Something made me pay attention to the story in Numbers 12 so I read An Incredible Journey again today. It was one that impacted the leaders particularly as it was a family dispute that would have serious repercussions for all the nation of Israel.Notice verse 1 - it was Miriam first and Aaron second who spoke against Moses.
Not Miriam, the little girl who spoke to the Egyptian princess when Moses was found in the ark of the bulrushes?
Not Miriam, the woman who led the praise when they came out of Egypt?
Miriam and Aaron disagreed about the woman Moses had married. Who were they to say such a thing? The real motive? Jealousy. They wanted more authority, to be on a par with Moses. Perhaps even to act independently.
And then the amazing words in verse 2 "and the Lord heard it." Not only that but verse 4 "and the Lord spake suddenly to Moses and unto Aaron and unto Miriam." God was isolating the problem to deal with it more effectively.
Notice how God described Moses in verse 3 - "very meek above all men which were upon the face of the earth." Meekness doesn’t seek revenge and we can see the evidence of that as we read on.
Even today there are people who find fault with others in the church. And I speak from experience.
In this situation God separated Aaron and Miriam from Moses. He spoke directly to them. He did not hold back in what he said. When he finished Miriam had become a leper. She actually was in the advanced state of leprosy. Aaron asked Moses for his help and he prayed to God.
She was eventually healed but had to spend 7 days outside the camp first. Notice the words in verse 15 "and the people journey not till Miriam was brought in again."
How easily am I influenced by others?
A warning to us all - God has the last word in every situation in our lives.
Do you ever sit and bask in what God's word is teaching?
After Miriam and Aaron claiming they did not like Moses' wife and Miriam being struck by leprosy back in chapter 12, now in chapter 16 we see another rebellion by Korah. The result - the earth swallowed them up.
As if that wasn't enough the very next day there was another rebellion in the camp. The result - a plague struck the people so that 14,700 people died.
God had to go one step further to prove who was the real leader. They were each to take a rod and write their names on them. The rods were placed in the tabernacle overnight. Aaron's rod was the only one that budded. The staff was a symbol of leadership and proved that Aaron was unique among all the chiefs of the tribes.
A parallel with Jesus - when he rose again from the dead his rod blossomed with fruit through the Holy Spirit.
After Miriam and Aaron claiming they did not like Moses' wife and Miriam being struck by leprosy back in chapter 12, now in chapter 16 we see another rebellion by Korah. The result - the earth swallowed them up.
As if that wasn't enough the very next day there was another rebellion in the camp. The result - a plague struck the people so that 14,700 people died.
God had to go one step further to prove who was the real leader. They were each to take a rod and write their names on them. The rods were placed in the tabernacle overnight. Aaron's rod was the only one that budded. The staff was a symbol of leadership and proved that Aaron was unique among all the chiefs of the tribes.
A parallel with Jesus - when he rose again from the dead his rod blossomed with fruit through the Holy Spirit.
Do I look for life and fruit in people or only for their faults?
I don't know why but I seem to journaling far more than last year. Yesterday I read about the red heifer in Numbers 19 and really got into the study and parallels of it.
Jesus shed his blood which was red in colour
Jesus was pure and without spot
The red heifer was never put in a yoke with any other animal
Jesus was sacrificed outside the city wall
The red heifer was unique
Jesus was completely offered
His blood is effective for all who claim it - verse 10. Notice the stranger and sojourn was included in the sacrifice.
I noticed also the cedar wood, hyssop and scarlet. The one that stood out for me was the scarlet, reminding me of Rahab and her rope from her window which brought her and her family redemption. It was also a scarlet robe placed on Jesus to mock him by the soldiers.
So much in these verses that are challenging me today as I reflected on them all.
Loved the Messianic prophecy words of Numbers 24 verse 17 which reminded me so much of the story of Jesus' birth. 7 prophecies all from a man who said "God is not a man that he should lie." Truly basking in these words of scripture today.
First lesson to learn about Balaam - he was not an Israelite and yet a prophet. How can this be? He is among those people in the bible who believed in God even though they were not God's own - think of the widow of Zarephath to whom Elijah was sent to feed him or Naaman who was healed of leprosy by the words of a little girl telling of a prophet in her own land. Even Jesus himself talked about these people and his own Jewish leaders were very upset at his mention of them - how could the word of God be given to such people, they could not accept that! The truth of the matter is in Balaam's case he wanted to keep the truth to himself and use it to exploit his own personal gain.
He lived 400 miles away. Balaam had a reputation as a successful practitioner in the art of divination and Balak wanted him to come and curse Israel. Initially the Lord refused in letting him go but then he agreed and sent him. Balaam had to learn the lesson that God was watching and working in and through him by making his donkey talk. This is one of those classic Sunday School stories taught for the sensationalism that it is but there are lessons to be learned through such a man!
He lived 400 miles away. Balaam had a reputation as a successful practitioner in the art of divination and Balak wanted him to come and curse Israel. Initially the Lord refused in letting him go but then he agreed and sent him. Balaam had to learn the lesson that God was watching and working in and through him by making his donkey talk. This is one of those classic Sunday School stories taught for the sensationalism that it is but there are lessons to be learned through such a man!
Numbers 22 verse 18 "I cannot go beyond the word of the Lord my God, to do less or more."
Amazing words - if only we would all take them to heart.
Amazing words - if only we would all take them to heart.
This chapter, Numbers 31 is all about the vengeance of God. The Midianites had led the Israelites into Baal worship and God needed them to know he was angry with the situation. Throughout the chapter 4 times we read the words "as the Lord commanded". The whole chapter rests on obedience - would Moses do as God told him? The battle is entirely the Lord's.
Interestingly we read of Balaam's death - he wanted to die the death of the righteous but he had no intention of living the life of the righteous. It is inevitable therefore that he died the death of the wicked in the company of those under God's judgment.
The spoils of war had to be dealt with - in this case the wives of the Moabites. Why was the order given to kill them? These women had previously led the Israelites into sexual immorality and idolatry. Now the possibility of a repeat action was a threat so it had to be removed.
An important principle is set out here. God has the right to judge not only individuals but also communities of all different sizes. We only have to think of the flood in Noah's day and Sodom and Gomorrah as proof of this. But remember - an opportunity is always given to repent.
Following the killing all the soldiers remained outside the camp for 7 days. Purification had to take place. Another unique application is seen in these verses - fire and water were used in the process. God uses the fire of pressing difficulty and the water of God's pure word. Remember Job's words "when he has tested me I shall come forth as gold."
The believer today is sanctified and cleansed with the washing of water by the word - Ephesians 5 verse 26.
The material plunder was divided with a portion given to the Lord.
Not an Israelite had been lost in the battle.
Numbers 32 raises a new issue for Moses to deal with. The tribes of Reuben and Gad did not want to enter Canaan but rather to remain on the east side of the Jordan river. Moses was afraid their attitude would keep the other tribes from entering Canaan. The parallel is similar in believers today - contentment can influence others. They may not want to go deeper in their knowledge of Christ or even press on in their walk with God.
Moses reminded them that there was a lot of work still to be done in order to possess Canaan. It was their responsibility to fight the battle together with the other tribes. Contentment should not lead to complacency.
Moses had a right to be afraid - he remembered the last time this had happened - when the 12 spies had been divided about taking the land 38 years previously. The parallel is similar today - young believers stopped from pursuing God's plan by older ones.
Notice the words "wholly followed the Lord" in reference to Caleb and Joshua. These 2 men did not bend to the discouraging report of the 10 unfaithful spies. Moses reminded them that they did not have a guaranteed passage to inherit Canaan because of the generation that did not believe and had passed away. Today many believe that because their parents attended church and did many charitable works or demonstrated faith in God, that this gives them the right to believe they are saved and will go heaven one day. Faith is personal and it needs to start with an individual commitment and acceptance of God as Saviour.
The tribes set forth their plan - they would go with the other tribes until they conquered Canaan and return to their own land again. Moses agrees to their plan but reminds them it was done "before the Lord" a phrase repeated 4 times. He also speaks of sinning before the Lord if they did not do as they said - it was the sin of doing nothing. Many commit this sin - they know the truth and what they ought to do but fail to do anything.
Spurgeon's sermon referred to it as ...
Sin of idleness and self indulgence
Sin of selfishness and unbrotherliness
Sin of ingratitude
Sin of untruthfulness, breaking a promise made
Sin that caused serious injury to others
"Be sure your sin will find you out." Numbers 32 verse 23
C H Spurgeon suggested several ways in which our sin might find us out:
We become ill at ease
We feel ourselves to be low and despicable
We become weakened by our own inaction
We have little joy in the progress and prosperity of the church
We lose our appetite for the gatherings of God's people
C H Spurgeon suggested several ways in which our sin might find us out:
We become ill at ease
We feel ourselves to be low and despicable
We become weakened by our own inaction
We have little joy in the progress and prosperity of the church
We lose our appetite for the gatherings of God's people
An amazing fact from Numbers 32 - after Reuben and Gad had agreed to Moses' condition that they go and fight with the other tribes until Canaan was conquered, 40,000 armed men passed over Jordan to assist but 70,580 men were left behind for the defence of the women, the children and the flocks. Half the tribes of Manasseh also joined forces with Reuben and Gad - they waited until negotiations were finalised before they made a decision.
Love this quote by F B Meyer included in my chronological bible journaling
"We may expect to be blameless but not faultless till God presents us to himself; to be delivered from temptation but not freed from its assaults; to be kept in perfect peace but not secured from the presence of adversity; to be dead to sin and self but not daring to say that either is dead within us; to be delivered from this present evil world as to spirit and temper though still called to inhabit it as its salt and light. Take possession of every inch of God given territory in Jesus but beware of going beyond it."
"We may expect to be blameless but not faultless till God presents us to himself; to be delivered from temptation but not freed from its assaults; to be kept in perfect peace but not secured from the presence of adversity; to be dead to sin and self but not daring to say that either is dead within us; to be delivered from this present evil world as to spirit and temper though still called to inhabit it as its salt and light. Take possession of every inch of God given territory in Jesus but beware of going beyond it."
Numbers 35 journaling on the cities of refuge. The Levites had no inheritance but instead were given cities sprinkled throughout the nation. Such parallels with our refuge in Christ. Within easy reach, open to all, providing protection and freedom. They give life to all who seek refuge - both for the innocent and guilty!
The detail contained in Numbers 35 is so precise. Spread throughout the nation the cities of refuge meant their influence stretched near and far - does ours in our daily work? So much is written of the eligibility of those who found shelter as well as those who avenged.
Deuteronomy - did you know ....
Exodus covers 80 years from Moses' birth to Israel's arrival at Mount Sinai
Leviticus covers 1 year spent at Mount Sinai
Numbers covers 38 years from Mount Sinai to the plains of Moab
Deuteronomy covers the final month before Israelites enter Canaan
2 Peter 1 verse 12 "I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things though you know and are established in the present truth." This is the purpose of Deuteronomy. It is a reminder but also a treaty between Yahweh and Israel. A book Jesus himself quoted from when tempted by Satan. In fact it is quoted 80 times in the New Testament.
Deuteronomy was written in the fortieth year of the wanderings of Israel in the wilderness. In the first month of this year Miriam died. On the first day of the fifth month of this fortieth year Aaron died. By the end of the fortieth year Moses will also have died.
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Deuteronomy chapters 1 and 2 are like a recap of the history of the Israelites wandering in the desert. All the good times as well as the times of rebellion. As I read today I thought of all the years I have walked with God. Some times have been glorious, others difficult. But each new day has its own challenges. We will not be given an easy ride unless we put God at the centre. God's plan still prevails and we will find our greatest joy in following him instead of our own plans.
Deuteronomy 3 verse 23. Love how this is so personal "I besought the Lord". Moses longed to see the Promised Land. He begged God to allow him.
But think also of Joshua and this amazing task ahead of him. Moses had watched for 40 years. It was hard for him to hand over the reigns to Joshua. Reminds me of a church situation - how does a pastor face the prospect of leaving a ministry he has built up?
But think also of Joshua and this amazing task ahead of him. Moses had watched for 40 years. It was hard for him to hand over the reigns to Joshua. Reminds me of a church situation - how does a pastor face the prospect of leaving a ministry he has built up?
Context is everything when you read scripture. As I read Deuteronomy chapter 5 I realised that I was reading the 10 Commandments again but then I realised this was a new generation to whom these were being given to. It had to be personal to its hearers. This is why we always emphasise faith is a personal relationship with God and an individual.
4 steps to follow when reading God's word from Deuteronomy 5 verse 1 ..
Hear
Learn
Keep
Do
If only we applied this every time!
Hear
Learn
Keep
Do
If only we applied this every time!
The command from God's word is clear - Deuteronomy 6 verse 7
Teach them diligently unto thy children and talk of them when you are sitting in your house and walking outside, before you sleep and when you get up from sleep.
Teach them diligently unto thy children and talk of them when you are sitting in your house and walking outside, before you sleep and when you get up from sleep.
"The Lord did not set his love upon you nor choose you because ye were more in number than any people for ye were the fewest of all people. But because the Lord loved you ..."
Deuteronomy 7 verses 7 and 8Never forget God loves you!
Deuteronomy 8 verse 3 "man shall not live by bread only but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord."
God allows several types of hunger in the life of his people - for love, for reconciliation, for comfort and ease. These seasons of hunger are necessary for discipline of life. But thank God he is able to satisfy us and out of his riches in glory in Christ Jesus he can and will fulfill every need of ours. F B Meyer
God allows several types of hunger in the life of his people - for love, for reconciliation, for comfort and ease. These seasons of hunger are necessary for discipline of life. But thank God he is able to satisfy us and out of his riches in glory in Christ Jesus he can and will fulfill every need of ours. F B Meyer
Imagine - the people's clothes and shoes did not wear out after 40 years of wandering in the wilderness - Deuteronomy 8 verse 4. Surely this speaks of a caring and loving God who provides for what we need at all times.
Today's reading and journaling in Deuteronomy chapters 11 to 13. My main point of application was true worship needs to come from the heart and it is towards God. Nothing else should stand in the way. I was challenged by the idols that I have to stop me from putting God first.
Deuteronomy chapters 14 to 16 read and journaled today. I am following The Bible Recap book and HeartDive podcasts. Cannot believe we are half way through Deuteronomy! This is how my bible looks. I wonder if the spine will hold it?
Reading and journaling Deuteronomy chapters 17, 18, 19 and 20 today. My tip-in was on the cities of refuge. Struck today by God's provision of a priest, king and prophet and the parallel to Jesus being all 3.
Yesterday was one of the longest chapters in Deuteronomy - chapter 28 with 68 verses. At the top of my journaling I put in this sentence - The covenant God made with Israel contained 3 major features - the law, the sacrifice and the choice.
Deuteronomy 28 - blessings and curses. There are consequences for our choices. It was up to Israel then and to us now. The choice was based on their faithfulness to their covenant with God. The world would see, know and speak of God's hand on Israel. What a parallel to our own lives today.
Deuteronomy 28 - even as with blessing God's purpose in cursing Israel would be for a greater goal than immediately punishing them for their sin. The curses would also be a witness to the nations. There is a foreshadow in these verses to Israel's exile to disobedience.
Deuteronomy 28 verse 47 is an amazing verse and it tells us the root issue for everyone - the heart. Serve God with both obedience and joy not obligation.
The curses described in Deuteronomy 28 were not the end of God's plan for the Jewish people. Ezekiel 37 describes God will and has begun to revive them as back from the dead and preparing them to be used in these last days. God is not done with Israel and the curses will not be their final legacy.
Deuteronomy 29 is a restating and affirmation of the covenant made 40 years before Exodus 24 verses 7 and 8. Each verse reminds them of their past history in the wilderness. Then there is a warning - something we should take to heart today - guard your heart against compromise!
Deuteronomy 29 ends with a beautiful verse ...
"The secret things belong unto the Lord our God but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever that we may do all the words of this law."
"The secret things belong unto the Lord our God but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever that we may do all the words of this law."
Deuteronomy 29 verse 29 - God's revelation to Israel. God never declares everything to man - there are things that God keeps secret.
Second, God does reveal some things to humanity. Because God exists and he has spoken we must do all we can to pay close attention to him.
Third, God's revelation is meant to say something to us.
Fourth, God's revelation is transgenerational.
Fifth, God's revelation is eternal.
Finally God's revelation should matter to humanity.
Second, God does reveal some things to humanity. Because God exists and he has spoken we must do all we can to pay close attention to him.
Third, God's revelation is meant to say something to us.
Fourth, God's revelation is transgenerational.
Fifth, God's revelation is eternal.
Finally God's revelation should matter to humanity.
Deuteronomy 30 verse 1 is really a continuation of chapter 29 - notice the assurance and confidence "when all these things are come upon thee ..." There is a future promise in verse 2 "and shalt return unto the Lord thy God . . The Lord will turn thy captivity and have compassion on thee and will return and gather thee from all nations whither he hath scattered thee." There is future prophecy here.
Bible journaling makes you aware of the repetition of certain words in verses and in Deuteronomy 30 it is the word "return". 3 times it is written. The choice is ours - will we return to God?
In Deuteronomy 30 the choice is on the Israelites. God set before them life and death, good and evil. Under the new covenant a new relationship with God is not based on what we do but rather on what has been done by Jesus for us. But like the old covenant there are consequences for rejection - Hebrews 10 verses 28 and 29.
I love the 2 words in Deuteronomy 30 verse 19 "choose life". The picture throughout is of a father calling his child to himself. A child loves and obeys his father because he trusts him. He is 100% part of his life. He is life itself!
Deuteronomy 31 are Moses' last words to the children of Israel. There is so much repetition - "the Lord will go before thee", "be strong and of a good courage" and "I will hide my face". Courage is commanded, it is not optional. There is a reminder also to read the law - continual exposure to the law sustains faith. Then there is the command to write a song which would be a witness against Israel to her future rebellion and God's faithfulness. This chapter is so very rich in teaching!
Deuteronomy chapters 32, 33 and 34 read and journalled today. On the drive to church I listened to HeartDive 365 podcast. This takes you through each chapter verse by verse really helping you understand some of the language and background to the wording. Book number 6 of the bible completed!
Started reading and journaling Joshua chapters 1 to 4. I studied this book in depth previously so have loads of notes!
Joshua 6 - I am sure you remember this story - how the walls of Jericho fell down after the Children of Israel marched around them for six days without saying anything and then on the seventh day they shouted.
Reading The Bible Recap today I was reminded that sometimes life can seem like we are going round and round in circles ... we see reading, praying, attending church as maybe a waste of time. God is with us in the "Nothing days" when we are simple obeying him but maybe he is preparing us for something far greater. Are we listening and obeying God today even when it seems nothing of any importance is happening in our lives?
Reading The Bible Recap today I was reminded that sometimes life can seem like we are going round and round in circles ... we see reading, praying, attending church as maybe a waste of time. God is with us in the "Nothing days" when we are simple obeying him but maybe he is preparing us for something far greater. Are we listening and obeying God today even when it seems nothing of any importance is happening in our lives?
Today's bible reading and journaling - Joshua chapter 12, 13, 14 and 15. So many names of cities! This is the division of land starting. There are little gems in amongst these chapters. What is lurking in my territory that needs driven out? Also Caleb took the land of the giants - what giants are in my life right now that need conquered?
Another little heart check! All those lists of names of kings as well as lands - they were important to someone at a time but now ... They are just names in our bibles. The most important thing to know and remember - is your name written in God's book? That will matter more at the end of time!
2 very important verses in today's scripture reading. Joshua 13 verse 13 signifies they didn't even try driving out the Geshurites from the land. Joshua 15 verse 63 signifies they tried and failed. God asked them to follow and obey in his way but something happened - sin. But God did not fail them. The story was not finished. Delay was used to shape their hearts, do them good and defeat their enemies despite their present failure. What an encouragement to us today. Even when (not if) we fail trust can grow, faith can be strengthened and joy can be found.
Joshua 17. We met the daughters of Zelophehad in Numbers 27 when they asked for a portion of the land of Canaan as their father was dead and even though female they won their case. Now we see that portion is given to them - a promise is honoured.
They faced the daunting reality of their land. Dense forests loomed and fortified cities remained. The Canaanite armies with iron chariots seemed insurmountable. It would have been easy to question God's provision. After all, wasn't a promised inheritance supposed to come without such opposition?
But Joshua's response was unwavering. He saw what they could not. That God's strength would meet them in their weakness verses 17 and 18.
His confidence was anchored in the certainty of God's promise. When the people saw obstacles Joshua saw opportunity. He understood that God's faithfulness didn't move challenges, it empowered his people to overcome them.
There are things in our lives, circumstances that intimidate us and threaten to steal our confidence. Fear whispers that the promise is distant. The task is too great. And what of moments when fear wins? When we hesitate instead of pressing forward? Even then God's grace prevails. He is the one who redeems our own failures and certainties. No brokenness is beyond his repair. No deferred promise is forgotten. And when we finally step forward in faith we find that the very things we feared were no match for the one who goes before us!
Hallelujah! Hope this comes to you with renewed optimism as it did me today!
They faced the daunting reality of their land. Dense forests loomed and fortified cities remained. The Canaanite armies with iron chariots seemed insurmountable. It would have been easy to question God's provision. After all, wasn't a promised inheritance supposed to come without such opposition?
But Joshua's response was unwavering. He saw what they could not. That God's strength would meet them in their weakness verses 17 and 18.
His confidence was anchored in the certainty of God's promise. When the people saw obstacles Joshua saw opportunity. He understood that God's faithfulness didn't move challenges, it empowered his people to overcome them.
There are things in our lives, circumstances that intimidate us and threaten to steal our confidence. Fear whispers that the promise is distant. The task is too great. And what of moments when fear wins? When we hesitate instead of pressing forward? Even then God's grace prevails. He is the one who redeems our own failures and certainties. No brokenness is beyond his repair. No deferred promise is forgotten. And when we finally step forward in faith we find that the very things we feared were no match for the one who goes before us!
Hallelujah! Hope this comes to you with renewed optimism as it did me today!
Joshua 19 to 21. So easy to read this and ask 'what has this got to do with me?" Remember every boundary was intentional. Every city assigned with purpose. God provided more than property. He established sacred spaces where his people would be nurtured, protected and reminded of his presence. Each space spoke of his faithful provision. God still continues to offer places of refuge and renewal for us today. Remember: no community was left without a place to call home.
Joshua 20 - while the tribal inheritance provided security God knew that human failure would remain a reality. Accidents would happen. Blood would be spilled. And without protection vengeance could quickly overtake justice. These cities stood as sanctuaries providing not only physical protection but also a space for truth and justice to prevail. These safe havens reveal God's heart for mercy. The cities were placed within reach ensuring no one in need would be denied access.
What a parallel to God himself - no one is beyond his reach or his mercy today.
Joshua 21 - 48 cities given to the Levites. Their job was not only to act as priests but to be teachers of the law. Spread throughout all the land they could better infiltrate each of the tribes to instruct them in God's covenant.
We are God's representatives today. He has spread us near and far to tell the good news of the gospel.
These cities were not for dominance but for presence, a constant reminder of God's nearness among his people. Is God still near to you today?
Joshua 22, 23 and 24. Today I came to the end of reading and journaling the book of Joshua. This first thing to note is that each chapter begins when Joshua summons Israel or some significant segment of it. Instead of being about God's fidelity to his promises, now we have Israel's fidelity to God. Faith in action. If God calls me to himself do I obey? Do I listen to his instructions? Romans 12 verse 1.
I have been reading these chapters over and over again today - and I don't know why. Something is making me think a lot about them. Chapter 22 is about the altar set up by the 2 and a half tribes on the other side of Jordan. The purpose - a memorial not a sacrificial altar. It was to be a reminder to future generations of all God had done for them.
That made me think - what reminders am I setting for the next generation? Do I speak of God often? Do I reflect what God has done in my life?
This was set up after the tribes had fulfilled their promise to help the rest conquer the land of Canaan. Joshua has commended them but when word came of the altar set up there was confusion. Had they rebelled against the Lord so soon? So often we can misinterpret things, get all confused but we need to keep God at the centre of all we do.
In chapter 23 we see Joshua's last words to the people. He reminds them that they must keep pressing on and conquer more land, the work was not finished. Have I become complacent in my service for God?
"Not one thing has failed of all the good things which the Lord spake concerning you and all are come to pass." What a lovely reminder, to look back and prove the truth of this in my life.
In Joshua chapter 25 the little word "serve" is repeated continually. Every generation must personally choose whom they will serve. Am I choosing to serve God today?
That made me think - what reminders am I setting for the next generation? Do I speak of God often? Do I reflect what God has done in my life?
This was set up after the tribes had fulfilled their promise to help the rest conquer the land of Canaan. Joshua has commended them but when word came of the altar set up there was confusion. Had they rebelled against the Lord so soon? So often we can misinterpret things, get all confused but we need to keep God at the centre of all we do.
In chapter 23 we see Joshua's last words to the people. He reminds them that they must keep pressing on and conquer more land, the work was not finished. Have I become complacent in my service for God?
"Not one thing has failed of all the good things which the Lord spake concerning you and all are come to pass." What a lovely reminder, to look back and prove the truth of this in my life.
In Joshua chapter 25 the little word "serve" is repeated continually. Every generation must personally choose whom they will serve. Am I choosing to serve God today?
Judges 1 - a tip-in from a Puritan! C H Spurgeon on Achsah's asking: a pattern for prayer.
She thought about what she wanted before she went to her father.
She asked for help with her request asking her husband first.
She went humbly yet eagerly.
She asked for what she wanted.
The simplicity of prayer - "give me a blessing".
She added gratitude to her petition.
She used past blessing as a reason to ask more.
She realised what she had been given before was of no use without continual springs.
Her father gave her what she asked.
Her prayer was answered and given in large measure.
Her father wasn't critical of the request in the slightest way.
She thought about what she wanted before she went to her father.
She asked for help with her request asking her husband first.
She went humbly yet eagerly.
She asked for what she wanted.
The simplicity of prayer - "give me a blessing".
She added gratitude to her petition.
She used past blessing as a reason to ask more.
She realised what she had been given before was of no use without continual springs.
Her father gave her what she asked.
Her prayer was answered and given in large measure.
Her father wasn't critical of the request in the slightest way.
Unlike Moses Joshua did not appoint a successor to guide the nation after his death. Did you know that this period of the Judges lasted for some 340 years? No king, no president, no prime minister. The Judges were heroic leaders who lived among the people. They focused on 3 things - money, sex and having a relationship with their gods in their own terms. What a confusing, difficult and dark time in Israel's history. When Israel asked the Lord, sought him with all their heart and repented of their heart, God guided them. This is a consistent pattern throughout the entire book.
What is the message of Judges for us today? Even when we sin God remains faithful and provides mercy. This book warns us not to drift away from God and repeat destructive spiritual cycles.
What is the message of Judges for us today? Even when we sin God remains faithful and provides mercy. This book warns us not to drift away from God and repeat destructive spiritual cycles.
Joshua chapter 1 verse 1 to chapter 3 verse 6 shows an inexcusable compromise on Israel's part. We continually read they did not drive out the inhabitants of Canaan but allowed them to remain, to become integrated with them.
In Judges chapter 3 verse 7 to chapter 16 verse 31 we see a cycle of 4 stages that is repeated continually:
Sedition by the people
Subjection to the enemy
Supplication to the Lord
Salvation by a deliverer.
Chapters 17 to 21 show an inevitable corruption. Idolatry in the north. Immorality in the south.
How sad is the ending - "there was no king in Israel in those days and every man did what was right in their own eyes."
In Judges chapter 3 verse 7 to chapter 16 verse 31 we see a cycle of 4 stages that is repeated continually:
Sedition by the people
Subjection to the enemy
Supplication to the Lord
Salvation by a deliverer.
Chapters 17 to 21 show an inevitable corruption. Idolatry in the north. Immorality in the south.
How sad is the ending - "there was no king in Israel in those days and every man did what was right in their own eyes."
Judges chapter 3 is a "but God" chapter. It shows that God can and God does use boringly ordinary people. Notice that God used nations to test his own people. The result? They did evil ... they forgot the Lord ... they served other gods. They made a choice.
Every decision we make, every choice we make has an impact not only on ourselves but on others. You cannot sin and win! There is a high price to pay when we leave God out of the picture. God makes us so miserable that we come to our senses.
This is what we see continually happen in Judges. In each situation it is God who provides the solution and the result is peace ... but for a limited time. Grace shines through every time.
In chapters 3 to 5 we see the first 4 judges
Othniel
Ehud
Shamgar
Deborah
The length of time the people endure oppression changes each time - 8 years, 18 years and 20 years
And the length of peace between each changes - 40 years and 80 years.
Each of these leaders is unique, chosen by God and used in remarkable ways but each point to God himself.
Every decision we make, every choice we make has an impact not only on ourselves but on others. You cannot sin and win! There is a high price to pay when we leave God out of the picture. God makes us so miserable that we come to our senses.
This is what we see continually happen in Judges. In each situation it is God who provides the solution and the result is peace ... but for a limited time. Grace shines through every time.
In chapters 3 to 5 we see the first 4 judges
Othniel
Ehud
Shamgar
Deborah
The length of time the people endure oppression changes each time - 8 years, 18 years and 20 years
And the length of peace between each changes - 40 years and 80 years.
Each of these leaders is unique, chosen by God and used in remarkable ways but each point to God himself.
