Joshua 11

As the word spread of the victories of the Lord on behalf of Israel, the people groups that were dwelling in northern Canaan were gripped by fear. Just as happened in the south, the northern city-states decided that they would bring an overwhelming alliance against Israel. The one fact that these Canaanite leaders forgot is also the one principle that we must always remember: The battle is the Lord's.

When Christ comes again in judgment, He will win the battle. He carries us through every trial now, and He is accomplishing His eternal purpose even through the trials that we face. Isn't the Apostle Paul assuring us in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 that the very pain we face now is somehow working toward the glory that will come one day?

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

The people of Israel were facing an overwhelming challenge in the world that could be seen. They needed to remember the unseen God that their enemies were defying.

The Word of the Lord to Joshua was clear: “Do not be afraid of them.” This great assembly of opposing warriors would be destroyed. God would defeat them. As the Lord said to Joshua, “I will give over all of them, slain, to Israel.” He would use the army of Israel, but the victory would entirely be His.

Joshua followed all the commands that Moses had given in this great conquest of Canaan. The forces of Israel brought the Lord's vengeance upon the Canaanites.

Remember the Anakim that had been the fear of the spies who originally went into the land in the days of Moses? The word of fear that was passed along in former days was this: “Who can stand before the sons of Anak?” But God is mightier than the largest enemies who come against His people. What we should be passing on to one another is this word of faith: “Who can stand against God?”

The Lord who saved us through the blood of His own Son is a God of great victory. There is already victory in the air for those who are able to see with the eyes of faith. Look at how the message of the resurrection has spread from Jerusalem to Judea to Samaria and to the very ends of the earth!

Inseparable from the news of the resurrection of the Lord who died for us is the warning that this same Jesus is coming again in the fullness of judgment. He is not afraid of the armaments that powerful nations could try to bring against Him. He is the Lord. He wins. One day the earth will have rest from war.

If we will fear the Lord, we will find that we no longer need to fear people or any possible events. Jesus Christ is Lord of all. Nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Because He wins, we will win.