Old Testament reading: Joshua 22

Jumping to conclusions can make for an undesirable landing. There is an inherent danger in making up one’s mind before all the facts are known (cf Prov 18:13).  After the conquest, Reuben, Gad and half of Manasseh returned to Gilead east of the Jordan, having fulfilled their pledge to help their brethren fight to obtain their inheritance (Num 32:20-33).  Fearing that future generations might view the separation by the River Jordan as a Divine indictment and prohibition from serving the Lord, these brethren built a large replica of the altar of sacrifice to serve as a reminder to both sides of their right to offer worship to God.  Upon hearing of the altar’s construction, the ten tribes prepared to go to war against their brethren, accusing them of conspiring to commit apostasy.  Moreover, they brought to their remembrance that not only do the transgressors suffer from God’s wrath, but that such punishments tend to fall upon everyone.  After hearing the defense of Reuben and Gad, everyone was pleased, and they called the place Ed, which means “Witness.”

New Testament reading: Revelation 1-3

Revelation (not “Revelations”) remains a puzzle and a mystery for most readers.  As you read this book, do not allow yourself to become bogged down in the minutia of the symbolism. Identifying and understanding every symbol is not vital to grasping the overall theme and message of the book, which is an encouragement to Christians to endure (“overcome”) all assaults on their faith and person in view of the ultimate victory provided by the Lord Jesus. This theme is well stated by the apostle Paul in Romans 8:35-39: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Friends, this is the message of Revelation in a nutshell!

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.

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.

Old Testament reading: Joshua 15-17

“That girl certainly holds the keys to her daddy’s heart.” As the father of a precious daughter, I can certainly relate to God’s man Caleb in Joshua 15. Not just any man was good enough to be Caleb’s son in law. Caleb found a brave and faithful man to whom he could give his daughter Achsah in marriage. Moreover, we see how a daughter, even though grown, can still pull daddy’s strings. In Joshua 15:18-19, Caleb’s daughter sought to convince her new husband to request an additional blessing of property and springs of water. Perhaps reluctant to approach a man of such renown,  Achsah came to her husband’s aid in the matter by rushing to her father and lighting off her animal (the original language and her manner suggests urgency). Caleb immediately inquires as to the matter that caused her to be in such a rush. She notes the blessing of the land to the South, but also asks for springs of water to go with it. And, as many daddy’s are prone to do with their little girl’s requests, Caleb not only granted her request, but did so to perhaps an even greater degree than she asked! Note how the text indicates that Caleb gave her both the upper and lower springs.

New Testament reading: 2 Peter

2 Peter is a marvelous exhortation written shortly before Peter’s death (1:14).  When one considers Peter’s faithfulness despite the horrible death Jesus had promised him in John 21:18-19, one cannot help but love and appreciate this great soldier of the cross. In spite of his well documented fleshly weaknesses, Peter remembered the most important words that Jesus spoke to him, “Follow Me.” How might we respond if Jesus told us that we would be crucified as He was because of our faith? Would we embrace it as did Peter? Or would we, like Jonah, run from the words of the Lord? Also of note is Peter’s use of the word “exodon” to describe his “decease” in verse 15. It is the same word translated “decease” in the conversation among Jesus, Moses and Elijah at the Transfiguration (Luke 9:31). This word refers to a departure or journey, such as the Exodus from Egypt to Canaan. Thus, the very language necessarily implies that death is not an end or a cessation of existence, but rather a single point or transition in a far greater and eternal journey.

Old Testament reading: Joshua 13-14

Joshua continues to provide details concerning the conquest of Canaan. In these and other passages, the sheer volume and exceptional detail show the integrity and inspiration of the text. As we concluded yesterday, the Bible is God’s book! It begs to be examined and scrutinized! Put it to the test!  Two notes of interest in this reading. First is the death of Balaam in 13:22.  Here was a man who had actually spoken with the Lord, seen his power, preached his word, and yet is found among the enemies of God’s people.  Balaam’s treachery and demise illustrate Numbers 32:23, “Be sure your sin will find you out.” Second is the record of Israel failing to drive out the inhabitants as commanded by God. The longsuffering of God simply astonishes those who stop a moment to consider it! But be warned! Many times we are no better than they. God has blessed us so far above most in the world, and yet we find every excuse under heaven not to render faithful obedience to him on a daily basis.

New Testament reading: 1 Peter

Peter’s first epistle is written to a persecuted people who are about to see even more difficult days. This book is summed in chapter 1 verses 6-9: “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith — the salvation of your souls.” We are living in increasingly treacherous days, particularly in Western Europe and the United States. Persecution by Islamists is second only to that incited by the secular media. We have lived without persecution for many years, but we must never consider ourselves as being above or immune from it. These words from Peter may become more precious to us than we ever imagined. Such should encourage us to endure under every strain or persecution, looking to receive the end of our own faith, the salvation of our souls.

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!