Joshua 12.
THE last verse of the eleventh chapter told us that the whole country was taken, and was given to the people of Israel for an inheritance from God, and that the whole land rested from war. When wars are over, and not before, the Holy Spirit recounts the victories, —reckons them as Israel’s victories, though they were God’s. What victories (defeats, too) God’s people will learn of as God has recorded them, in the day when all their past will pass before their eyes at the judgment seat of Christ, when they shall know as they are known, see no more through a glass dimly, but face to face with their Lord and Saviour, like Him, and for Him eternally!
For the Christian, the time has certainly not arrived to recount victories; this is a day of watchfulness against the wiles of the devil, and the child of God is to be armored with all that belongs to true godliness, and armed with God’s Word (Ephesians 6:10-1810Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Ephesians 6:10‑18)), to meet Satan’s attacks. We must not be discouraged in the struggle with him, for soon the place of conflict will be exchanged for the place of God’s rest. The eleventh chapter of Hebrews records many of faith’s victories in others, as God reckons them, and then follows the opening of the twelfth chapter:
“Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses (the faith-worthies of chapter 11), let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of faith; Who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”
ML 08/16/1925