Topic: Wicked Neighbours — Monday September 18, 2017.
Text: Joshua 16:1-10
Key Verse: "And they drave not out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer: but the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites unto this day, and serve under tribute" (Joshua 16:10).
Someone posted this anonymous prayer on the Internet: "God, Our neighbours have been torturing us for six years. They have shunned us, turned other neighbours against us, lied and lied and lied to us, to law enforcement, and to our other neighbours and others in the community. They have damaged our property and possessions. I pray for a miracle that we may find resolution and peace soon. We are at the end of our rope. We desperately need a miracle and ask for one now in Jesus name."
From our text, Israel eventually inherited the land of Canaan after many years of wandering in the wilderness as a result of rebellion and unbelief. The children of Joseph were among the first to receive their inheritance, but had to put up with the notorious and stubborn Canaanites because they couldn’t achieve outright victory against them. While the Canaanites in Gezer were said to be driven out, the vast number of those remaining were accommodated and put under tribute due to the difficulty of removing them militarily. Of course, their presence within the inheritance of the children of Joseph, would be a ready source of ungodly influence because of their different cultural, social and religious leanings.
The Canaanites constantly improved their military might in hope of subverting the Israelites whom they saw as occupiers of their land. Israel had to find a way of living side by side with these wicked neighbours. Some of us may be living with so-called friends that never show their true intentions; they are envious of our good fortune and success. They are quick to judge and condemn. As believers, we need wisdom, grace and courage to handle such neighbours with supplication to God to deliver us from all enemies.
Thought for the day: Only God can deliver from secret enemies.
Bible Reading in one Year: Numbers 26-28
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