“God Fights for You” is the concluding chapter (16) of Glory Days. Max Lucado describes how Joshua was in dire need of God’s protection as the children of Israel ventured into the Promised Land. Brutal and bloodthirsty enemies inhabited Canaan. Joshua’s men were untested in battle and his leadership was unproven. Despite those odds, God guaranteed the conquest.
Pastor Lucado writes that God gives us the same promise. The writer of Hebrews quotes the words of Joshua 1:15 in his epistle:
“For [God] has said, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’ So we can say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?” “- Hebrews 13:5-6 (NRSV)
Max notes that the last question, by itself, is a troubling one. What can anyone do to me? We know the answers- lie, deceive, downsize, etc.
Scripture, however, asks a different question, prefacing “What can man . . .” with the words “The Lord is your helper . . .” The Greek word for “helper” in this passage, Max states, is boetheia, from boe (which means “a shout”) and theo (which means “to run”). In other words, when you need help, God runs with a shout. And God not only stays with you, he fights for you so you can live the Promised Land life.
Max concludes:
“This is your inheritance: more victory than defeat, more joy than sadness, more hope than despair. These days are Glory Days.”
Today’s question:(from the study guide): In what ways is God already pulling you out of a wilderness and helping you cross over to your Promised Land life? Please share.
Coming Monday: the new Short Meditation, “Back in the box”
Tomorrow’s blog: the Annotated Bibliography of Glory Days
