Category Archives: conflict

civil war

Posted on August 10, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Judges 20 This civil war between Israel and Benjamin was more than just an act of vengeance against atrocity.  It was a symptom of the disease that had affected the whole nation.  They had strayed from their relationship with the … Continue reading →

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ear of corn

Posted on August 2, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Judges 12 The animosity that appeared to have been abated by Gideon in chapter 8 has reared its ugly head again.  Now every time an Ephraimite seeks to cross over at the fords of the Jordon, he is met with … Continue reading →

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Jepthah and the Ammonites

Posted on August 1, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Judges 11:4-40 The temptation is great to ignore the first section of this text, and only address the tragic vow made by Jepthah and its consequences.  However, Jepthah’s appeal to the king of the Ammonites deserves some consideration as well.  … Continue reading →

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sin, bondage, warfare, rest

Posted on July 24, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Judges 3:7-31 The cycle was sin, bondage, warfare, rest for a number of years, and then sin again.  God raised up warriors who executed his judgment upon the oppressors, but it was the idolatry of the people that caused the … Continue reading →

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missions and conflict #2

Posted on July 13, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Joshua 11-12 Just as it was in the conquest of the Soutrhern lands, the kings of the Northern lands conspired in an alliance and came against Joshua, and the LORD gave them into the hands of Israel.  The reason was … Continue reading →

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ministry and conflict #1

Posted on July 12, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Joshua 10 The massive acquisition of the Southern Canaan territories came about as a result of responding to a plea for help by the Gibeonites.  The kings of those lands had determined to punish Gibeon for its alliance with the … Continue reading →

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a theology of missions

Posted on July 3, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Joshua 1 The book of Acts has been called the missions manual of the New Testament.  Joshua serves a similar purpose for the old covenant community.  Chapter 1 gives all the elements the Israelites needed for a theology of missions. … Continue reading →

Posted in church, commitment, conflict, courage, evangelism, missions | Tagged | 1 Comment

in retrospect: wise warfare

Posted on June 18, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Deuteronomy 20 Moses would not participate in the wars he spoke of, but his words would guide those who did.  Warriors had to be free of other concerns and pursuits, and must be aware of the bigger picture.  That had … Continue reading →

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in retrospect: no cake walk

Posted on June 1, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Deuteronomy 2 Moses looks at the crucial time when he and the Israelites stopped their wandering and set their sites (again) on the promised land.  He sees it all from God’s perspective.  The 38 years were to fulfill God’s promise … Continue reading →

Posted in conflict, discernment, faithfulness | Tagged | 1 Comment

a hopeful walk

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Numbers 20-21 Through tragedy and triumph, victory and defeat, progress and setback – the LORD is with his people.  He is faithful, even when his chosen servants fail.  He remains faithful even when his people’s enemies surround them.  The bronze … Continue reading →

Posted in church, commitment, conflict, dependence upon God, hope, trust | Tagged , | 2 Comments