Old Testament reading: Joshua 11-12

Today’s text details the conquest of the northern region of Canaan. Of interest is God’s providence exercised in the Canaanites gathering themselves for war against Israel as opposed to seeking terms of peace as did the Gibeonites.  Joshua 11:16-23 teaches us that God used their hardness of heart as a means of destroying them for their sin, that he might keep the promise made to Moses.

New Testament reading: James

James is the most practical epistle in the New Testament.  It is a “How to” of Christian living written by the very brother of our Lord. If anyone had experience in instructing us in the example of Jesus, James was the one.  Chock full of great everyday admonitions, we would all do well to consider its great themes: Chapter One – Continue in God’s word; Chapter Two – Do not show respect to the rich, and Faith without works cannot save; Chapter Three – Guard your tongue; Chapter 4 – Beware of Pride; Chapter 5 – Be patient, empathetic and prayerful.  James 1 contains a host of practical material for faithful Christian living. Consider these thoughts: Endure trials by faith and prayer (vv 2-8); Serve God regardless of where or what you are (vv 9-11); Understand the nature of temptation and sin – it is not a sin to be tempted! (vv 12-16; cf Heb 4:15); Recognize God’s gifts (v 17); Reflect the image of your Father (vv 18-20); Remove all filthiness and wickedness far from you (v 21a); Receive the Word of God that saves your soul (v 21b); Be a doer of God’s word and not a hearer only (vv 22-24); Doing the Word means doing the work (v 25); Let your light shine through your self control and love for others (vv 26-27, cf Matt 5:13ff).

Old Testament reading: Joshua 9-10

“Did you not learn anything from the last time you did this?” Watching people we love repeatedly making the same mistakes can be frustrating, even infuriating depending on the circumstances. I sometimes get frustrated while reading of the mistakes of these great Bible characters — until I realize how fortunate I am that my mistakes haven’t been recorded for all posterity to see and judge. Joshua 9 again illustrates the tragedy of disobedience and the inherent danger of failing to include God in our planning. Apparently learning nothing from the incident and tragedy of Ai, Joshua disobeys a direct command from the Lord by making a treaty with the Gibeonites. These men deceived Joshua into thinking they were from a far away land. Verse 14 makes the following note, “but they did not ask counsel of the Lord.” Once again, had he consulted with God before pursuing this course, the resulting difficulties would have never taken place.  Chapter 10 is the well known account of God making the sun stand still as Israel pursued her enemies. Note! For several years there has been an email rumor circulating that scientists had found a missing day. This story is a absolutely false and should not be forwarded on.

New Testament reading: Hebrews 8-13

What would you say if I told you there are some things Jesus couldn’t do? While the thought initially runs contrary to our thinking, Hebrews 7 teaches this very thing. Hebrews 7:11-16 declares Moses’ law had to be changed if Jesus were going to serve as a priest, “for it is evident that our Lord sprang from Judah, which tribe Moses said nothing concerning the priesthood.” Also of note is the restrictive nature of Divine silence when there is specificity in a particular area. God specified Levi as the priestly tribe. In so doing, He did not have to specifically forbid priests from all other tribes. It was understood that in specifying Levi, God excluded all other tribes. In like fashion, God has commanded and specified congregational singing as the form of music for the church (Eph 5:19; Col 3:16).  In specifying congregational singing, He excluded all other forms of music, including not only instrumental music, but also “performance worship” (choirs, soloists, small groups, etc).

Old Testament reading: Joshua 7-8

“There is sin in the camp.” This is a common phrase derived from Joshua 6:18 and the account of Ai in Joshua 7. It illustrates the tragedy of disobedience and the far reaching effects of sin. Achan disobeyed God’s command not to spoil Jericho, yet the entire nation is charged with sin (7:1). Moreover, because Joshua placed his faith in the abilities of his own army and failed to consult God before initiating his campaign against Ai (7:3), thirty six men died at the hands of their enemies. Had Joshua consulted with the Lord before attacking, instead of trusting in his own strength and going forward, these deaths would have been prevented. I also find it intriguing that God did not intervene, but instead allowed Israel to suffer from their own poor decisions. Also of note is the reality that God’s people can never prosper so long as there is ‘sin in the camp.’ As a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, so also is the local body only as pure as its most sinful member. Finally, Achan’s execution in what became known as the Valley of Achor served as an example in Hosea 2:15, wherein God reminded them that only through the removal of sin will God bless his people. The local church cannot ignore the sins of her individual members and expect to receive God’s approval and blessing.

New Testament reading: Hebrews 1-7

Hebrews begins with the supremacy of Jesus Christ, God’s great Spokesman and Messenger (1:1-2).  The theme of this great epistle is “Jesus is Better.” In today’s reading, we find the following expressions of the superiority of Jesus: Jesus is a better spokesman (1:1-2); Jesus is better than the angels (1:4); Jesus is better than Moses (3:5-6); Jesus provides a better rest (4:1-10); Jesus is a better high priest than Aaron (4:12-5:4); Jesus is a better priest and king than Melchizedeck (5:1-11, 7:1-19). Tomorrow, we shall return to this same theme with chapter 8, wherein we find that Jesus has a better ministry, “inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises” (8:6). In case you are wondering, I do not believe Paul is the author of Hebrews. I think the lack of identification found in his other epistles and other internal evidence (compare Hebrews 2:3 with Galatians 1:11-12) points elsewhere.

Old Testament reading: Joshua 4-6

Like that of Noah, the account of Jericho’s destruction serves as a marvelous illustration of how God’s grace is appropriated through man’s faith and works of obedience. In Joshua 6:2, God said, “I have given (past tense) Jericho into your hand,” yet Joshua was not then in possession of the city. By God’s grace Joshua and Israel were given God’s law (marching, etc., vv 3-5). When Joshua and the people obeyed God’s law, they received the promised reward – “the wall of the city will fall down flat” (v 5). No Israelite would have ever claimed victory by meritorious works or the result of their own effort. They knew why the wall fell. It fell by grace. Yet, God’s grace was not appropriated until after Israel obeyed – “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled seven days” (Heb 11:30). There is no grace without faith, and there is no faith without works of obedience.

New Testament reading: Titus, Philemon

Philemon is the most overlooked piece of inspired New Testament literature. When is the last time you heard anyone quote from it, much less preach from it? It contains the beautiful account of Paul’s relationship with Philemon, and the change of relationship between the Philemon and Onesimus, his former slave.  Paul encouraged him to consider God’s providence in all the heartache and difficulty caused by Onesimus’ departure: “For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord” (Philemon 15-16). We also see that Paul was not afraid to influence Philemon by way of reminding him of what he owed Paul, his very own life. “Your own self” is commonly understood to be the saved condition of his eternal soul, which was brought to Christ through Paul’s work and preaching. Consider also Paul’s confidence in Philemon, “Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say” (v 21).

Old Testament reading: Joshua 1-3

With the passing of Moses begins the leadership of Joshua, Moses’ Divinely chosen successor. Joshua’s birth name was Hoshea, meaning “salvation” (Num 13:8), but Moses (certainly by Divine instruction) changed it to Joshua, meaning “Jehovah is salvation” (Num 13:16). The Greek equivalent of Joshua’s name is Yeshua, or Jesus (cf Heb 4:8 KJV).  Joshua had giant shoes to fill, and God gave him an early promise that his presence would always be with him as it was with Moses so long as he obeyed the voice of the Lord (Josh 1:5-8). Joshua also had a “holy ground” incident like Moses (Josh 5:13-15). While Moses came face to face with the Angel of the Lord, Joshua met the Commander of the Lord’s Army. I believe both of these refer to the same personality, namely, the One who would become Jesus of Nazareth.

New Testament reading: 2 Timothy

This is the last letter of the Divine record ever penned or dictated by the apostle Paul. The personal nature of this book is quite touching when one considers to old soldier of the cross contemplating his own departure and passing the torch on to Timothy and others (2:2).  In chapter one we see Paul’s statement of remembrance and words of encouragement to his former apprentice (vv 3-7). As a young preacher, I well remember many of the encouraging comments I have received from men whom I believe to be giants of the faith. As I approached the mic as I prepared to deliver my very first lecture at a university lectureship, I looked down on the front row and saw men who had been preaching longer than my parents had been alive! It was a daunting sight! I did my best, and after the conclusion I’ll never forget the first words spoken to me. Flavil Nichols walked up and gave me what I believe to be the greatest compliment a preacher can ever receive. Brother Nichols shook my hand and said in his own inimitable way, “I like the way you told us what the Bible said.” Nothing more. But I tell you, I don’t remember anything else that was said to me after that. Friends, I was on cloud nine! Paul gave Timothy these words of encouragement ahead of his more lengthy exhortation beginning in verse 8. Never underestimate the power of a few brief, sincere words of encouragement!

Old Testament reading: Deuteronomy 33-34

The conclusion of Deuteronomy also draws to a conclusion the leadership of Moses. As I read the opening stanzas of chapter 34, I am moved as I try to put myself in Moses’ shoes as he sees the land of promise. Surely this man of God was also moved as he thought of his people receiving the blessing without him, a people whom he had led from Egypt and through the wilderness, a people for whom he had repeatedly interceded with God. I imagine there was some melancholy as he thought of how he had sacrificed his blessing in an uncharacteristic and momentary loss of self control. But he could take consolation in the fact that he was about the depart this life and enter the next. Perhaps no man like him ever lived who was more akin to the Lord Jesus Christ. Moses was without a doubt “God’s man.” So great was this man that God took personal interest in his death, taking it upon himself to bury him in the plains of Moab.  The text notes that no one knew where God had buried him. I think this God’s action also served to help Joshua, for the people may have been reluctant to leave their beloved leader behind, or they may have embalmed him after the manner of the Egyptians and been tempted to worship his dead corpse. One final thought is that Moses died without any loss of his natural force (34:7). In other words, God took him, probably not unlike the untold thousands who fell in the wilderness well ahead of a normal lifespan.

New Testament reading: 1 Timothy 4-6

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith.” So begins Paul’s warning of a great apostasy that will come upon the church.  I once believed this statement was directly related to and was a prophecy of Roman Catholicism, but no more. When I read about the earliest departures of the church, I am inclined to believe this text concerns the heresy of asceticism. Asceticism is a philosophy that teaches that one can attain a higher state of spirituality and holiness by severe self denial and austerity (cf Col 2:20-23). Asceticism itself gave rise to the apostasy now identified as Roman Catholicism. What I find particularly intriguing are the fruits of asceticism listed in the text: forbidding to marry (celibacy) and forbidding certain foods, both of which are a part of Catholicism.

Old Testament reading: Deuteronomy 32

“They sang the song of Moses, the servant of God” (Rev 15:3). Deuteronomy 32 is where this song is first heard. In this inspired hymn are found the declarations of God’s love and righteousness alongside the condemnation of Israel’s subsequent disobedience. One of the greatest statements about God is found in verse 39, “Now see that I, even I, am He, and there is no God besides Me. I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; Nor is there any who can deliver from My hand.” This statement alone should cause us to stand in awe of the one true God of heaven. He must be regarded with the utmost respect and reverence. Moreover, He is not to be trifled with. At the end of the chapter, God instructs Moses to go to Mount Nebo. It is at this place that God would show Moses the Promised Land and also where Moses would die.

New Testament reading: 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy 1-3

Only a year or so after writing the first epistle, Paul again affirms the certainty of the Lord’s second coming. Whereas 1 Thessalonians contains several individual references to the second coming, HALF of the verses in 2 Thessalonians speak regarding the second coming of Jesus. There is also a different emphasis in each epistle concerning the second coming. In 1 Thessalonians, Paul assures the brethren the second coming will indeed happen and that the death of those in Christ will not hinder or in any way negate a reunion with Jesus when He comes again (1 Thes 4:13-18). The second epistle is written in response to heretics who had taught that the resurrection was already past (2 Thes 2:1-2). Paul not only rebuts that error, but goes on to let the Thessalonians know that the second coming is not imminent. That is, there are still some things that must occur before the second coming can take place (2 Thes 2:3).

Old Testament reading: Deuteronomy 31

Deuteronomy 31 begins the formal transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua. This had already been initiated in Numbers 27.  In this text, Moses is instructed to teach the people a new song.  Most of us love to hear and learn new songs, but this song was different, as it would serve as a witness against them in the day of their apostasy.  Moses also makes a statement that reminds me of Jesus.  In 31:27, Moses says, ‘If you have been rebellious while I was alive and among you, how much worse will you be after I’m gone?’  It reminds me of Jesus statement in Luke 23:31 as he was being led away to be crucified, “If they do these things when the wood is green, what will they do in when it is dry?” Transitions in leadership and the inherent authority of leadership are usually difficult for both shepherds and sheep. It is a time of uncertainty. Moses did everything in his power to set the table for Joshua, commending him in the sight of all the people as God’s chosen successor (v 7). He also reminds the people that the power in not in the man, but in the God behind the man (v 8).

New Testament reading: 1 Thessalonians

“Jesus is coming!” Surely the streets of many first century towns were filled with this exclamation as the Lord approached town. According to the divine record, no church was as preoccupied with Jesus’ second coming as that in Thessalonica. In both epistles to these Christians, Paul affirms the certainty of the Lord’s second coming. We realize that chapter and verse divisions did not come for many centuries after the Bible was written.  Nevertheless, in each of these five short chapters, Paul makes at least one reference to the second coming.  Each of these mentions are tied to a separate thought or charge: Chapter 1 – Be Patient (v 10); Chapter 2 – Be Faithful (v 19); Chapter 3 – Be Holy (v 13); Chapter 4 – Be Comforted (v 18); Chapter 5 – Be Watchful (v 2) and Complete (v 23). The same emphasis continues in the second epistle. We should all be mindful of and motivated by the second coming of our Lord.

Old Testament reading: Deuteronomy 29-30

“I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live” (Deut 30:19). This passage leaves me scratching my head. If, as Calvinists and others so adamantly affirm, man lost the capacity to exercise his free will following the fall in the garden of Eden, why does Moses make the following statements to Israel as they prepare to enter Canaan? Yes, I realize that every single command prior to this text also necessarily implies the ability to choose obedience or disobedience, but this passage was so abundantly contrary to Calvinism that I wanted to draw attention to it. Most “defenses” of Calvinism are made from the New Testament, and Romans in particular. But should we not find overwhelming Old Testament support for Calvin’s tenets if they were true? If grace and law are mutually exclusive (per Calvinism’s claim), then why did God give Israel a law they were required to obey in order to be saved? It’s always easier to believe and defend truth than to twist the Scriptures in support of error.

New Testament reading: Colossians

Colossians is a companion book to Ephesians. Perhaps you noticed several familiar themes from your recent reading of the Ephesian epistle. Among them are: 1) Christ alone is the head of the church (Col 1:18, Eph 1:22); 2) The church is the body of Christ ( Col 1:18, Eph 1:23); 3) Peace and reconciliation through the blood of the cross (1:19-20, Eph 2:11-16); 4) The mystery of the gospel now revealed (1:25-27, Eph 3:4-7); 5) The death of the Mosaic Law (2:14, Eph 2:15); 6) The old man vs the new (3:1-17; Eph 4:17-32); and 7) Honoring God in our earthly relationships (3:18-4:1; Eph 6:1-9). Despite these repeated themes, there is a distinction in the primary emphasis of each epistle. While Ephesians holds up the church of Christ, Colossians exalts the Christ of the church. This emphasis is seen in Colossians 1:15-18, which culminates in the following statement, “that in all things He may have the preeminence.” If Christ is Lord and King, (and He is), then as members of His kingdom (1:13) and body (1:18) there is no area of my life wherein He should not reign. As the old saying goes, “Jesus is either Lord of all, or He isn’t Lord at all.”

Old Testament reading: Deuteronomy 28

Those who don’t believe in “negative preaching” or “fire and brimstone preaching” need to read this chapter carefully. It may be summarized as follows: Obey the Lord and unbelievable blessings will overwhelm you; disobey the Lord and unspeakable horrors will destroy you.  God spent only fourteen verses to describe the promised blessings in a general way, but spent FIFTY THREE verses describing in vivid and frightening detail the horrors of disobedience. Even Jeremiah, the heartbroken, weeping prophet, was given four “negatives” and two “positives” when he was commissioned to preach to the people (Jer 1:10). Pay particular note to the “boils of Egypt” and the curses of verses 27-29. In his classic work, None of These Diseases, Dr S.I. McMillen detailed the many “cures” for disease and injury in Egypt in Moses’ day, most being worse than the malady itself, causing disease and even death for non-life threatening problems.

New Testament reading: Philippians

Philippians is a beautiful epistle to perhaps Paul’s most beloved congregation. As with all of Paul’s writing, Jesus was the central theme. One of my favorite outlines of this book is Guy Woods’ – Christ our Life (1:21); Christ our Example (2:5); Christ our Hope (3:8); Christ our Strength and Source of Supply (4:13, 19). Philippians encourages us to be joyful in the face of personal difficulties. Paul was a living illustration of his exhortation. For example, the phrase “furtherance of the gospel” (1:12) is most interesting. The word translated “furtherance” means to make progress. Moreover, the word is used in military terms of one who goes ahead of an advancing army to identify and remove potential hindrances of advancement. Thus, Paul here says that his imprisonment, rather than being a hindrance to the gospel, has actually been a help to the spread of the gospel. How so? Through Paul’s chains, the gospel made its way among the palace guards so that they knew Paul was no criminal (v 13). Moreover, this furtherance was manifested by brethren becoming more bold to speak in the name of Jesus (v 14). Ultimately, there were saints (Christians) to be found even in Caesar’s household (4:22).