It's All About Redemption
Joshua 8:1 After the defeat by Ai in chapter 7, Joshua, who is deeply distressed and fearful, hears from the Lord who redeems him. Just as in the Old Testament, people today also have a Redeemer.
10/30/20251 min read
Now the Lord said to Joshua: “Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; take all the people of war with you, and arise, go up to Ai. See, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land. Joshua 8:1 (NKJV)
In contrast to chapter 7, which starts with sin, chapter 8 starts with redemption. In chapter 7, Joshua, not knowing there is sin in his camp, decides to go out to battle without consulting the Lord first. The result is devastating. In chapter 8, Joshua goes to God first, who tells him not to fear or be dismayed because He already won the battle for him. The Lord gives him a battle plan, and the Israelite army is successful in defeating the town of Ai. After the defeat of Ai, Joshua gives all the glory to his God who won the battle for him. He builds an altar on Mount Ebal, where he offers burnt and peace offerings and reads the words of the Law of Moses to all the congregation. This act of worship and obedience was a direct way of giving glory to God after their victory.
As Christians today we do not have to live in fear or be distressed because our Redeemer lives. Ephesians 1:7 says, "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace." Because we know Jesus died for our sins, we now live in courage, faith and love because we are not headed for eternal death. Instead of being distressed, we are now calm and comforted because we know we have a new life with God in heaven. Our lives started in sin, but when we accepted Christ as our Savior we were redeemed. Remember also to give the glory to God daily. He sent his only Son to win the most important battle, the battle for our eternal lives.
Choose to go to God first each day. Pray to him and read your bible each morning so you know the plans God has for you. You will find that you have more wins than losses when you start with God. Also, lead someone to Christ today. Tell them that you were a lost sinner and now you have been redeemed. Tell them what Jesus has done for you.