READING: Joshua 15:20-17:18
It’s just one verse, but it’s packed with warning. In fact, it’s ominous.
God had told His people to destroy everything breathing in the lands they conquered, lest their enemies draw them into disobedience and idolatry (Deut 20:16-18). He warned them of this dangerous possibility and cautioned them to take proactive steps to avoid it; in no way would He tolerate His people elevating false gods above Him. Today, though, we read another of several summary statements in the book of Joshua indicating the people did not always obey this mandate: “However, they did not drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer, so the Canaanites have lived in the midst of Ephraim to this day but have been made to do forced labor” (Josh 16:10). The people of God possessed the land—but only incompletely, in that they did not do all that God commanded. Leaving enemies in the land, in fact, would indeed lead to idolatry and bring the judgment of God.
This word is a reminder to us today of the danger of allowing any level of wrong to remain in our lives. Incomplete obedience is still complete disobedience—and it always opens the door to more faith struggles in the future. On this Lord’s day, invite God to show you where your heart truly is.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: What do you need to eradicate from your life today?
TODAY’S PRAYER: “God, show me where my obedience has been incomplete.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Joshua 18:1-19:48