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Good morning!

“Our heavenly Joshua (Jesus) has defeated every principality, power, and stronghold that resists our advance in Christ.” (commentary from the Passion Translation Joshua 12)

Last week I wrote about Joshua who had many victories as he led God’s people into the Promised Land. This same parallel happens for us with Jesus. Joshua was used by God in the Old Testament to lead His people. When Jesus came, He conquered everything that stands in the way of our relationship with God and brings us into the “Promised Land” through His perfect sacrifice, power and authority.

It is so interesting that the name of God, El (Mighty God), according to numerical value in Jewish culture, equals 31. There were 31 kings or principalities  that were defeated and each of these names means something that we might consider a wall or stronghold in our own lives. It is quite long to try to include in a short message but I will give you the basics. This is simply a suggested application that I read in the Passion Translation commentary of Joshua 12. However, it is a great thing to consider. What from these principalities stands out for you personally?

Jericho: walls, impossibilities, limitations

Ai: world system

Jerusalem: counterfeit spirituality

Hebron: broken fellowship with God

Jarmuth and Piram : pride and arrogance

Lachish: human ingenuity

Eglon: human arguments and oratory

Gezer: sharp tongue, stinging words

Deber: political spirit

Geder: defensiveness

Hormah: defeat, depression

Arad: rebellions, lawlessness

Libnah: self-righteousness, hypocrisy

Adullam: approval of others, insecurity

Makkedah: false, selfish leadership

Bethel: religious spirit

Tappuah: drunkenness

Hepher: shame, condemnation

Aphek: self-sufficiency

Lasharon: complacency, passivity

Madon: divisive, argumentative

Hazor: human wisdom

Shiron Meron: traditions, prideful opinions

Achshaph: occult, witchcraft

Taanach: soulish, double mindedness

Megiddo: distraction, anxiety

Kedesh: man-made holiness standards

Jokneam: celebrity worship

Dor: worldly comfort

Gilgal: dull of heart, refusing to change, going nowhere

Tirzah: loving worldly pleasures more than loving God

Many of these stand out to me! But the comfort we have is this:

Jesus sets us free from all of these 31 strongholds!

(reference Joshua 12:9-24 TPT)