Today’s Old Testament reading: Joshua 20-21
Joshua fulfills the appointing of the cities of refuge and those for the Levites. The creation of these cities is first mentioned in Numbers 35, but could not be appointed until after the land was conquered. There are a couple of interesting thoughts as I consider the cities of refuge as serving as a shadow and representation of our Lord Jesus. For example, the cities were evenly distributed throughout Canaan. Jesus lives among all His people, no matter where they may reside. Also of interest are the meanings of the names of these cities. Kadesh means “holy,” and that certainly describes the Lord Jesus to the utmost degree. Shechem means “shoulder” (as one who bears a burden), and Jesus is our burden bearer (Isa 53). Hebron means “fellowship,” and Jesus enjoys perfect fellowship with both God and man, insomuch as he is able to reconcile the two (2 Cor 5:18-19). Bezer signifies a fortress, a place of safety and escape. Jesus is the one through Whom we flee to God for refuge (Heb 6:18). Ramoth-Gilead comes from an exalted or high place. God has highly exalted Jesus, giving Him a name above all names (Phil 2:9). The name of Golan is most commonly associated with rejoicing. Jesus spoke to the apostles, giving them His word, that His joy might abide in them and that their joy might be full (John 15:11).
New Testament reading: 2 John, 3 John, Jude
These are three powerful little books of encouragement given as exhortations to contend for the faith. 2 John is written “to the elect lady and her children,” a reference to a congregation (the lady) and its individual members (her children) to be mindful of both the person and doctrine of Christ. The intent of the phrase “of Christ” is of some dispute. Some contend it is only the doctrine about Christ, i.e., that Jesus came in the flesh. Others that it includes the doctrine Christ taught. The point is moot. We are not at liberty to support those who are in error on either point. 3 John exhorts Gaius to continue to do faithfully what he has done for the brethren and strangers despite the opposition of Diotrophes. Jude is a fierce counterattack against the apostates who crept in unaware and threatened the faith once delivered to the saints. These three little epistles should not be underestimated in their import.
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