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Today's Bible Reading...
March 13 - Joshua 1-3
(Remember Joshua and Caleb in Numbers 13:30-14:9? They were the two men who gave
the minority report.) Joshua served as Moses' personal attendant in the
wilderness and God chose him to be Moses' successor. Joshua was no doubt a
brilliant military leader but his success came from his reliance on God. When
God spoke, Joshua obeyed. This book is about obedience. Under Joshua's
leadership the people remained faithful to God.
The book of Joshua is divided into two parts:
1. The events surrounding the conquest of Canaan
2. The assignment and settlement of the captured territory
The Grecianized form of Joshua is "Jesus." Since Joshua led the people into the
Promised Land, some would suggest that Joshua may have been a prototype of
Christ who leads us into the Promised Land of Heaven.
The historian, Josephus, says that Joshua was 85 years old when he succeeded
Moses. It took about 6 years to subdo the land; and the rest of his life they
settled and governed it. His rule over Israel, in all, covered about 25 years.
He died at 110.
Chapter 1 - Entering the Promised Land
Israel now has a Book of Law and God's warning was to keep close to the words of
that Book. Leaders need to keep close to the Bible.
Chapter 2 - 2 spies and a Prostitute
Rahab had heard of the way God had cared for Israel. She was convinced that
Israel's God was the true God. She helped the spies even though it meant risking
her own life. Rahab's profession was honorable where she lived. Priestesses of
the Canaanite religion were public prostitutes. Rahab married an Israelite named
Salmon (Matthew 1:5) Caleb, himself, had a son named Salmon (I Chronicles 2:51).
If this is the same Salmon, then Rahab married into a leading family of Israel
and became an ancestress of Boaz, David and Christ. She isnamed among the heroes
of the Faith in Hebrews 11:31.
1. God often uses people with simple faith to accomplish God's purposes. No
matter what is in your past God wants to use you now.
2. God goes befor us in battle and prepares the way. Notice how God has worked
in Rahab's heart. God is preparing the way for you.
3. Rehab, the pagan, Canaanite prostitute was willing to risk her life for God.
Don't judge a person's interest in God by the physical. Don't look at
appearance, life style, or background. Share the good news with everyone.
Chapter 3 - Cross the Jordan
The Ark of the covenant was Israel's most sacred treasure. It was a symbol of
God's presence and power. The ark was a golden rectangular box with 2 cherubim
facing each other on the lid. Inside were the tablets of the Ten Commandments, a
jar of manna, and Aaron's staff (symbol of the high priest's authority). Only
the Levites could carry the ark. The ark was constructed at the same time
as the tabernacle (Ex. 37:1-9)
3:5 Consecration (purification) ceremony. Many things could make a person
unclean. (Leviticus 11-14, Numbers 19:11-22) God used these outward signs of
uncleanness to help us to understand humanity's inward uncleanness that comes as
a result of sin. The consecration ceremony helps us to understand the importance
of approaching God with a pure heart. We need God's forgiveness.
3:10 The people of Canaan were wicked and deserved to be punished for their
sins. Israel was to be a vehicle for this punishment. Israel, called to be a
holy nation, could not live among evil, idolatrous people. To do so would be to
invite sin into their lives. They would most certainly be infected by pagan
religions.
3:13-14 The obstacle in their path: the Jordan River at flood-level. The priests
had to step into the water first. (Be obedient to God - take the first step!)
3:13-17 God parted the Red Sea (Ex. 14) and now God parts the Jordan River.
3:15, 16 God chose the time when the river was at its highest point to
demonstrate God's power.
1. Do you approach God with a pure heart?
2. What are your obstacles that you face today?
3. God goes before you to prepare the way.
4. 1:8-9 Rest on God's promise - Stay focused on God's Word - mediate on it and
you will be prosperous and successful. Be strong and courageous. Don't be
terrified or discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
God, you go before me. Jesus has already defeated Satan. I need only to claim
the victory and move on with faith and confidence in you. Help me to lift high
the cross of Jesus. In the name of Christ I pray. Amen.
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