Joshua 24 Before Joshua passed away at the age of 110 he called all the leaders of Israel together at Shechem and presented a new covenant between them and the Lord their God.  The Lord spoke to them all.. reminding them of what He had done..

He "took" Abraham from "beyond the River" and brought into Canaan and promised him the land.

He gave Jacob and Esau to their father Isaac. It was Jacob who went down into Egypt.

He sent Moses and Aaron to bring them out of Egypt. 

He led them across the Red Sea.

He gave them victories and deliverance.. He gave them "a land on which you have not labored, and cities which you had not built, and you have lived on them; you are eating of vineyards and olive groves which you did not plant." 

Joshua then presented the challenge. " Now, therefore, fear  the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord." 

Three times the Israelites vowed to serve the Lord their God and obey His voice.  Joshua told them that God would use their words as "witnesses" against themselves.. and they agreed. 

After this Joshua passed away and was buried in the land given to the tribe of Ephraim.  "And Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua and all the days of the elders who survived Joshua, and had known all the deeds of the Lord which He had done for Israel." 

Unfortunately .. that was as far as they went.. and the nation began to fall away.  

The lesson is clear.. we must not forget all that the Lord had done.. we must teach the next generation these truths! We must keep clinging to the Lord!  We must be diligent to keep adding perseverance  and virtue and knowledge  and godliness and self-control.. and love.. and obedience to God's word as we walk with Jesus. 

Father, come and fill us again with Your Spirit so that You are exalted in our lives. Teach us and guide us Spirit of our Mighty God.. we need You... for what is impossible for us to do in our own strength.. You alone can do in us.  May Your plans and purposes be completed in us according to the power of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior whom we serve. Help us to be faithful.. Help us to teach our children and grandchildren Your Words.. that they may also continue to walk in the Light.  We ask this in Jesus' name. 

Amen. 

 It was early Saturday morning and I was awake.. thinking about the  recent disaster in Nepal.. a glacier collapsed.. a whole city was violently overtaken by a mountain high flood of mud and rock and water.  The pictures are devastating as people ran for their lives.. in vain.  There have been several earthquakes lately that have also brought about sudden destruction .. buildings collapsing.. people lost.. lives taken… without warning..without time to say goodbye.. without time to repent and prepare to meet the Lord. 

I am reminded of Jonah.  He reluctantly preached a simple message to the evil people of Nineveh.. “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.”   The people of Nineveh repented and God relented.  Disaster was diverted. 

What would the people of Nepal given.. to have had that message.. a flood .. a disaster was coming. Forty days?  Even 40 hours or 40 minutes would have helped some..  But, they received no warning.  How about the people of Venezuela or Columbia?   They had no warning of the disaster about to hit them. How many of them  were ready to meet  their Creator?

In Luke 13 some people were telling Jesus about a  terrible thing that had happened to some Galileans.  Jesus answered them in an unexpected way, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners that all the other Galileans because they suffered this way?  I tell you, no!  But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them - do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” 

Disasters come.. unexpectedly.. suddenly.. and from all appearances.. randomly.  Life will end and we do not know the day nor the hour.  The Lord had compassion on Nineveh.. there were “120,000 people” who could not tell their right hands from their left.  Maybe these were children.. maybe these were just ordinary people who were living the only life they knew… not ready to die.. like the people in Nepal, or Columbia or Venezuela.. or in the next earthquake or flood.. or other disaster. 

When Jesus was speaking to His disciples about the time of His return He said this,      “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son; but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark;  and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.” ( Matthew 24:36-39)  

Isn’t that how it was in Nepal just a few days ago?

Revelation 6 describes the judgements to come when the Lamb.. He who is worthy to open the scroll.. begins to break the seals one by one.. and God’s wrath is poured out upon the earth.  Verse 17 says, “For the great day of their wrath has come, and who can withstand it?”  People great and small..rich and poor.. kings and slaves.. will all run and try to hide themselves in caves and on mountains, we are told in verse 15.  But, just like those in Nepal just a few days ago.. it doesn’t matter who you are.. what position you hold.. what wealth you have accumulated.. when the disaster hits, when the judgement comes, when the tower falls, or whatever.. “unless you repent, you too will perish.” 

This is the word that the Lord spoke to me early Saturday morning.  We must pray for those who are lost without Jesus, those who may perish tomorrow.. from a  disaster or from disease or an accident.. or whatever.  We will all die, but Jesus came that we might not perish but have everlasting life by believing in Him. Let the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ be heard around the world today! 

Father in heaven, may Your name be exalted in all the earth.. in every nation.. in every city..in every heart!  May Your will be done!  May Your Kingdom come. Let the Gospel news be shouted from the mountains and the Truth be announced in every city.  Let Your great mercy and grace be preached in all the earth we pray, in the Name of Jesus Christ the Lord.  Amen. 

 Joshua 23 At the age of 120 Joshua told the leaders of Israel, "I am old, advanced in years."  His message to them was spoken with both hope and caution.  He reminded the people of all that God had done for them.. ".. the Lord your God is He who has been fighting for you."  

He exhorted them to:

"Be very firm,  ( strong or courageous) then, to keep and do all that is written in the book of the Law of Moses, so that you may not turn aside from it to the right hand or to the left." (v6)

"But you are to cling to  ( cleave; stick close, follow closely ) the Lord your God, as you have done to this day." (v8)

"So take diligent heed ( keep, have charge of, watch and wait for, be on guard )  to yourselves to love the Lord your God." ( v11) 

He warned them against associating with the nations that were still living in the land; of even speaking the name of the false gods.  The nations needed to be driven out of God's land.. for they would become "a snare and a trap.. a whip on your sides and a thorns in your eyes.." 

Joshua's concern for the people of Israel is deep and troubled. "When you transgress the covenant of the Lord your God.. and go serve other gods.. then the anger of the Lord will burn against you, and you shall perish quickly from off the good land which he has given you." 

 Joshua's message is a good word for all of us.. we also must "be very firm" in our obedience to the Lord's Word; we must also "cling to the Lord" - constantly abiding in Jesus Christ the "true Vine"; and we must also be "diligent" to love the Lord. 

II Peter 1:5 reminds us of this also... "Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge; and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness; and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.  For if these qualities are yours and are increasing , they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 

Diligence.. personal attention and care.. to guard with earnestness and eagerness; with haste..   We must apply ourselves to these exhortations.. Perhaps if the Israelites had done so  - things would have turned out so much better for them.

Peter wrote "Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you." (v10-11)

Father in heaven, You have granted to us Your precious promises so that we can partake of Your divine nature, for in Christ Jesus we have been made one with You. How great is Your salvation!  Help us by Your indwelling Spirit to be diligent in clinging to You, standing firm in faith, and loving You more and more every day and every hour. We ask this in the Name of Jesus our King, Amen. 

 Joshua 22 Three tribes. Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, were allowed to return  to the east side of the Jordan where they had been given their inheritance "according to the command of the Lord through Moses."  Joshua blessed them and gave them these instructions:

"And now the Lord your God has given rest to your brothers, as He spoke to them; therefore turn now and go to your tents, to the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of the Lord gave you beyond the Jordan. Only be careful to observe the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you to love the Lord your God and walk in all His ways and keep His commandments and hold fast to Him and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul." 

The group returned to their land which was called "Gilead" .. the rocky place.. Before they crossed the Jordan they built a large "altar".  As soon as the news spread all the rest of the Israelites , they got ready to fight.. they thought the altar would cause God to bring judgement upon all of them! They assumed it was an affront to the altar before the Tabernacle...   However, that was not the intentions of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh... they simply wanted a monument to help the future generations remember that they were all a part of God's people. They called it "Witness".. a sign of unity.. a sign that they all served the same God... even though the river Jordan separated them from each other. 

This was acceptable to everyone and they all blessed God together. 

Rest is fleeting. Unity is fragile. Even after all that Israel had experience together.. all the the Lord had done for them and given them.. troubles would come.. people would fail to keep God's commandments. Joshua's words to the people are so important:

 Observe God's words. Love the Lord. Walk in His ways. Keep His commandments.. Hold fast to Him. Serve Him with all you have. 

Father in heaven, we need You to fill us with Your Word, by Your Spirit, that we might walk with Jesus in Your ways and for Your glory.  Help us to hold fast to You, for we are weak and easily distracted and weighed down by the things in this world. Let our eyes be fixed on that which is above.. on You, our Holy God and loving  Father; on Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior; and on the Spirit of God, who lives in us and brings us Your Word and Your Love. May Your will be done in each of us today as we seek to be one with You and with our brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. We ask this in His Name. Amen. 

 Joshua 20-21 The Lord instructed Joshua to set up 6 cities.. cities of Refuge.  They were set apart so that anyone who accidentally caused the death of another could go there and not be killed by someone seeking revenge. They would wait until the case was determined by the congregation or until the high priest at that time would pass away. 

Each of these cities in turn were given to the Levites, along with 42 more cities.. spread throughout the tribes. The three arms of the Levites were given their own areas to live.. cities and surrounding pasture lands. The first lot was given to Aaron's sons. It was in  the area given to Judah.. the city of Hebron, "in the hill country of Judah."  This area was  near where Caleb and his family settled.  "So the Lord gave Israel all the land which He has sworn to give to their fathers, and they possessed it and lived in it." 

The Lord did all He said He would do. "Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass." ( 21:45) 

The people of Israel had received the promised land and now they were given "rest on every side".  Now all they had to do was obey His Word and not forget Him. 

Father in heaven,  You never fail to keep Your promises.. but we always seem to forget ours.  Your grace is always sufficient. but we often forget to show grace to others. We forget to praise You or to be grateful to You. How patient You are with us.. O Lord forgive us these trespasses and let us have a spirit of love and mercy to forgive others. Fill us Spirit of God that the fruit of Your love will flow through us- love and joy, peace and patience, kindness and gentleness, faithfulness and humility and self-control. We turn to You for strength to stand in Your Truth and to do Your will. May the grace of Jesus Christ overflow into us we pray in His Almighty Name. Amen. 

Joshua 12-19 These chapters give the detailed descriptions of the division of land between the tribes of Israel. Every tribe was apportioned a specific area and were supposed to drive out the enemies from every city. Many times that did not happen. Over the years Israel lost good portions of the land that God would have given them, had they been faithful.  Large parts of Syria and Jordan today are actually part of the inheritance given to Israel. 

A couple of interesting facts jump out. 

The land that we know as Galilee in the New Testament was actually part of the inheritance of Naphtali. Isaiah prophesied and Matthew quoted, "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the gentiles - "The people who were sitting in darkness, saw a great light, and to those who were sitting in the land and shadow of death, upon them a light dawned." ( 4:15-16) 

Manasseh and Ephraim, Joseph's sons, inherited a large portion of the north, both to the east and to the west of the Jordan river.  Joshua eventually settled in the land of Ephraim, the last to receive his portion of the inheritance.  Shiloh, the place chosen for the tabernacle, was also in Ephraim. It was an Ephramite, Jeroboam, who led the rebellion against Judah.. dividing the nation of Israel into two separate kingdoms.. Israel (also called Ephraim) and Judah. 

Judah was given the first portion west of the Jordan. It was so big that they didn't have enough people to occupy it all so some of the land was given to the tribe of Simeon.  Caleb was given his portion in Judah, receiving what Moses had promised. Jerusalem was actually in the land given to Benjamin, but later became the capital of Judah.. now the capital of Israel. 

Several times we are reminded that the tribe of Levi did not receive an inheritance of land, for their portion was the Lord . (18:7)   They would, however, be given cities.. scattered throughout the land belonging to the other tribes. 

The tribes of Israel spread out through the land. It was only by the Law that brought them together during the appointed feasts would they remember that they were one nation.  It didn't take long before they forgot.. 

Father in heaven, Your plans are always perfect and someday we will understand how You will restore all that Israel is meant to be. May the people that call on Your Name be truly Your servants and bring the Good News of the Gospel back to the land that is Yours. May the Light of the World shine once again on the land that is gloomy in the shadow of death. We pray for the peace of Jerusalem as You have called us to do. May Your will be done and Your kingdom come, in the powerful name of Jesus we pray, Amen 

 Joshua 9-11 The kings of the land that Joshua and the Israelites would conquer gathered together to fight. Except for one city.. Gibeon.  This group pretended to be from a far-away country and talked Joshua and Israel into a treaty. "So the men of Israel took some of their provisions and did not ask for the counsel of the Lord."  It took three days for the truth to come out.. but then it was too late to get out of the agreement.  Joshua honored the covenant but enslaved the Gibeonites as "hewers of wood and drawers of water..." where they continued to serve for many years. 

Then.. the battles began.. one city/state after another fell to Israel at the command of the Lord.  He gave them victory over every foe.  He even stopped the sun and moon from moving at the prayer of Joshua.  He sent hailstones.. He struck down armies.  "and Joshua captured all of these kings and their lands at one time because the Lord, the God of Israel fought for Israel." 

More kings came against Israel.. "and they came out, they and all their armies with them, as many people as the sand that is on the seashore with very many horses and chariots..."   The Lord told Joshua to not be afraid.. this great army would not be left after the next day.  Joshua trusted the Lord and victory was given. "So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the Lord had spoken to Moses, and Joshua gave it for and inheritance to Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. Thus the land had  rest from war." 

Chapter 11:20 says this, "For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts, to meet Israel in battle in order that he might utterly destroy them, that they might receive no mercy, but that he might destroy them, just as the Lord had commanded Moses." 

We are reminded that this was not because Israel was so great.. but because the people in the lands that Israel would inherit were so evil.. that judgement came.  There is a point where evil must be purged from the nations. A day is coming when God's judgement will come upon all the earth... a time when there will be no mercy shown for those who refuse to bow before the only True God.. a time when hardened hearts will refuse to repent.  We must keep praying and telling the Truth to all those who have not yet called on the name of the Lord... before it is too late. 

Father in heaven,  we know that You are a just God and that You are a patient God.  We also know that a time is coming when You will judge with righteous judgement..  We pray once again that You would send forth workers in Your harvest fields that more people will turn from sin and call upon the name of Jesus!  Fill this land.. this world with the Good News of salvation in Jesus and soften hard hearts while there is still time. We ask this in Jesus' name. amen .

 Joshua 8  The Lord spoke to Joshua these words, "Do not fear or be dismayed."  He would give Ai to the Israelites now, since they obeyed His word.  Following the Lord's instructions, Joshua sent out 30,000 soldiers to the west of Ai, hidden until the right time. Then the main army approached the city and another 5000 soldiers were set aside for a second ambush.  The plan worked perfectly.  Ai was taken.. all its people were destroyed. Cattle and plunder were allowed this time.  And the Lord gave them complete victory. 

After this Joshua led the people of Israel north about 30 miles.. to the place that Moses had spoken about. Some of the tribes stood on Mt Ebal and some stood on Mt Gerizim.  Joshua built an altar of uncut stones and they offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings.  He took large stones and wrote on them a copy of the law of Moses.   And "he read all the words of the law, the blessing and the curse according to all that is written in the book of the law." 

Once again, the people of Israel were taught the Law, they were reminded of their covenant with the Lord who had given them the land.  The victories over Jericho and Ai showed them the blessings that God would give them when they obeyed His Word.  The defeat caused by Achan showed them what would happen when they did not obey the Word of God. 

Moses wrote "Cursed is he who does not confirm the words of this law by doing them." ( Deuteronomy 27:26)  But, to those who would "diligently obey" God's word.. they would be blessed.. "and all the blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you will obey the Lord your God." (28:2) 

Jesus taught about the blessings of God.. He called those who were poor in spirit- blessed. He called those who mourn- blessed. He called those who are gentle, who hunger and thirst for righteousness, who are merciful, and who are pure in heart - blessed.  Those who seek God and His kingdom and His righteousness are blessed. Walking in the ways of the Lord, obeying His Word will bring His blessings upon us. Jesus said, "Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world... for I was hungry and  you gave Me something to eat.. I was thirsty and you  gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you invited Me in; naked and you clothed Me;  I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me."   Likewise, Jesus also taught about those who are cursed.. "Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty and you gave Me nothing to drink... (Matthew 25:41ff) Jesus explained that "to the extent" that we treat His brothers.. even to the least of them.. we are treating Him.. our actions towards others matter to Him for they reveal whether or not His love has filled our hearts. 

Father in heaven, may we confirm the Word of the Lord .. all that You have given us.. by doing what You have commanded us to do.. by loving You with all of our hearts, minds, souls, and strength.. and by loving others as You have loved us.  May our words and our actions be honoring to You and bring glory to Your Holy Name.  Strengthen us in the Spirit so that we might love like Jesus loves.. that we might do the things that Jesus did.. that we might serve like Jesus served. We are Your people and we desire to obey and be blessed.. never to fail You.  Come and fill us with Your power from above we ask, in the Name of Jesus Christ the risen Lord. Amen. 

 Joshua 7 Achan, from the tribe of Judah, chose to ignore God's command to take all the gold, silver, bronze and iron that they found in Jericho and dedicate it to the Lord's treasury.  All of Israel had been warned of the consequences of taking what was "under the ban" for themselves.  It would bring about a curse upon all of the people.. indeed, because of Achan's sin, 36 soldiers lost their lives and the city of Ai rose up in victory against Israel.  

Joshua was devastated. He tore his clothes and fell on his face before the ark.  He didn't even know why they had failed to take Ai until the Lord informed him about Israel's sin. "Israel has sinned and they have also transgressed My covenant which I commanded them. And they have even taken some of the things under the ban and have both stolen and deceived.  Moreover, they have also put them among their own things."   Israel's sin was more than just taking some silver and gold.  It was a breaking of trust.. a breaking of the covenant, the bond between God and His people. 

Through an investigation using lots, the Lord narrowed the suspects down.. first, the tribe of Judah was selected. Then one family, the Zarhites, was selected. Then it was narrowed down to one family, the household of Zabdi.  When the family came before Joshua "man by man" the lot fell on Achan. Zabdi's grandson. 

Achan could not hide from the Lord. He confessed his sins. He had taken a beautiful garment.. a mantle made from fine material, and he had taken 200 shekels of silver and 50 shekels of gold. The items were quickly found and laid before Joshua. Achan did not express sorrow for his sin, even as he confessed what he did.  His family seems to have been complicit in hiding these stolen goods, so they were also condemned. 

Joshua and "all Israel" took Achan, his children, his oxen, donkeys, and sheep, and even his tent to the valley of Achor.. the valley of trouble.  There they were stoned to death and burned with fire.  A "great heap of rocks" then  covered them.  The people of Israel learned something more about their God that day. If they didn't know before.. they now knew that He saw their sin and He delivered judgement on those who failed to obey His commands and who did not repent of their sin. 

Achan "saw... coveted.. and took" the things that he wanted. He did not consider the fact that God had forbid it. He didn't believe that God would bring judgement on him and his family.. indeed on all of Israel for his actions.  The Bible Knowledge Commentary compares this to Eve in the garden.. she saw the fruit, she wanted the fruit, and she took it.. not considering God's ban on that particular tree. She did not realize the consequences of her sin.. bringing judgement upon all the earth. 

Father, forgive us, for we all have sinned and come short of Your great glory.  We have seen the things of this world and have coveted.. and have taken what You have forbidden.  We have failed to believe Your word and acted out of selfish motives. We live in a world that has been so sinful.. so selfish.. so greedy.. so blinded to the Truth that we wonder how You have been patient in Your coming judgement.  Father we pray for our nation, for our neighbors, for our own families, knowing that many are living like Achan.. trying to hide their sins.. not knowing that You see every heart. Let the Light of the gospel of Jesus Christ be manifested in our lives, Lord, so that repentance will flow down into homes and schools, and yes, even churches today.  You are the God who saves and delivers us from the dominion of darkness and brings us into the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.. You are faithful and You are full of grace and mercy.  Hear our cries Lord for those who are lost.. and May Jesus Christ, the One who came to seek and save them.. be made known to them today. We ask this in His mighty name. Amen.

 Joshua 6 "Now Jericho was tightly shut.. "   The promise was made and the victory was sure.. The Lord said to Joshua, "See, I have given Jericho into your hand."   What was unexpected was the way this victory would be manifested. 

An army of soldiers, seven priests blowing trumpets, the ark of the covenant, and all the people marched around the city of Jericho.  The people were silent, so only the sound of the trumpets could be heard.  Six days of this.. Israel marching around the city.. one time each day. Then on the 7th day... the group returned to the city and marched around 7 times.  Then the order was given.. the trumpets blew and the people shouted. Joshua yelled,  "Shout! For the Lord has given you the city."  And the walls of Jericho fell down flat. 

The Lord commanded the people to take the silver and gold, bronze and iron things and put them into the treasury of the Lord.  Nothing else was allowed. They were commanded to destroy "everything in the city, both man and woman, young and old, and ox, sheep and donkey.. "  The only exception was Rahab and her family and belongings.  The city was burned down, the metal items given to the Lord, and Rahab's family led to the outside of Israel's camp. 

Joshua spoke a curse over this ruin, "Cursed before the Lord is the man who rises up and builds this city Jericho; with the loss of his first born he shall lay its foundation, and with the loss of his youngest son he shall set up its gates."  This prophecy was fulfilled in the days of Ahab. A man named Hiel build Jericho again.  He lost his first born son as he laid the foundation.  He lost his youngest son as he set up its gates. What a price to pay!  So sad that people do not heed the Word of the Lord.. 

All the land, we are told, now knew that the Lord was with Joshua and the people of Israel.  Victory was certain.. but.. there were still lessons to be learned and work to be done. 

Father in heaven, we have a great victor, Jesus Christ, who has brought us into Your Hands. We have only to  stay united with Him in the Spirit that You have given to us.  We are the branches of the Living True Vine and we want to be fruitful in our walk with Jesus.  Remove from us the things of this world that are keeping us from victorious lives.  Have Your way, Lord, in us today we pray, in Jesus' name. Amen. 

 Joshua 5  Transitions are a part of life.  We move.  We graduate from high school or college. We get a job or change jobs. We marry.. or we retire.  Life as we know it brings many transitions.. ready or not.  To Israel.. this going across the Jordan.. changed everything. 

Just that event.. the Lord's power displayed as the Jordan River heaped up and the Israelites crossed over caused all the "kings of the Amorites.. and the kings of the Canaaites" to despair. "their hearts melted and there was no spirit in them any longer." 

Then the Lord commanded Joshua to reestablish the covenant that He began in Abraham.. the circumcision of all the males was the sign of that covenant.  With that accomplished Joshua led the people to observe the Passover,  a vivid reminder of God's deliverance from Egypt.  The Lord said, "Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you."  The place was named "Gilgal" - rolling.  The past was rolled away.. transition.. to a new life.. a new beginning in a new land began that day. 

The manna ceased and the people found grain with which to make unleavened bread and "...they ate some of the yield of the land of Canaan that year." 

Joshua had led the army of Israel through battles on the east side of the Jordan, but now there would be greater battles to be fought. As he explored the land near Jericho,  he looked up "and behold a man was standing opposite him with his sword drawn in his hand... "  Joshua met the "Captain of the host of the Lord" that day.  He bowed down and worshipped Him.. he removed the sandals from his feet.. for the place he was standing was "holy ground".   Many believe that this captain was the Lord Jesus.. Yeshua.. met Yeshua on a patch of earth near Jericho that day.  The Captain of the Lord of hosts would lead the battles.. now Joshua was ready for what  was ahead. 

Father in heaven, we have a Captain who has won the victory already.. our Lord Jesus!  Whatever today holds.. whatever battle we face tomorrow.. You have already won.. Whatever changes come our way, You will provide as we stay in covenant with You.  You have brought us into oneness with You in Jesus and You will never cast us out.  We praise and worship You!  Thank You Lord!  Lead on O King! We desire to serve You with hearts full of love and faith. Grant us the power to keep standing firm in the Name that is above all names, the name of Jesus.  Come and fill us now O Spirit of Love. Amen. 

 Joshua 4 The Lord commanded Joshua to appoint 12 men, one from each tribe, to take 12 stones across the Jordan River and set up a pillar as a memorial. It was a sign for the future generations.. so that they would know how God led His people across the Jordan and into the promised land.  Joshua also set up 12 stones in the center of the river for the same purpose. They would be under water during the flood stage season.. but seen when the river was calmer. 

Joshua set up the 12 stones at Gilgal.  The people of Israel set up their first camp inside the promised land right there. In this place the nation would begin the conquest of the land that God was giving them.  Here, the men of Israel were circumcised and Passover was celebrated for the first time in a long time.  The manna no longer came and the people ate from the produce of Canaan. When the priests carrying the ark stepped on the shore of the Jordan in this place, all the water of the river returned to its place.

 Gilgal became a starting place for the nation of Israel and "all the peoples of the earth" would know "that the hand of the Lord is mighty".  The memorial stones were a reminder to Israel of the greatness of their God so that they would "fear the Lord [their]  God forever."

We also have a memorial to remind us of the way God has provided for our salvation. As the Passover is a reminder for the Jewish people of how God brought them out of Egypt, the Lord's Supper.. what we call communion..  is a reminder to us of how Jesus Christ brought us out of darkness and into His glorious Kingdom.. It is a reminder of His death... His body broken and His blood poured out..  as well as a reminder that He is coming again.  As the people of Israel taught their children the meaning of the 12 stones... that God brought them into the land.. we must teach our children the true meaning of communion.  It is a sacred reminder of the Lord's greatness and love.. for He gave His one and only Son.. so that we will not perish but have eternal life.  

Father in heaven, only You can hold back the waters of the seas and the rivers.. only You can move mountains and valleys..  and only You can bring us out of death and into life.  We praise Your holy Name.. Yahweh, the Great I Am.  Be exalted forever O Lord.  Thank You for loving the world and sending Jesus Christ to purchase us by His shed blood on the cross.  Worthy is the Lamb that was slain.. to receive honor and glory and power.  Hallelujah!  What a Savior.  Empower us, Holy Spirit, to love others and to remind them of all that Jesus did.  Let hearts receive the good news.. Jesus Saves!  Amen 

 Joshua 3 The day had finally come.. Joshua sent out officers through the camp to tell the people to get ready.. the Ark of the covenant would be carried out to the edge of the Jordan River by the Levitical  priests.. and the people would cross over as the waters were heaped up "a great distance away at Adam.. " 

The instructions for crossing were given:

The people needed to stay 2000 cubits away from the Ark. 

They needed to consecrate themselves the day before they left. 

The priests who carried the Ark would come to the edge of the water and then "stand still". 

Joshua spoke the Word of the Lord, "By this you shall know that the living God is among you, and that He will assuredly dispossess from before you the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Hive, the Perizzite, the Girgashite, the Amorite, and the Jebusite. Behold the ark of the covenant is crossing over ahead of you into the Jordan." 

The priests moved out into the waters of the Jordan. As their feet touched the water the river stopped and "rose up in one heap". 

"And the priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan while all Israel crossed on dry ground, until all the nation had finished crossing the Jordan." 

They had all heard the story of the Red Sea crossing but now they experienced this new crossing for themselves. God Himself assured them through this that they would conquer the inhabitants of the land and that the "Living God" would be with them.

The Jordan River begins at Mount Hermon and flows 70 miles into the Dead Sea.  It goes from more than a thousand feet above sea level to almost 1300 feet below sea level.  It twists and turns so much that its actual length is closer to 200 miles.  It cuts through a valley and receives many tributaries on this long journey. The land was lush and fertile along its streams. Its banks were overflowing during the time of Israel's crossing.  This is the place that the Lord chose to bring His people into the promised land.  There would be no other way that all of these people could have gotten across the river except for the Mighty Hand of God. 

Father in heaven, You are amazing and Your ways are so far above anything we could ask or imagine.  You brought Your people into the land that You had promised to Abraham all those years before. We know that You are the same God and that You are at work in this world to bring Your children into the City built without human hands. Bring us through the waters, Lord God.. that we might always know Your Presence .. the Living God is with us! Thank you for such grace and love. Lead us on, King Jesus, we will follow You. Amen. 

 Joshua 2 Rahab lived "on the wall" of Jericho.  She was known to be a "harlot" but came to be known as a woman of faith. 

Hebrews 11:31 "By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she welcomed the spies in peace."  and James 2:25 "And in the same way was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works, when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?"  

The Lord chose Rahab.. a Gentile woman.. a woman known as a harlot.. to be His.  Rahab married Salmon and became the mother of Boaz.. the grandmother of Obed.. the great grandmother of Jesse, the father of David. 

Rahab had heard about the Lord.. and she believed.  She believed that the Lord had promised the land to the Israelites.  She confessed that "the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath. " She believed and staked her own life on it.  

Rahab hid the spies. She tied the scarlet cord in her window. She gathered her family into her home so that they also could be saved from the destruction to come. Rahab sent the pursuers a different way.  James tells us that these actions were the "works" that testified of her faith. 

After the overthrow of Jericho, Rahab and her family were brought out. Joshua 6:23 tells us that Rahab's mother, father, brothers, and "all her relatives" as well as all her belongings.. were rescued and taken to the  the outside of the Hebrew's camp.   But, Rahab "lived in the midst of Israel"  for the rest of her life. 

This is an incredible picture of what God does for all of us.  He calls us out of darkness into light. He doesn't hold our pasts against us.  When we believe that God Is.. . that He is good, that He forgives.. and that He can use us if we act in faith.. He will save us from destruction.. and.. praise the Lord.. He will save those that we bring with us into that faith. 

Father in heaven, thank You for this lesson.. this picture of Your great love and mercy.  May we have faith like Rahab in Who You are.. and may we act in faith in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in. Help us to share the love and mercy found in Jesus Christ the Savior with our families and others so that they can also be rescued from sin and shame.  Let the Light of the Lord shine through us who believe today. Spirit of Love, flood our hearts with the Love of God towards a world that needs salvation. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen. 

 Joshua 1 Joshua was appointed leader of Israel after the death of Moses.  He was properly prepared for this position as he served Moses for those 40 years in the wilderness.  Born in Egypt, Joshua would have memories of slavery.. of the exodus.. and of the many wonders that God worked on their behalf.  He was also privileged to be a witness of God's presence on the mountain when the Law was given to Moses.. as well as in the tabernacle when Moses met with God.  Joshua was the right man for the job of taking the people Israel across the Jordan to conquer the promised land according to God's Word. 

The Lord spoke to Joshua with great promises.. all of which he received by faith.  Yet.. three times in this first chapter he is reminded.. "Be strong and courageous.. "  It was not going to be a walk in the park! This task that Joshua was assigned would be challenging on both sides.. against the enemy.. as well as dealing with his own people. These promises from God would be his foundation and strength. 

As God laid out the assignment, the first promise given was, " Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you." 

God promised Joshua that He would not fail him.. think of that.  We know that we often fail the Lord, but the God of Israel pledged to not fail Joshua.  He never fails.  He doesn't abandon us.. He doesn't let go of us.. He doesn't drop us. He is not negligent, not slack, not feeble, and certainly not weak. Within His grasp we then can also be... "strong and courageous"! 

The one thing that the Lord required of Joshua and now requires of us is to  "Be careful to do according to all the law..  do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go.. "    Knowing, meditating, and doing the Word of God is the only way for us to live successfully before the Lord. He is not talking about material success or the success of the world.. so let us not use this as a formula for that.  He is talking about success in doing what God has commanded you to do. He is talking about the success of living in obedience.. living in the power of God's Spirit.. living in strong, obedient, and courageous faith.. wherever we go. 

Father in heaven, You are great and glorious. You are faithful to us and Your promises are true.. You will not fail.  You are on our side and You have a plan for us.  We must have strength and courage to live in complete surrender and obedience to Your Word, so that we can be successful in this life that You have granted us. Hold us close to Your heart, Father, and fill us with Your Spirit so that we can be successful in a life of obedience to the command of Christ.. to love You with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength and to love others as You have loved us.  Have Your way in us today we pray.. in the name of Jesus our Lord, Amen. 

John 21  John said that this was the third time that Jesus "manifested" Himself to the disciples.  According to verse 2 there were 7 of them present in Galilee at the lake.  Peter decided to go fishing and took the others with him in the little boat where they fished all night and caught nothing. It was in the early morning that Jesus appeared on the beach and called out to them, "Children, you do not have any fish, do you?"   Sadly, they said "No".  

When Jesus told them to cast the net again on the "right" side of the boat they obeyed and instantly took in a haul of 153 big fish.  What a reminder!  Jesus had told them before that without Him they could do nothing... they were meant to catch more than fish. Jesus had made them fishers of men.. not just fish.  When John realized that it was Jesus on the shore, Peter jumped into the water to go to Him. The rest of the men brought the net full of fish onto the shore.  Although Jesus already had fish cooking on the fire He asked them to bring some that they had just caught.  Peter went back and helped haul in the rest of the fish. 

Jesus served the men some fish and some bread. Then He spoke with Peter what was on His heart. "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?"  Three times He asks Peter to confess his love for Jesus.  Three times Peter says, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You."  Three times Jesus gives Peter a commission : "Tend to My lambs.. Shepherd My sheep... Tend My sheep."   Peter was given the job of a Shepherd.. to feed the lambs... the young believers; to tend to and cherish the flock.. to serve those who belonged to Jesus.. to take the church forward caring for their spiritual welfare.. to keep them in the green pastures that God would provide. 

Peter would one day be led to a cross.  Jesus told him that morning on the beach.. but it would be when he had grown old.  Peter had nothing to fear and everything to live for.. Jesus had not left him, but entrusted him with His sheep. What assurance that must have been!  John, on the other hand, had a different path to follow.. it would not be the same as Peter's except for the fact that they would both be following Jesus.

Once again, John assures his readers that he saw and wrote all these things.. and that his witness is true. 

Father, lead us to follow Jesus.. in the path that He has for us. Whatever it is that You will for each of us.. may we run and not grow weary, walk and not faint! Thank You for the testimony of John and the others. For the Word of life that You gave to us through Jesus Christ, the Living Word who was with You, Who came to live among us in the flesh, and Who is now sitting at Your right hand. We will see You one day soon. How we long for that glorious day!  Yet, we long for those who are still lost in their sin and rebellion and pray that You would still be patient for their sakes.. turn their hearts to the Truth, Lord God, for we ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

 John 20 John tells us that it was Mary Magdalene who first found the empty tomb.  She ran to Peter and John and told them what she had seen.  Peter and John wasted no time running to the tomb.  John was faster but it was Peter who went in. They saw the linen wrappings and the face-cloth laying there.  John writes that "he saw and believed." 

They still  "did not understand the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead.."  It was not until that evening that Jesus entered the room where the disciples were meeting. They were locked in.. frozen in fear.. still not quite believing.. until Jesus stood in front of them and said, "Peace be with you."  It was a week later that Jesus returned to the room. Thomas had missed the first appearance.. but Jesus knew exactly what Thomas had said.. "Reach here your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand, and put it in My side; and be not unbelieving, but believing." 

That was all Thomas needed to hear.  He recognized Jesus, "My Lord and my God."  Thomas needed to see to believe.  Yet, he was not the only one who needed to see.  John believed when he saw there grave clothes in the empty tomb.  The other disciples believed when Jesus entered the room the first time.  We would like to see too.. we often pray for our eyes to be opened. We long for the day when we will be face to face with our Savior and Lord. But.. we must not forget the Lord's precious words to Thomas.. "Because you have seen Me, have you believed?  Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed." 

John reminds his readers of the reason he wrote all of this, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and that believing you may have life in His name." 

From his first words of this book, John has carefully told what he witnessed, what he learned, and what he believed. The life that he received from believing in Jesus is the life he wanted to tell others about so that they also could have true life.  It is all in Jesus..who in the beginning was with God.. Who was God.  "All things came into being by Him.. In Him was life and the life was the light of men." The Word.. Jesus Christ .. became flesh and came to live with men.. and they saw His glory; "the glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth."  This is what John saw that day when Jesus entered the locked room.  And he greatly rejoiced.. for the rest of his life. 

Father in heaven, how thankful we are for the witness and testimony of those who walked with Jesus.. They believed even when they didn't understand. They believed even more when they saw the risen Savior and heard His voice. When they received the Holy Spirit they were able to remember and write about the things that they saw and experienced. Someday, we will hear about all the rest of the things that John and the others couldn't fit into their books. Yet, we know that what is written is enough.. enough for us to believe that Jesus is the Christ.. that He came into this world according to Your will.. that He died on that cross so that our sins could be forgiven forever.. covered by the sacrifice of His broken body and shed blood. Yes, we believe even though we have not seen.. but we believe that one day soon we will see the fulness of His glory!  Praise the Lord, O my soul! That day may be soon!  Let us be ready. Let hearts and lives trust in the saving blood of Jesus Christ so that many more will find salvation before that last day. We ask this in the powerful Name of Jesus. Amen.