YEAR 2, WEEK 23, Day 6, Saturday, 7 June 2025

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Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Saturday, 7 June 2025:

Joshua 12:1–6 — Now these are the kings of the land whom the people of Israel defeated and took possession of their land beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise….

This section recaps the victories Moses and the Israelites achieved east of the Jordan—Sihon king of the Amorites and Og king of Bashan. These victories serve as foundational moments of faith and testimony for the nation, proof that God goes before them in battle. These earlier conquests were meant to fuel Joshua’s courage going forward. Remembering past victories is crucial for present faith. God’s track record builds our confidence to face new battles.

• Deuteronomy 3:21–22 — “And I commanded Joshua at that time, ‘Your eyes have seen all that the Lord your God has done to these two kings. So will the Lord do to all the kingdoms into which you are crossing. You shall not fear them, for it is the Lord your God who fights for you.’”

Joshua 12:6, 7 — Moses, the servant of the Lord, and the people of Israel defeated them…. And these are the kings of the land whom Joshua and the people of Israel defeated….

God works generationally, over time. Christians are often shortsighted, wanting immediate results. However, God wants us to leave results in His hands and to focus on obedience in the moment. If we are faithful and obedient with what God has placed in front of us, we are fulfilling our purpose and living successfully, regardless of outward appearances. Part of our mission is preparing to handover fidelity to the next generation so they can continue to serve God’s eternal plan. Moses prepared Joshua, and Joshua continued in the mission. Who are you preparing to receive the torch of fidelity from you?

This catalog of 31 kings conquered under Joshua’s leadership reflects not only military success but spiritual fulfillment. Every defeated king represents a fulfilled promise of God. The lengthy list reinforces the completeness of God’s faithfulness.

Joshua 21:45 — Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass.

These kings ruled fortified cities with seasoned armies, but none could stand before God’s purpose and power. The repetition of “one… one… one…” emphasizes the individual sovereignty of each king—and how God, not Israel, subdued them all. It also suggests that no enemy, no matter how unique or entrenched, is beyond God’s dominion.

• 1 Corinthians 15:57 — “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Memory Matters: Chapter 12 is like a spiritual war journal. It recounts not just what happened but what God did. Regularly remembering and recounting the victories God has already given us fuels faith and fosters worship.

Complete Obedience, Complete Conquest: These victories didn’t come from convenience but from consistent obedience over time. God calls us to persevere in trusting Him fully—not just for one victory, but over a lifetime.

Every Enemy Has a Name: The list of kings reminds us that each battle was personal and real. Likewise, our struggles have names—fear, pride, anxiety, lust, anger, unbelief—but in Christ, each of them can be overthrown.

“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 7 June 2025: “These are the kings whom Israel defeated…” (Joshua 12:1, 7) Make your own list. Not to boast in your strength, but to remember the victories God has already given. What enemies has He defeated in your life? What habits have been broken? What fears has He silenced? What provisions has He made? Write them down. Rejoice in them. Let them remind you that the God who delivered you before is still with you now. Then face today’s enemies with faith, not fear. Pray: “Lord, You have been faithful through every season of my life. You have conquered enemies I once thought undefeatable, and You’ve brought me through battles I never wanted to face. Help me remember every victory as a testimony of Your power and love. Let me not grow proud in the wins or fearful in the wars ahead. Make me faithful like Joshua—to trust, obey, and walk in Your strength until every promise is fulfilled.