How should believers respond to alliances formed against God's purposes, as seen in Joshua 11:3? Setting the Scene “ ‘to the Canaanites in the east and west, to the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, and Jebusites in the hill country, and to the Hivites below Hermon in the land of Mizpah.’ ” (Joshua 11:3) Multiple nations forged a military coalition with one goal—halt Israel’s advance and frustrate God’s plan for the land. In the verses that follow, God commands Joshua not to fear (11:6) and grants decisive victory (11:8–9). That pattern shapes how believers answer similar opposition today. Alliances Against God’s Purposes Are Expected • Psalm 2:1–3—“Why do the nations rage…? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed.” • Acts 4:25–28 shows the same text fulfilled in Christ’s crucifixion plot. • Believers should not be surprised when opposition combines forces; Scripture predicts it. God’s Sovereignty Over Every Coalition • Joshua 11:6—“The LORD said to Joshua, ‘Do not be afraid of them, for at this time tomorrow I will hand all of them slain over to Israel.’ ” • Job 42:2—“No purpose of Yours can be thwarted.” • Proverbs 21:30—“No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can prevail against the LORD.” Even the most intimidating alliances lie under God’s ultimate rule. Response One: Confidence in God’s Word • Romans 8:31—“If God is for us, who can be against us?” • Hebrews 10:23—“Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” Believers anchor emotions and decisions to what God has already spoken, not to the size of the opposition. Response Two: Obedience and Courage Joshua carried out God’s instructions without delay (11:7–9). Modern obedience looks like: • Proclaiming truth without compromise (Acts 5:29). • Refusing partnership with deeds of darkness (Ephesians 5:11). • Persevering in good works regardless of pressure (Galatians 6:9). Response Three: Spiritual Discernment • Ephesians 6:12—“Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but… against the spiritual forces of evil.” • 2 Corinthians 10:4—Believers wield divinely powerful weapons. The real battle line is spiritual; prayer, Word, and righteousness remain primary tactics. Response Four: Unified Fellowship Just as enemies unite, God’s people stand stronger together. • Philippians 1:27—“Stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel.” • Hebrews 10:24–25—Encourage and assemble all the more as opposition rises. Living It Out Today • Assess every alliance—political, social, or personal—by its alignment with God’s revealed will. • Speak truth in love while refusing intimidation. • Celebrate every victory as testimony that the Lord still “delivers” His people (2 Timothy 4:17–18). • Keep a long view: God’s kingdom prevails; earthly coalitions fade (Revelation 11:15). When confronted with alliances arrayed against God’s purposes, believers answer with unwavering confidence in Scripture, immediate obedience, spiritual discernment, and steadfast unity—assured that the same Lord who defeated the northern Canaanite confederacy remains victorious today. |
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