Old Testament reading: Joshua 18-19
Maybe we shouldn’t be surprised by now, but today’s text contains another head scratcher. Specifically, I’m referring to the need for Joshua to rebuke seven tribes among the brethren for not claiming their inheritance. Moses warned the people, ‘If you have been rebellious while I was with you, how much more after I am dead?’ (Deut 31:27). If possible, Joshua certainly gained a greater appreciation for his predecessor. Even in his own farewell address, Joshua had his doubts about Israel’s ability to remain faithful (cf Josh 24:19). But how many of us, like Israel of old, refuse to take hold and possession of the Divine blessings placed within our grasp? Chapter 19 details the division of the property among those tribes. At the end of chapter 19, we see Joshua as a picture of Jesus. It isn’t until everyone else is given their provision that Joshua is given his portion. In like fashion, Jesus took care of our needs before being returning to heaven to receive his kingdom (Acts 1:4-11; Dan 7:13-14).
New Testament reading: 1 John
This epistle is written to give the church confidence that they have all they need to be pleasing to God. John is often referred to as “the apostle of love” because he used that word more than any other New Testament writer. However, he also spoke of knowledge and truth more than any other New Testament writer. Perhaps there is a lesson here for us, namely, love is not a cure all. It is of no ultimate value unless it is joined to knowledge and truth. In John’s day, the gnostics (literally, “the knowers”) sought to hijack the faith of the church by claiming special knowledge and attempting to hold sway over the brethren. John assured them that they did not need anyone to teach them, for the Spirit they had received was all-sufficient for their spiritual instruction. The first four verses of this epistle are words of reassurance regarding the church’s unity and fellowship with both the apostle and the Lord Jesus Christ.
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