WHO SAID?

READING: JOSHUA 2:15-24

Verse 24: “And they said to Joshua, ‘Truly the LORD has delivered all the land into our hands, for indeed all the inhabitants of the country are fainthearted because of us.’”

There are times when people reach conclusions based on their own observations. At other times understanding is shaped by what God causes to be seen or heard. For example in Numbers, Chapter 13, we read of Moses sending men to find out about the conditions that awaited them in the Promised Land. When they returned, most of them reported that the inhabitants of the land were too powerful for them. This report of defeat came from their personal interpretations and conclusions. It was their report. A contrast to this response is provided in Joshua, Chapter 2. In this passage we see that men were once again sent to investigate the territory they were about to enter. This time, however, the men heard what the Lord wanted them to hear. They learned that their enemy was terrified of them. Therefore their report was one of victory. It was the report of the Lord. The biblical message is that there is victory for those who esteem the report of the Lord above of their own. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What positions a person to hear the report of the Lord?

2. What is a good response when people give their report of defeat?