April 5th - Reflection

Reading
Joshua 10:16-27 (NRSV)
Joshua defeats five kings

Meanwhile, these five kings fled and hid themselves in the cave at Makkedah. And it was told Joshua, "The five kings have been found, hidden in the cave at Makkedah." Joshua said, "Roll large stones against the mouth of the cave, and set men by it to guard them; but do not stay there yourselves; pursue your enemies, and attack them from the rear. Do not let them enter their towns, for the Lord your God has given them into your hand." When Joshua and the Israelites had finished inflicting a very great slaughter on them, until they were wiped out, and when the survivors had entered into the fortified towns, all the people returned safe to Joshua in the camp at Makkedah; no one dared to speak against any of the Israelites.

Then Joshua said, "Open the mouth of the cave, and bring those five kings out to me from the cave." They did so, and brought the five kings out to him from the cave, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon. When they brought the kings out to Joshua, Joshua summoned all the Israelites, and said to the chiefs of the warriors who had gone with him, "Come near, put your feet on the necks of these kings." Then they came near and put their feet on their necks. And Joshua said to them, "Do not be afraid or dismayed; be strong and courageous; for thus the Lord will do to all the enemies against whom you fight." Afterward Joshua struck them down and put them to death, and he hung them on five trees. And they hung on the trees until evening. At sunset Joshua commanded, and they took them down from the trees and threw them into the cave where they had hidden themselves; they set large stones against the mouth of the cave, which remain to this very day.

Reflection
Joshua and Jesus, both names linked in meaning. This story, although gory and seeming somewhat ruthless, reminds me of the tomb of Jesus. In that tomb, did Jesus fight sin, death and the devil? What went on those few days in that tomb? Or was the battle won outside of the tomb? Was the battle done and then the tomb sealed?

In one respect, I guess that answers to these questions really don't matter. What I do know is that Jesus saved me. Even though I fight the battle with sin, death and the devil, I know the victory has already been sealed in stone through Jesus. Jesus rose from the dead and lives eternally. Jesus has promised to come again for me and you. We fight the battle for now, but the victory of Love released and the full force of evil has been sealed in that tomb! Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, you are the soldier and victor of all. Thanks for your sacrifice. May I fight the battle for and with you in this world day after day and show that earth shaking love you have taught to all. --- Amen