Who Is To Be On Who’s Side?

Text: Joshua 10:1-15

Introduction

Have you every said, “God is on my side?”

This slogan has actually been used by many people over the centuries.

Germans in the war against the Allies / the words “God with us” in german often attached

Inaugural addresses of most of our American presidents.

It is almost like people have presumed that God is somehow either German, American, British, the North or South (civil war).

This kind of self-serving slogan will be the leak in the Christian’s ship.

What this truly says is, “I am the center of God’s universe.”

God moves according to my every desire.

Quote: Abraham Lincoln, in his wisdom during such a divided time in our nation said, “The key issue is not whether God is on my side but whether I am on God’s side.”

There was undoubtedly moments in Joshua’s younger life that the God of the Hebrews seemed weaker than that of Egypt.

Now, Joshua is considered a veteran of life and is of much of the belief that Jehovah God is preeminent above all earthly powers. He has learned, if we are every to win a victory, it will only be done if we are on GOD’S SIDE!

1) Powerful Opposition Is Coming For You!

Verses 1-3

Out of all other positions to have, “CHILD OF GOD” is one that will get you opposition the quickest.

You may not experience a tremendous amount personally, but collectively, the family of God is under great attack.

Your integrity and sincerity and God’s power will be challenged and measured.

REMEMBER — Do you remember what I said about potential harm for Joshua and Isreal? Notice the focus of these armies’ attack!!!

These nations did not like Isreal in the first place, but for the Gibeonites to make covenant with them elevated their hatred.

They were not about to let their alliance with Isreal go unchallenged.

They ceased the opportunity of Isreal being camped roughly 20 miles away.

When you aim high toward’s living for the Lord, living in a way that leads to changed lives, others around you will threatened, make alliances, and attack.

This happens in churches too!!!

2) God’s Covenant Is Still For You!

Verses 4-11

One awesome truth about KNOWING you are on GOD’S SIDE, is that you KNOW God is keeping His promises to you!

(Summarize the experience of the Gibeonites see their attackers and reaching out to Joshua)

Joshua 10:6 “6 And the men of Gibeon sent unto Joshua to the camp to Gilgal, saying, Slack not thy hand from thy servants; come up to us quickly, and save us, and help us: for all the kings of the Amorites that dwell in the mountains are gathered together against us.”

QUESTION — Is the God we know and serve a God of great integrity?

If the God of the servant leads with integrity, so should the servant of the true God lead with integrity.

You will find out that the timing of their journey was astounding; 20 miles in eight to ten hours! That would typically be three days if traveling at a leisurely pace.

Notice the pivotal decision Joshua makes while preparing for battle; he opens his heart to the Lord.

Notice God’s generous grace in verse 8 — Joshua 10:8 “8 And the Lord said unto Joshua, Fear them not: for I have delivered them into thine hand; there shall not a man of them stand before thee.”

Can you imagine the expression of these armies when spotting Israel’s army!!!

It wasn’t the fact this army was stronger, had more men, or had better weapons.

The urgent fleeing of the enemy was due to WHO’S SIDE they were on; GOD’S SIDE!!!

The fool and the faithful got to see God’s glorious power on display.

There is always a price to pay when we choose to value our wit and independence over trusting God.

When we choose to be faithful to God, we experience His faithfulness.

The trouble that impacts our lives is either brought on by our own stubbornness and resistance or that of someone else (family, church, nation)

Quote: Even in the darkest hour, one solitary believer who has kept the faith can experience the peace of God which passes all understanding. Jr. Huffman John A. and Lloyd J. Ogilvie, Joshua, vol. 6, The Preacher’s Commentary Series (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1986), 160.

Lamentations 3:21-23 “21 This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. 22 It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”

3) God’s Resources Are Given To You!

Verses 12-15

Quote: We are not limited strictly to that which makes sense in the terms of this world. We are in relationship with a God of supernatural power who uses His power to achieve His ends. Jr. Huffman John A. and Lloyd J. Ogilvie, Joshua, vol. 6, The Preacher’s Commentary Series (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1986), 162.

FIRST — The hailstones killed more than Joshua and his men did.

SECOND — God provides the ideal atmospheric conditions for the battle to be won by His people.

The positions whether or not God prolonged the day or night is not the point.

The point is this: God provided supernatural resources to His children; those who were on HIS SIDE!!!

Let us not be foolish to think that supernatural resources were only provided WAY BACK THEN!

TAKE A LOOK BACK AT YOUR LIFE!

Has there every been times when nothing could explain the outcome other than GOD’S SUPERNATURAL POWER?

Conclusion

Now, God may not always intervene in a supernatural way or even on our time table. The main thought tonight was this: Am I more concerned with God being on my side (or) am I more interested in surrendering to God’s sovereignty to see witness what He does with your life?

Here is a truth you can always claim: Your God is the God of supernatural power who empowers me to have victory!!!