Joshua 8

God Provides A New Beginning

A mistakes turned into a platform for victory

Text: Joshua 8

Introduction

It was said in a sermon preached on August 12, 1849, by the famous British preacher F.W. Robertson.

Life, like war, is a series of mistakes, and he is not the best Christian nor the best general who makes the fewest false steps. Poor mediocrity may secure that; but he is the best who wins the most splendid victories by the retrieval of mistakes. Forget mistakes; organize victories out of mistakes. Warren W. Wiersbe, Be Strong, “Be” Commentary Series (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 94.

Quote: Henry Ford defined a mistake as “an opportunity to begin again, more intelligently.”

The worst possible thing you can do is never to try again!

“Beginning again, more intelligently” is exactly what Joshua was about to do.

VERSE 1

Take notice at what point did God communicate further plans for Joshua to lead His people forward.

God did not speak up again until they followed through with removing the sin from the camp.

We should never expect God to do anything further through us when we are still giving sin a seat at the table.

This reminds us that God’s children are called to be separate from anything that would appose the character of God and retract us from representing Him well.

Psalm 37:23–24 “23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: And he delighteth in his way. 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: For the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.”

The first thing God said was, “Fear not, neither be thou dismayed:”

This should translate to us that “sin” plants fear and a downhearted spirit in our life.

Illustration: I don’t handle person failure very well. Sometimes my response would not be classified as that of a Christ follower. I have many times allowed my anger and downhearted attitude spill over into my relationships.

This reminds us that when you are letting God fly the plane turbulence won’t be an issue for you.

Remember when Jesus was in the boat with His disciples and a violent storm developed. What did Jesus ask them after they woke Him up?

God told them to return to Ai.

“I have given into thy hand”

The only victory we can reach out and claim is the one God gives us.

Notice to what level they would experience victory—God gave them everything and every one who lived in Ai.

VERSE 2

Once again, what you don’t see in the text speaks to the maturity of this generation of people.

You don’t find any kind of refusal to follow God’s instructions.

You don’t find Joshua having to beg them to return to Ai.

God said, “Here is the kind of victory you are going to have if you follow my instructions.”

Q — Have you ever thought this about Achan: If he had of waited just a few more days, he could have had all the wealth he wanted.

Quote: “God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with Him.” — Warren Wiersbe

Quote: “God never made a promise that was too good to be true.” — D.L. Moody

Ephesians 6:17 “17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:”

To go into battle unequipped is to go unprepared.

VERSES 3-13

Remember what God promised— “as you did to Jericho”

Here is the neat thing...Go provided the same result, but in a totally different strategy.

Can you think of any of the differences?

No miracle at this battle.

If you don’t see God as innovative, here is your proof.

Q — What is the benefit for God to use a variety of leaders and methods?

Q — Is there a chance that if we only relied upon our “personal experience,” we would start depending on ourselves instead of God’s promises?

Planning for the future while only being dependent on previous victories will rob you from opening up to the various ways God brings victory into your life.

For me, this would help in those moments when you are tempted to say, “There is no way....”

Churches often times dig their way into certain ruts that eventually become their grave!

The American business leader Bruce Barton (1886–1967) said, “When you’re through changing, you’re through.”

Pastoral statement — I appreciate conversations that are stemming from those who make up our teaching team regarding trying other ways to boost attendance and get people excited about the local church.

Ai would soon make the same mistake the Israel army made at the first attack attempt; they would become overconfident.

(Step through the battle strategy)

LISTEN...the Lord’s work requires strategy, however, if a developed strategy is not surrendered to God, God’s will may be the very thing you rob yourself of.

VERSES 14-29

Notice how the king of Ai led his army out without any awareness of possible danger!

Quote: “They are the most in danger who are least aware of it.” — Matthew Henry

Even in the heat of the battle, you must keep one ear up to heaven.

Joshua was told by God to lift up his spear toward the city. This was a signal to the other troops to cease the city.

It was like the gesture was saying, “It is your responsibility to now attack because God has declared it to take place now.”

Once the army was destroyed, the entire city population was destroyed also.

Keep in mind, this was not a people who were innocent.

They were an evil society of which had for an uncertain amount of years had resisted God’s grace and truth.