its main message is: Just as this manager used resources that did not belong to him to make friends for himself, we can use resources essentially not belonging to us to accumulate treasures in heaven. Our strength, talents, money, time - all ultimately received from God. Use them to acquire eternal values (Luke 16:1-9).

 The Word of God is precise and infallible in its details: "But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one stroke of a letter in the Law to drop out" (Luke 16:17). A stroke is a tiny mark distinguishing one letter from another in the Hebrew alphabet. Jesus emphasizes the importance of every detail in Scripture.

 The story of the rich man and Lazarus is an excellent illustration of the importance of Scripture. The Bible is the primary expression of God's truth. It carries full divine authority and is more important than miracles and signs - "...if they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead" (Luke 16:31).