The fifteenth chapter of the Book of Joshua is filled with geography, nearly 100% so! The Tribe of Judah is being given his inheritance in the Land of Canaan. A gift from God to those people, I might add.

The people of the Old Testament often inherited Land (or crops or good health) as part of their faithful obedience to the Lord. We who accept the New Testament (and Jesus as Saviour) often inherit (not necessarily material goods) bountiful  spiritual blessings!

But (back to Judah) … within her parameters was the (ultimate) City (the location of) Jerusalem! But it was not yet officially called Jerusalem. It was, in fact, a heathen stronghold!

Joshua 15:63 explains: “As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out: but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day.”

Wow!

Now, many years later, David finally expelled those “Jebusites.” (2 Samuel chapter 5 tells the story.)

And the people of Israel began to peacefully inhabit that “choice” City!

What a Lesson we have right here before us!

The pesky little enemies that cannot be conquered today … stay faithful … tomorrow you might yet be able to overcome them!

Wow again!

Did Judah get stronger?

Was David that much superior in his leadership qualities?

Did Israel’s faith grow bolder?

I do not know, maybe a combination of all these.

But we do have an example here of a body of believers (the Jews) not getting weaker over the years… but rather getting stronger!

Defeating enemies who have held you at bay for a long time!

Dear reader this morning, is there anything in YOUR life that displeases God? Anything you once tried to dismiss from your behavior, character? Tried, but failed?

Then … try again!

Asking God for further strength!

Grow upward in your spiritual trajectory!

Don’t slide downward!

Our verse again … “As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out: but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day.”

Then watch David, years later … “And the king and his men went … unto the JEBUSITES, the inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, saying, Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither: thinking, David cannot come in hither. Nevertheless DAVID TOOK THE STRONG HOLD OF ZION: the same is the city of David (JERUSALEM). And David said on that day, Whosoever getteth up to the gutter, and SMITETH THE JEBUSITES … that are hated of David’s soul, he shall be chief and captain.” 2 Samuel 5:6-8

Hunt out and destroy (today) that sin that so easily besets you!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell