Who is God trying to connect you with? Is there someone He’s been prompting you to call? Maybe someone is hanging on and needs to hear our voice, or needs to feel connected?
Peter arrives at Cornelius’s house, who has gathered his friends and family to “Listen to everything the Lord has commanded him to tell them.” (Acts 10: 33) Peter immediately makes a connection.
He begins by saying “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.” (Acts 10: 34-35) Cornelius already worshipped the true God, but this was not enough, He lacked his faith in Christ.
- There are those who know God but don’t know about having faith in Christ.
- Make a connection, not a roadblock.
Peter’s connection was declaring that God doesn’t show favoritism. He admits that he had once thought otherwise. He says, “I now realize…” He is identifying himself with their questions and their feelings.
He then shares the gospel about the death and resurrection of Jesus. “While Peter is still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.” (Acts 10: 44)
- The Holy Spirit is still being poured out.
The new believers were baptized in water, as well. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few more days.
- As they welcomed each other, they welcomed the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The fullness of the trinity was embraced (welcomed).
“So welcome each other, just as the Messiah has welcomed you into God’s glory.” (Romans 15: 7) We are a blessed people!
Bildad and Eliphaz (Job’s friends) weren’t too welcoming in their comments yet. I guess “Misery loves company” with these three. Zophar confesses he is having his own crisis admitting, “My troubled thoughts prompt me to answer because I am greatly disturbed. (Job 20: 2)
Let’s move on to our next reading and see how Joshua is doing!
Treaty or Trickery? News is spreading fast about Joshua and all of his conquests. All the kings west of the Jordan came together to make war against Joshua and the Israelites. The people of Gibeon were afraid of the God of Israel, so they pretend to form a treaty with Joshua, so they will live.
They come to Joshua saying “We have come from a distant country; make a treaty with us.” (Joshua 9: 6) Joshua asks, “Who are you and where do you come from? (Joshua 9: 8)
They lie to Joshua and say, “We are your servants; make a treaty with us.” (Joshua 9: 12) They bring bread, telling him it was fresh but now moldy and dry. Then they show him their wineskins saying they were filled and once new, but now cracked and old. Continuing in their embellishments, they now show him their sandals all worn out by the very long journey to come to him. Boy, they laid it on thick and deep.
Joshua’s men sample the food, but they did not inquire of the Lord. They did not ask the Lord if they should make this peace treaty.
- When making decisions we should talk to the Lord about it first, even if folks come bringing gifts. Be wise who you are in covenant with.
Joshua makes a treaty with them, allowing them to live; only finding out three days later, their “far journey” was a neighboring city nearby.
The Israelites could not attack these men, because of the oath they had sworn to them by the God of Israel. This was a peace treaty, a covenant, that they could not violate.
Joshua had asked them why they deceived him, and they confess saying, “We are now in your hands. Do to us whatever seems good and right to you.” (Acts 9: 25) They become their household servants.
Joining Forces The King of Jerusalem joins forces with the Amorite kings, to come against Gibeon because of the peace treaty with Israel. Joshua prepares his troops for battle again, and the Lord tells him not to be afraid, “I have given them into your hands.” (Acts 10: 8)
Joshua kills the Amorite kings, and the southern cities are conquered. Not only did God give Joshua the victory, but He holds the sun from not going down (setting) one night. “The sun stopped in the middle of the day and delayed going down about a full day.” (Joshua 10: 13) If the sun stood still, the moon stopped as well. Amazing! God divinely intervened. This allowed the fight to continue throughout the afternoon. This must have been the first record of “Daylight Savings Time.” 🙂 (Laughing allowed).
- God redeems our time.
- God listened to one man’s heart, wanting more time.
- It’s always a good thing for God to be on our side!
“All those kings and their lands that Joshua conquered in one campaign, because the Lord, the God of Israel, fought for Israel.” (Joshua 10: 42)
- The battle is the Lord’s. Let Him fight it.
- He still fights for you!
Choose to make connections, not war. Peace disarms the enemy.
(Shared from Acts 10: 34-48; Joshua 9-10; Job 25, Modified)
UNBROKEN LOVE SERIES
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