Daniel Fast- Called to Fight Until Victoryનમૂનો

Day 19: Defeating the Giants

“I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the Lord helping me, I will drive them out just as he said.”

Joshua 14:11-12

Israel's prolonged struggle against the Gentiles persisted for several years, and as recorded in Joshua 11:23, "the land was quieted from the war." Joshua fulfilled his mission. However, certain regions still required the expulsion of lingering foes, ensuring they relinquished their grip on God's designated lands. The responsibility to complete the task now fell on each tribe. Joshua, having aged, recognized that "there was still much land left to take as an inheritance" (Joshua 13:1). Despite God having granted the land as an inheritance, the people displayed a lack of urgency to occupy and dispossess their adversaries (Joshua 13-19).

Amidst the division of the land among the tribes, an elderly man of 85 approached Joshua, requesting the mountain promised to Abraham by the Lord. This mountain held historical significance as Abraham's settlement, where he constructed an altar by the oak tree of Mamre, buried his wife Sarah, and found his own resting place (Genesis 13:18, 23:19). It may seem peculiar for an elderly individual to seek such a task, as many in their later years often look to the past without making future plans, preferring to enjoy the fruits of their past labors. Caleb, however, stood apart. His heart burned with zeal and longing for the Lord's promises. Despite achieving much by age 85, Caleb retained the strength to contend for his inheritance, vanquish enemies, and liberate occupied territories (Joshua 14:6-13). Caleb specifically requested Hebron, formerly known as Kiriath-Arba, the city of Arba—a significant figure among the sons of Anakites, the giants that had instilled fear in the Israelites (Joshua 14:12-15). Despite the daunting reputation, Caleb remained undeterred, desiring to eliminate all adversaries from God's land (Joshua 15:13-16). In contrast, the Ephraimites, though not content with their inheritance, hesitated to seize new territories due to their fear of the Canaanites' iron chariots and formidable power. They sang "songs of limitation and fear," magnifying the perceived strength of their enemies (Joshua 17:14-18).

The remaining seven tribes displayed a similar lack of urgency in inheriting the land God had designated for them (Joshua 18:1-7). The daughters of Zelophehad, great-granddaughters of Manasseh, were aware of their inheritance and boldly approached Joshua, reminding him of the Lord's command concerning them (Joshua 17:3-6, Numbers 27:1-7).

The promised land symbolizes God's kingdom, a realm we, too, must fight for and seize through effort (Matthew 11:12). Like the ancient Israelites, we face spiritual "giants"—temptations seeking to entrench themselves in our hearts. Despite the challenges, we can resist with faith and courage, echoing Caleb's proclamation, "Give me this mountain." Our desire is not to enter the kingdom marked by fire residue but to approach it with purity and blamelessness. Possessing the blessings of faith requires continuous effort and diligence as we cultivate the soil of our hearts, ensuring it yields the fruit of the Spirit rather than the flesh (Galatians 5:16-24).

Regrettably, the nation of Israel did not fully engage in the fight. They failed to expel their enemies and the remaining "giants," resulting in subsequent defeats. These adversaries and "giants" became snares, leading the people to turn away from the Lord and serve other gods (Judges 2:11-15).

Canaan, initially a cursed land (Genesis 9:25-26), was transformed by the Lord into the Promised Land—a blessed territory purged of corruption, iniquity, and abomination. Cities once ruled by idolaters and wicked giants became sanctuaries for those seeking refuge after unintentional murder (Joshua 20). Kiriath-Arba, the city of the formidable Arba that Caleb desired, was renamed Hebron, signifying "fellowship, friendship, communion, unity." Caleb, a man of faith and bravery, turned the stronghold of a great giant into a place of safety and protection. These cities of refuge symbolize Christ, where sinners find salvation.

Can the Lord bring transformation to our cities and hearts today? Can we petition Him to establish His authority and plant his banner in cities and mountains? In various spheres like economics, politics, business, culture, education, science, medicine, sports, family, and mass media. The enemy still wields influence and fosters wickedness and evil in these areas. Today, we urgently need individuals securing victories, expanding God's kingdom, and claiming more territories of the promised land. We need to be radically obedient to the Lord, establishing His rule and kingdom on this earth. In these end times, our focus should not merely be on reaching God's kingdom but on living lives dedicated to the Lord, achieving His victories, and winning this world for Christ.

“Look at giants, and you will stumble. Look at God, and your giants will crumble.”

Max Lucado

Reflection Questions:

1. What is your attitude toward the promised land, both inwardly (the land of the heart) and outwardly (the mountains of influence where God's sovereignty is to be proclaimed)? Are you courageous and determined, like Caleb and the daughters of the tribe of Manasseh, to take the inheritance and purify the land from enemies? Or, like the Israelites, are you jealous for more but fearful of the giants? Perhaps just like the other seven tribes, are you not even in a hurry to take the inheritance?

2. What giants are you currently dealing with? What actions do you need to take to confront them?

3. Consider the song on your lips. Is it a song of "limitation and fear" that magnifies the enemy, or is it a song of praise to Almighty God? Which song do you sing today, and which do you aspire to sing?

4. Reflect on the new lands and mountains the Lord has brought you to. What will you do in these new places? In silence, ask the Holy Spirit to give you an action plan.

Prayer:

1. That we would not be afraid of the giants.
2. For certain areas in your city that are dominated by “evil giants.”
3. For North America – may they see multiplication of teams and disciples in the world of sport, play, and fitness.