DCLM Daily Manna Wednesday, April 6, 2022
TOPIC: Not Of The World
TEXT: Joshua 16:1-10
KEY VERSE:
“And they drave not out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gezer: but the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites unto this day, and serve under tribute.” – (Joshua 16:10)
DCLM Daily Manna Wednesday, April 6, 2022 OUTLINE
The Christian life is not a playground but a battleground. It is not a bed of roses but a war zone of intense struggle against the devil, the flesh and the world. We must not embrace the kind of Christianity presented by new generation churches of today, where cross bearing or self-denial is not emphasised. Only those who overcome shall live in heaven with God.
In the book of Judges, Israel continued their battle for the occupation of the Promised Land. The tribe of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh) moved into their possession after fighting to dislodge the Canaanites, the original occupants of the land. But they were not able to drive them out of Gezer, so they had to live together with them.
The men of Ephraim actually complained to Joshua, Israel’s captain about the difficulties of driving out the stubborn Canaanites because they possessed chariots of iron and were strong. They should have fought harder to have the Canaanites driven out, but they let them stay, perhaps for social and commercial purposes. This compromise backfired, as the few Canaanites left in the land grew in number, influenced and corrupted the theocratic nation of Israel.
Our Lord, Jesus Christ said unequivocally that though the Church is in the world, it is not of the world. The Church is His new creation and Bride, purchased with His blood. Unfortunately, the Church now dresses, sings and dances like the world while abandoning her core business of soul-winning. There is need for the Church to return to her lost glory.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
The true Christian is not of the world.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Psalm 36-38
