The Long Term Consequences of Incomplete Obedience
The Long-term Consequences of Incomplete Obedience
Joshua 16-20
“They did not drive out the Canaanites.”
As Israel set to establish their presence in the promised land, there is a repeated phrase that we find, “They did not drive them out completely.” The phrase is repeated in 15:63. 16:10, 17:13, and implied in 17:18. Because they were agents of God’s judgment, the nation was to drive the people out of the region faithfully. This was both an act of judgment because of the depth of the idolatry and perversion of the Canaanites, as well as an act of obedience to obey God’s commands. However, in the process, they failed to do so. Instead, they enslaved the people. Why they did this is not explicitly stated. It may have been that they were tired of battle or saw the opportunity to obtain slaves for their labor. In any case, it was a failure to obey God’s commands that they were to perform.
While it seemed like a slight act of disobedience, it would have long-term consequences for the nation of Israel. The continued presence of the Canaanites would not only lead to future conflicts during the period of the Judges, but it would also lead to the spiritual compromise of the nation as they would eventually embrace the idolatry and immorality of the Canaanite worship and incorporate it into their religious practices (Judges 2:11-12). In Judges 1-2, we find that this failure was not because of their inability to drive out the Canaanites, but an act of disobedience to God. As a result, God would use the presence of the Canaanites to bring judgment upon Israel during the period of the Judges.
While we condemn the Jews for their folly in not following God completely, often we fall into the same snare. How many times do we justify partial obedience rather than full compliance? While we still struggle with sin, we should never use that struggle as an excuse for sin by claiming, “I am only human.” We should strive to obey all God’s commands wholeheartedly and without reservation. Faith is not just obeying the commands we agree with; it is obeying His commands even when they seem contradictory to what we think.
God does not require complete obedience because he is demanding, cruel, or capricious, but because He is loving and protective. All sin, no matter how small in our eyes, has profound and far-reaching results. Sin is always destructive and has consequences for us and others. The failure of Israel would have repercussions for their children and grandchildren for the next 300 years. When God gives us a command, it is for our good. It is not a burden, but a source of protection and blessing. Psalm 19:7 states, “The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul” (see Dt. 6:1-2).
As we read the Bible, we need to read with humility and surrender. We need to study it and strive to obey all its commands and precepts. The bible is not a book of suggestions for wise living; it is a book that gives us the knowledge for wise living as we respond in obedience to it. Make it your goal not just to read the Bible daily, but to live in response to it in all things. When that becomes our goal, we will truly discover what it means to have joy and security in life.
Joshua 16-20
“They did not drive out the Canaanites.”
As Israel set to establish their presence in the promised land, there is a repeated phrase that we find, “They did not drive them out completely.” The phrase is repeated in 15:63. 16:10, 17:13, and implied in 17:18. Because they were agents of God’s judgment, the nation was to drive the people out of the region faithfully. This was both an act of judgment because of the depth of the idolatry and perversion of the Canaanites, as well as an act of obedience to obey God’s commands. However, in the process, they failed to do so. Instead, they enslaved the people. Why they did this is not explicitly stated. It may have been that they were tired of battle or saw the opportunity to obtain slaves for their labor. In any case, it was a failure to obey God’s commands that they were to perform.
While it seemed like a slight act of disobedience, it would have long-term consequences for the nation of Israel. The continued presence of the Canaanites would not only lead to future conflicts during the period of the Judges, but it would also lead to the spiritual compromise of the nation as they would eventually embrace the idolatry and immorality of the Canaanite worship and incorporate it into their religious practices (Judges 2:11-12). In Judges 1-2, we find that this failure was not because of their inability to drive out the Canaanites, but an act of disobedience to God. As a result, God would use the presence of the Canaanites to bring judgment upon Israel during the period of the Judges.
While we condemn the Jews for their folly in not following God completely, often we fall into the same snare. How many times do we justify partial obedience rather than full compliance? While we still struggle with sin, we should never use that struggle as an excuse for sin by claiming, “I am only human.” We should strive to obey all God’s commands wholeheartedly and without reservation. Faith is not just obeying the commands we agree with; it is obeying His commands even when they seem contradictory to what we think.
God does not require complete obedience because he is demanding, cruel, or capricious, but because He is loving and protective. All sin, no matter how small in our eyes, has profound and far-reaching results. Sin is always destructive and has consequences for us and others. The failure of Israel would have repercussions for their children and grandchildren for the next 300 years. When God gives us a command, it is for our good. It is not a burden, but a source of protection and blessing. Psalm 19:7 states, “The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul” (see Dt. 6:1-2).
As we read the Bible, we need to read with humility and surrender. We need to study it and strive to obey all its commands and precepts. The bible is not a book of suggestions for wise living; it is a book that gives us the knowledge for wise living as we respond in obedience to it. Make it your goal not just to read the Bible daily, but to live in response to it in all things. When that becomes our goal, we will truly discover what it means to have joy and security in life.
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