Daily Devotional – Saturday, August 6, 2022
Therefore I also said, ‘I will not drive them out before you; but they shall be thorns in your side, and their gods shall be a snare to you.”
Judges 2:3 (NKJV)
In Judges Chapter 1, Joshua is dead but the twelve tribes must continue with the conquest of Canaan. At first, all goes according to plan. However, as the Israelites gain more territory, they become complacent. They stop fighting.
They start fearing the inhabitants of the land. They let the Canaanites live among them. More interestingly, “And it came to pass, when Israel was strong, that they put the Canaanites under tribute, but did not completely drive them out.” (Judges 1:28).
I Will Not Drive Them Out Before You
God had provided every resources the Israelites needed to drive out the enemy. Therefore, He also said, “I will not drive them out before you; but they shall be thorns in your side, and their gods shall be a snare to you.” (Judges 2:3). This was in fulfilment of a promise he had given in Numbers 33:55.
That is exactly what happened. Some of the Canaanites rose up and fought against the Israelites. Many Israelites also abandoned God and worshipped foreign gods. God, in turn, abandoned them to be oppressed by the enemy.
How Cherished Sin Destroys Believers
The Canaanites the Israelites refused to drive away completely are like cherished sin. Professed Christians often refuse to yield to God totally. They continue committing some secret sins. Satan takes the opportunity to oppress such Christians.
Unless we bring our negative thoughts, attitudes, habits and actions under the control of the Holy Spirit, they will continue to oppress us. We will have no peace. Instead of compromising, we are to fight through God’s power and gradually gain victory over sin.
Which sin have you allowed to continue living and thriving in your life? Instead of giving in to sin, surrender to Jesus and ask Him to help you gain victory over that weakness.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, today, I surrender fully to your control. Give me victory over cherished sin.
