NIV 365-Day Devotional Plan (2017)Sample

TRIUMPH

Joshua 12 recounts a list of kings that Israel has defeated. The list goes into great detail by not only giving the names of the defeated kings, but also going to great length to describe the land over which the defeated kings previously ruled. The vast size of this territory is a testament to God’s ability to conquer great kings and great lands.

These victories are minor in comparison to the far greater victory won by Jesus himself. He did not simply win a battle against a pagan king, but he defeated Satan, sin and the principalities of darkness. He did not merely conquer a portion of land, but he secured his rule and reign over all the earth (Eph 1:21 – 22). While the list of kings and land in Joshua 12 may appear large and valuable to people, Jesus was not inclined to accept temporal kingdoms as his victory (Mt 4:8 – 10). By virtue of Jesus’ work, he is worthy of all honor, fame and glory forever. All things, both in heaven and on earth, both temporal and cosmic, both now and forever, are placed under his kingly rule. This list of victories may be “great,” but it pales in comparison to the ultimate victory of Jesus.

Jesus, I know there is no king, no kingdom, no power that you cannot topple. When I fear the things that come against me in this life, remind me of your boundless might. Amen.

Taken from NIV The Jesus Bible