Posted on December 1, 2022 by Elizabeth Welte in Victory Call
Let me paint the picture here for you.
Joshua leads the Israelites across the Jordan into the Promised Land. They conquer Jericho, Ai and made an ill-advised treaty with Gibeon. When the king of Jerusalem heard of this he and his people were “alarmed” so he appealed to four other kings to band their troops together to attack Gibeon. Gibeon sent word to Joshua for help. Joshua and his army marched from Gilgal to their aid. With the Lord’s help they defeated the five joint armies with a “great victory.” The five kings fled and hid in a cave. When Joshua heard this he had his men trap them in the cave with large stones. (see Joshua 10: 1-18) After the battle was over and won, Joshua had the five enemy kings in the cave brought to him (vs. 22). Let’s pick it up from there.
So it was, when they brought out those kings to Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said to the captains of the men of war who went with him, “Come near, put your feet on the necks of these kings.” And they drew near and put their feet on their necks. Then Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; be strong and of good courage, for thus the LORD will do to all your enemies against whom you fight.” Joshua 10:24-25
This word picture has been rolling around in my head all week. Imagine the victory when the enemy kings were literally under their feet. Likewise, we have a very real enemy trying to overcome us with temptation. Yet just like with Joshua, Jesus has overcome our enemy and we are the victors. We fight FROM a position of victory. It is already won. So in a sense, we can put our feet on the neck of our enemy.
Next time you are tempted, imagine yourself with your foot on the neck of the enemy. It is empowering. Rather than seeing ourselves as wimps limping away from temptation, perhaps we need to remember the truth that by faith in the finished work of Christ we are already the victors. I love that picture.
But I’m not done yet. Do you see how Joshua encourages his men after they put their feet on the necks of the enemy kings? He told them, “Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; be strong and of good courage, for thus the LORD will do to all your enemies against whom you fight.”
Yes, by faith we have the victory but we still have to fight. Are you mounting a battle against sin in your life? Are you fighting to overcome those temptations when they come? Fight, sister, fight – Put your feet on the neck of your enemy for the Lord has delivered you and given you the victory – YOU are the VICTOR.
Written by Diane Hunt: Diane Hunt serves on the board of America’s Keswick and is the Executive Director & CEO of Changed Choices, a Christian non-profit in North Carolina. She is also a biblical counselor and women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.
Think About This: “Outside of Christ, I am weak; In Christ, I am strong.” – Watchman Nee
The Daily Bible Reading: Ezekiel 45-46; 2Peter 3 You can download our 2022 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here.
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Psalm 133:1
Consider a retreat at America’s Keswick retreat center.
