Joshua
Recovering Lost Ground

Scripture: Joshua 8:1-35

The people could not bring back the thirty-six men who were lost in action at Ai. They could however, recover lost ground spiritually. They could learn from failure.

How could they make the best out of a bad situation? The same way Joshua did. First, he must use God's methods. If we use God's methods, we can expect God's results. God's formula was simple and direct. It had to be a cooperative effort. 1,2. Take the whole army, Joshua said. We need everyone in the battle for righteousness. We need one another all along the way. It was at this point where they had failed before. Three thousand men weren't enough. It took everyone doing his or her part.

They must also follow instructions for strategy. "Set an ambush behind the city. 3-5 The plan was simple but effective. Joshua selected 33,000 of his best men and marched them by night and they positioned themselves in back of the city. They must be on alert. Joshua remained with the rest of his troops to prepare an early morning assault. Joshua awoke early in the morning and gave the orders and the Israelis began their frontal assault. When the men of Ai saw it they left the city behind and came out to meet Israel in battle. They did not know that the ambush was in place. As Ai came out to meet them, Israel made as if they were retreating. When the men of Ai were lured out of the city, the Israelis turned on their enemies and utterly destroyed them. Joshua raised his spear and that was the signal for the ambush. Israel took the city and set it on fire and left it a heap. Then the men of Ai were caught between the two forces. Joshua did things the right way. If you want to recover lost ground, get your instructions from the Lord.

Second, He built an Altar. 8:30,31. Be sure after a great victory that you take time to honor and worship the Lord. If you do, you will regain lost ground and be better off than you were before. What ground have you lost that you need to recover? Remember that spiritual losses are far more important than physical ones. Some losses are beyond our control, some are not. We can do something about spiritual damage. We can build an altar to the Lord in our minds and in our hearts.

Third, He sacrificed on the Altar. 31b Joshua offered burnt offerings and peace offerings on the altar. Burnt offerings are sacrifices of Thanksgiving. We see this principle often in the Bible. Psalm 100; Hebrews 13:15,16; Philippians 4:6. Israel had lost thirty-six men and Joshua gave a thank offering to God. In spite of the loss, Joshua praises the Lord. Similarly, we to should count our blessings when things start going wrong. "In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thess. 5:18

Joshua offered peace offerings as well. The text refers to them as fellowship offerings. This is a good translation. This gift suggests unity and cohesiveness among the people. We are showing that we are acting together as one man and benefiting from our fellowship with one another. Unfortunately we do not always see this kind of unity among the Lord's people. The Lord is not a God of disorder but a God of peace. Let the peace of God rule in your hearts.

Fourth, Joshua read the law to the people and they listened. This is perhaps the glue that bonds it together. Joshua wrote the law on stones and then distinctly read it to the assembled people. He read about the blessings that come through obedience. Deuteronomy 28:1-14. He read about the curses that come through disobedience. Let us get the picture. Joshua stands on Mount Ebal before the altar. Half the people stood in front of Mount Ebal and the other half of them stand in front of Mount Gerizim. The Ark of the Covenant was placed in the valley between the two mountains. The Levites and the Priests along with the officials of the people stood facing each other and the Ark. By doing this he reconfirmed the Palestinian Covenant to the nation. In like manner, when we listen to the Word of God, the promises of God are confirmed to us. 2 Peter 1:3,4

If you want to recover lost ground then remember, 1. Do things God's way. 2. Build an Altar. 3. Sacrifice on the Altar. 4. Listen to the Word of God. This isn't all.

Fifth, Subject yourself to the Word of God. What good does it do to hear the Word of God and not be conforming to its message? Read carefully James 1:19-25.

Ezekiel 33: 30-32.

If we will do what the Word of God says we will regain what we have lost in our fellowship with the Lord. We can be restored back to blessing and usefulness. This was how the victory was won at Ai. We will win the battles of life in the same way.

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Next we will look at the deception of the Gibeonites. It is a fascinating study. Once again Joshua failed to pray about what happened and once again there was failure. Joshua had to make the best of a serious infraction of the Word of God.