Joshua 6:12-27 And Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of the LORD.… I. GOD CAN USE THE FEEBLEST INSTRUMENTALITIES TO ACCOMPLISH HIS PURPOSES. If ever feeble instrumentalities were used, surely it was now. Feeble instrumentalities! God has often worked that way, and does so still. You remember proud Naaman! Many a time He has used the little girl, the little child, to bring men to acknowledge Him. What happened when the little child was born into your home? In the first place, it became the anchor which held the mother to her home as never before. But it did more than this. It was the connecting-link which bound together father and mother, husband and wife, in a closer bond of affection and oneness than the marriage ring. The ring was the beginning of the union, the coming of that little child was the completion of the union. Nay, it did more than this even. Impressed by the fact that the little one would look to you for guidance in matters of the soul and the better life, were you not forced to think how you had neglected such matters yourself, and for the child's sake, as well as your own, you were driven to the Cross to seek salvation? Such things have often happened, and we trust they may again. The Cross of Calvary was a feeble instrumentality. The preaching of a crucified and risen and glorified Saviour has often been regarded as a feeble thing. And yet, by the foolishness of preaching, God has won for Himself many thousands of the bravest and noblest champions of His cause. II. GOD WANTS ALL INSTRUMENTALITIES TO FIGHT AGAINST THE FORCES OF SIN. Look at ver. 9. It shows us that all the hosts of God were in that procession. God wants all, and the battle needs all. Armed strong men — men of courage, confidence, faith — let these pass on in front. Let them lead us in the battle. Priests, ministers, teachers — let them fall into line. And then the rereward — the people. God wants all! He wants you, and the cause needs you. Do you say you can't carry arms? You are timid, and possess but little or no strength? What of that? There is a place for you; see that you fill it. You can sustain and encourage those who are in front, and you will best do this by filling your place in the ranks. Do you say you can't preach? Do you tell us that it is impossible for you to take the pulpit or mount the platform, and address your fellows in eloquent words? You can support and pray for those whom God has called to blow the ram's horn and bear the solemn and sacred ark of the covenant of the gospel. You can march, you can share the conflict; God has a place for you. (Chas. Leach, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of the LORD.WEB: Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of Yahweh. |
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