The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1913-12-03

There is a wonderful teaching in
the story of the two memorials (Ch.
~ that Joshua erected after Israel
had passed over the Jordan. One is
left to be overwhelmed by the river,
.he other is erected in Gilgal. They
mark the distinction between
Christ's death under judgment in the
believers place, and the believers
perfect deliverance from Judgment.
See Ps. 42:7 and ss:7; Josh. 12:31-S3.
The stones in the Jordan stand typic-
ally for Ps. 22:1-1S.
In chapter I've is the record Of the
reproach of unbelief, rolled away
81 the cessation of the mama (v.
l2) and the appearance Of the cap
tain Of the Lords host" Wv. 1879
unto Joshua as he was making a re-
connaissance before Jericho.
|. Gods Orders, w. is. The fame
Of the Israelites had preceded them
{ch. 2:9) and that this. was added
too by the miraculous deliverance at
the Jordan is suggested in verse one.
Verse two suggests that again they
must proceed upon the bare word OF
Jehovah, and humanity speaking, how
utterly absurd appear the divine or.
ders.
JehovaI's Word Followed. ..
II. Joshaa'ss instructions, w. 6-s.
A reading of this section reveals the
fact that Joshua diligently followed
out the word Of Jehovah. Preceding
the people was the ark, and We need
to remember what it contained and
that 1t is type Of Christ. Following
the armed men and the priests came
the silent host (v. 10). No other
sound than that Of the trumpet (V.
49,.
The walls of Jericho are not to fall
BY the use Of the ordinary inple-
ments Of war, see 2 Cor. 1874. and
the resultant victory was in no way
to give opportunity for human boast
ing, Eph. 2:9; Cor. 1:26-29. Joshua
did not set forth a more reasonable
method" he did not alter Gods or
ders; that he had no right to do, nor
have we, Rev. 22:1s, 10; John 3:2;
Matt. 1876. The implements and the
methods were foolish to those in
Jericho and to all unbelievers, see
Cor. 1925. It was the priests who
led with the Jubilee trumpets," typi-
cal Of the gospel which Paul tells Is
the power of Cod" Rom. 1:1S.
Ill. The obedient People, w. e-16.
One great act of distrust and dis
obedience led to those years Of aim
less wandering accompanied by dis
comfort and resulting. in death to all
(save two, Caleb and Joshua). who
crossed the Red Sea with Moses.
Here we have the contrast. Seven
days Of patient, obedient marching,
according to specific orders, is FOL
lowed by victory and possession.
What strange sight this cavalcade
must have made. The trumpet blow
ing priests; the ark, symbolic Of Je-
hovah's presence and typical OF
Christ; the silent multitude Verify
this new generation is being tested
= ere they enter into their promised IN
heritaace. On the seventh day they
arose earlier and were subjected to a
seyen-fold test. Our fiercest testing
is generally just before the moment
Of our greatest victory.
Saved by Faith.
Faith used means ordered Of Goc'
foolish to man, and wrought great
victory. Faithful obedience lis here
wonderfully contrasted with former
unfaithfulness. Joshua directs the
spies to search out Rahab and she
and her household are saved accord
ing to promise, w. 22-25. She also
was saved by faith, Heb. 11:3l, a1c
became one Of the line from which
Christ came, Matt. 1:5. The only
part Of the wall that remained stand,
ing was that where Rahabs house
stood, w. %, see chapter 2:16.
The teaching is very plain. AS the
Israelites depended wholly upon: GOD
were obedient to his orders, accepted
his discipline, held back all passion
and covetousness, they entered Into
the fruits Of a victory that made easJ
many subsequent ones. Their acts o.
faith were a more severe test thar
those more visible and carnal means
Of fighting battles.
As these people Of God had crossed
the Jordan, submitted to the rite o.
circumcision, took their first. narct
in this land Of promise and capturec
this walled city which stood in the
way Of their progress, the unbellef O.
forty years was rebuked. This was
day Of vindication for Caleb ans
Joshua, a day Of proving that Coz
was able to give victory to the people
in whom he delighted.
The Golden Text illustrates wha
it is to believe, when We recall tn
story from which it is taken-ooed'
ent faith in spite Of appearances NJ
one can deny the absurdity Of pee
pie walking around the walls Of
city blowing rams horns and expect
ing to possess it. Faith in both o
these incidents depended upon tn
word Of God and did the apparentl
foolish thing. thereby demonstratln
it's wisdom. and his power.
Faith is revealed also as the poWe
to wait and to persist Faith IS CT
operation with God in the accomplish
ment Of his purposes.