Romans 8:33,34 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
There is no biblical record of prayer being made before entering into battle against Ai; thus, the nation of Israel suffered a tragic loss of life (Joshua 7:5). Having seen the walls of Jericho fall flat down, could be that Joshua and the army did not think that it was necessary to seek God because they were entering a battle against a much smaller city? This great loss at Ai could have had devastating consequences of guilt and condemnation of both Joshua and the nation had not God given them another opportunity to return to Ai, but this time with the power and wisdom of God (Joshua 8:1).
Beloved, every single one of us have suffered losses in our lives because we have failed to pray before engaging in some kind of battle, and forged ahead leaning on our own understanding and the power of the flesh. The name Ai means “heap of ruins”. As we seek to follow Jesus and get “back into” the Spirit, the devil, who is the accuser of the brethren, oftentimes reminds us of all of our failures in life. If you find yourself stuck this morning in the spiritual mud of guilt because of failures in the past, Joshua 8 has great news for you. God allows us to return to those battle scenes of defeat, but this time with the wisdom and power of God. The God of our victories at Jericho is the God Who allows you and me to reclaim victories over our losses at Ai.
My precious brothers and sisters in Christ, if you are gripped today in the throes of guilt, condemnation and accusations because of your sins and failures the past, it is proof that you are listening to the devil. Hear what The Father would say to you this morning. Your identity and usefulness as a Christian is not tied to your failures, but to your faith in and relationship with His Son Jesus Christ. Simon Peter failed miserably when he denied Jesus three times, and Satan desired to sift him like wheat. But Jesus prayed for him that his faith would not fail. Ask The Holy Spirit to settle your heart and mind this morning as we study this encouraging chapter of how God turns the ashes of defeat and guilt into beauty, and the tragedies of failure into triumph for the glory of God.
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1,2) THAT’S the truth! Receive the victory of Jesus over your losses and failures this morning. Selah
