We Need A Conquerer

Joshua 15:63 (ESV) But the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the people of Judah could not drive out, so the Jebusites dwell with the people of Judah at Jerusalem to this day.

This little side note at the end of a very long list of cities belonging to Judah's allotted territory in the land makes for a stark contrast to the previous section identifying the over 120 cities the Israelites occupied in this territory. One city stands apart from the list in glaring fashion. One city will not be occupied by Israel. One city still has to be taken. What city is that? The city of God. 

It's a small reminder to those who read the text with the benefit of hindsight that eventually a chosen King and faithful shepherd in his father's house will one day eventually come in and conquer this city to make it his own where he will sit on his throne.

Jerusalem today is a city with three major religions vying for its control and hoping for dominance one day soon. The Jews, Christians and Muslims all have real estate in this ancient city proving that there is no soon end to the tension of a city so important in ancient history. 

But the status of Jerusalem in Joshua 15 and today speaks to something deeper - the human heart. Israel conquered all but this city in Judah. It will remain one of the last fortified sites of the Promised Land. It's a metaphor for our lives. We can have so much of our lives under control except this most important feature - who is King? Who will reign over our lives?

From this moment forward in Old Testament narrative, the city of Jerusalem will serve as a metaphor for our sanctification. Eventually, the true King will come into this city - David. He will enter through a humble shaft. He will defeat the enemies of God's people and will sit on His throne. 

Then later still, there will be a transaction made, the threshing floor of Arunah the Jebusite (original occupants) will be purchased by David for the groundwork of the Temple. In that exchange, Arunah will offer it free of charge but David will refuse declaring he will not offer to the Lord that which costs him nothing (2 Samuel 24:24). What does this point to but our being purchased of God by the true Son of David from those things that formerly owned us! There was an offer to have us free if you remember in the wilderness. Satan wanted worship from the One who is worthy of all worship. Jesus refused and purchased us back to God with His blood. 

Therefore there is a picture here of the successful yet not fully surrendered life. It is a picture we do not want for ourselves. The only way to not stay there is to surrender sooner and regularly. For that ancient city loves to rise up in rebellion again. If we are not careful, we may end up spiritual misfits like the city exists today. There can be only one King. Eventually, the King will return and reign for eternity in that great city. 

Come Lord Jesus, in our lives and on the Earth.