After Achan's sin had been dealt with, the Lord assured Joshua that the Israelites would be successful in a second attack upon the city of Ai. This time, a plan was employed whereby the city would be captured and conquered by an ambush strategy. When the Israelites pretended to retreat again, the men of Ai pursued them, giving the ambushers an opportunity to take the city and burn it. None of the inhabitants of Ai survived; even the king, who was brought to Joshua, was not spared.
Like the victorious Israelites, we might be tempted to think that we obtain victory over our sins because we are "good people." But nothing could be farther from the truth. The only reason that God shows us any favor and grace is because Jesus, our Captain and our heavenly Joshua, has already fought and won the battle against the enemies of our souls! |
