The war within

The Israelites did not drive out all of the Canaanites. They subdued them, but they did not exterminate them (Judg 1:28). There was a point at which their disobedience cost them the divine assistance of God. He did not help them drive out the nations, but left them as “thorns in their sides” (Judg 2:3). In addition to the disciplinary reasons, He did this to test them (Judg 2:22) and to teach them warfare (Judg 3:2). This is a picture of our constant battle with the world, the flesh and the devil. Our enemies have strongholds in our lives and we choose not to defeat them. These things hinder our relationship with the Lord and cause pain all of our lives. But God graciously uses these things to discipline, test and teach us to strive for holiness in Him. “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness” (2Co 12:9). “Therefore, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…”(Heb 12:1).

Love casts out fear

Joshua offered the people a genuine opportunity to opt out of the Lord’s covenant. When he says, “choose this day whom you will serve” (Josh 24:15) there doesn’t seem to the “or else” clause attached to it. Of course the people would suffer the consequences of a choice to walk away, but I get the sense that Joshua was saying, “God will not actively punish you if you want to walk away now.” Joshua is attempting to evoke a heartfelt, personal choice from the people. He solidifies their commitment when he challenges them with, “You are not able to serve the Lord.” The people respond, “No, we will serve the Lord.” (a little sanctified reverse psychology on Joshua’s part?) I don’t think the Lord wants us to serve him out of a sense of “or else.” I think he desires a personal, intentional commitment because we love Him and acknowledge all of His grace and blessing in our lives. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Josh 24:15).

Comfortable in gray

Israel determined the division of the land by casting lots (Josh 19:51). At first, you might think that would be a great way of getting a definitive answer from the Lord. But apply it to some major decision in your life, and see how you feel. Should I marry this person? Should I retire? Should I give take this job? If you are like me, you don’t want to give up control in making these choices. That says something about how yielded you are to the Lordship of Christ. Do you really want to know His will for your life? The rich young ruler thought he did, but when he heard Jesus’ definitive answer he opted out (Mar 10:17-22). I think we have clearer guidance from the Lord than we want to admit. Most of us are happy with just enough ambiguity to give us control over our own direction.

Inertia

After the initial conquest and setting up the tabernacle, there remain seven tribes who had not yet claimed their inheritance in the Promised Land (Josh 18:2-3). It seems incredible to me that after forty years of wandering in the wilderness 7 out of twelve were not motivated to do the work of establishing a home. “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.” The issue was leadership. They could not overcome their inertia until Joshua confronted and challenged them to get moving. Are there areas in which you life is stalled and stagnant? “The longest journey begins with the first step.” Resolve to get started today!

March 26, 2011
It ain’t over until it’s over
At eighty-five, when most men would have been long retired, Caleb was still fighting giants and seeking his inheritance in the Promised Land. He was clearly inspired by Moses, who maintained his vigor to age 120. It is important not to “sell yourself short” and quit too early. Certainly, some adjustments are necessary as a man gets older, but as one author put it, age fifty should be considered “half time” in a man’s life. If God still had a job for an eighty-five year old, and if a man of 120 was still gainfully employed, surely the Lord has plan for me in the second half of my life.

March 27, 2011
Overcoming Obstacles
The descendants of Joseph could not (or did not) drive out all of the Canaanites from the land (Josh 17:13). They were dissatisfied with the size of their inheritance, but unwilling to do the work of broadening their borders. They said that the remaining Canaanites were “too strong for them.” (Josh 17:16) No matter how hard we try, there will always be persistent challenges. This is partly because of our fear and weakness, and partly because God doesn’t intend for us to live a life of ease. If we did we would experience spiritual atrophy. Just as anti-gravity weakens astronauts bones, so lack of resistance erodes the Christian spirit. Accept the fact that “in this life you will have tribulation, but take courage. Jesus has overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Genocide

I often balk at the total destruction and slaughter commanded by the Lord and carried out by Israel as they took the land. It is important to remember that this was divine wrath, not just God preferring one people over another. It was not because of the Israel’s righteousness, but because of the other nation’s wickedness that God judged them (Deu 9:4). In fact the Lord was directly involved with the extermination of the Canaanites. He killed more with hail than with Israel’s army (Josh 10:11). He halted the sun to prolong the slaying (Josh 10:13). He fought for Israel (Josh 10:42). He hardened the hearts of most of their enemies in order to prevent peace treaties (Josh 11:20). We probably don’t understand the extent of the Canaanite’s wickedness and why it was necessary for God to pour out his wrath on them through Israel and supernatural means. Rather than setting ourselves up as judges, we should trust that God had his reasons and live in fear because our own “national wickedness” increases daily.

No man is an island

You don’t sin in a vacuum. What you do (or don’t do) affects those around you. Achan thought, “surely a Babylonian robe, some silver and a little gold will not be missed among all the plunder of Jericho.” But his sin weakened all of Israel and brought disaster on his people (Josh 7:1, 1Ch 2:7). Your behavior causes collateral damage. Who knows how many people look to you for example and inspiration? If you fall you cause them to stumble (Mar 9:42, Rom 14:21). “Fight the good fight, finish the course, keep the faith” (2Ti 4:7). Consider him who for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, enduring the hostility of sinners so that you will not grow weary and lose heart (Heb 12:2-3).

A Saving Relationship

At Jericho the Lord continues his trend of “removal before wrath.” He removed Noah from the flood. He rescued Lot from Sodom. At Jericho the Israelites keep their promise to protect Rahab and her family. He house was in the wall, but apparently it was unaffected when the walls of Jericho fell. Joshua instructed them to remove her to a safe place before they burned the city (Josh 6:22-24). What distinguishes these favored refugees is that they all had a prior relationship with the Lord. They knew of him and respected his sovereignty. The only refuge from Him is in Him.

Pour your strength into the next generation

Moses was 120 when he died, but his eyes were clear and he was as strong as he ever was (Deu 34:7). This is clearly the exception, not the rule. Moses was granted supernatural strength and longevity to accomplish a mammoth task from the Lord. Most of us have to wear glasses of ever-increasing strength while adjusting to ever-diminishing abilities. The problem is, we still see ourselves as twenty years old. We live in a denial and have a hard time adjusting. The key is to graciously accept reality and continue to contribute by training the next generation (the “Joshuas”). They will still yield fruit in their old age; they shall be full of sap and very green (Psa 92:14).

The antidote for frustration

The psalmist (probably Moses in this case) said, “we get 70-80 years, but the best of them are filled with pain and trouble.” (Psa 90:10) That is a pretty bleak outlook. Moses lived 120 years and the last forty were extremely frustrating for him. His task was to herd a million plus cats through the wilderness. He became so frustrated that he lost his temper and paid the high price of not entering the Promised Land. The solution to a frustrating life is to find joy in your relationship with God. The psalmist goes on to say, “Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love, so that we may sing for joy to the end of our lives…grant us favor and bless the work of our hands.” (Psa 90:14, 17) Lord, when life gets frustrating help me to find refuge in you.

Devotion back log

March 18, 2011
Do not look the other way
“If you see your neighbor’s ox collapsed, help him get the ox to its feet. Do not look the other way.” (Deu 22:4) Now that seems like common courtesy. How could you turn a blind eye to your neighbor in need? And yet, I do it every day. I get overwhelmed with the need. Since I can’t do everything, I do nothing. There are plenty of “collapsed oxen” in our world. Choose one and render aide! This is true religion in the sight of God to visit orphans and widows in distress (Jam 1:27). He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will cry himself and not be answered (Pro 21:13). He who shuts his eyes will have many curses (Pro 28:27). “He pled the cause of the needy and afflicted. Is this not what it means to know me?”(Jer 22:16, Pro 31:9)

March 19, 2011
Helping the helpless
Cursed is anyone who denies justice to foreigners, orphans and widows (Deu 27:19). I sense a shift in the emphasis of my calling. For thirty years I have devoted myself to study and teach the Scripture in an attempt to create communities that will bring glory to Christ. I still believe this is my primary calling, but I sense God calling me into service, charitable, benevolent type of ministry. Truth be told, I’m a little frustrated with how “fat and sleek” we are and I sense that I have been “stepping over Lazarus” (Luk 16:19-21) for too long. Lord, continue to guide me as I seek your specific will in this area and prepare for a transition in my life.

March 20, 2011
What you don’t know
God chooses not to reveal everything to us (Deu 29:29). He is under no obligation to give us exhaustive understanding of his ways. We are not accountable for what we don’t know. We will, however, answer for what we do know. Mark Twain said, “It’s not what I don’t understand about the Bible that bothers me, it’s what I do understand!” Many base their decision not to follow Christ on the fact that there are things they don’t comprehend. The truth is, if we knew it all we would not longer need God. We would be God. O Lord, my heart is not proud, nor my eyes haughty; Nor do I involve myself in great matters, Or in things too difficult for me (Psa 131:1).

A Daily Discipline of Friendship

A leader should have his own personal copy of the Scriptures and he should read it every day of his life (Deu 17:18-19). This practice will teach him to fear the Lord, prevent pride and elitism, and safeguard his legacy (Deu 17:19-20). In the early days of Israel, that meant the king had to make a hand written copy of the Scripture. That would be a good exercise for us today, but it is not necessary since we have an abundance of copies of the Scripture. We have it in many translations, languages, in print, in digital form, on computers, on phones, on CDs and MP3. We have no excuse for failing to saturate ourselves with the Scripture. Fence the time. Make it a priority. Read the Scripture. Hear from the Lord!

A United Heart

Moses told the Israelites to fear God, obey and serve Him alone, listen to His voice and cling to Him (Deu 13:4). Many other things would compete for their respect, loyalty, affection and attention but they were to focus their energies on God alone. Any form of idolatry was to be identified and mercilessly expunged from the land (Deu 13:8). How is your heart? Do you have a single-minded devotion to the Lord? (2Co 11:3). Are you tolerating things that compete for your attention, affection and loyalty? Friendship with the world is enmity toward God (Jam 4:4). Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1Co 10:31). Teach me your way O Lord. Unite my heart to fear your name (Psa 86:11).

Diminishing Revelation

Moses reminds the Israelites that their children did not see the mighty acts of the Lord in leading them out of Egypt and through the wilderness (Deu 11:2, 5). It was that generation’s task to pass on the Lord’s legacy to their children (Deu 11:18-19). God seems to reveal himself less and less as time goes by. By the time we get to the book of Esther, His name is not even mentioned. It is clear that He is behind the scenes protecting His people, but there is no overt display of power like we saw in Egypt. In the twentieth century God preserved a remnant, but many Jewish people lost their faith during the Holocaust because of God’s apparent absence. God seems so silent in our day that many people doubt his existence. He is still here. “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jer 29:13)

How soon we forget

We all go through lean times when we are humble and realize our total dependence on God. When we are hungry we keep our spiritual edge. But as God blesses us we become “fat and sleek” and we forget God. We start thinking that we are responsible for our prosperity and that by our good character and hard work we have earned the life that we now enjoy. How soon we forget the water from the Rock and manna from heaven, the simple provision of God for which we were very grateful (Deu 8:3, 12-14, 15-17). Lord give me neither poverty nor wealth, lest I become hungry and steal or grow rich and forget you (Pro 30:8-9).

Dealing with disappointment

Moses was still dealing with the devastating news that he would not be allowed to enter the Promised Land when the Lord charged him with instructing and encouraging Joshua (Deu 3:27-28). Moses had no time to mope. Though he would not reach the goal, he could not quit. The truth is that his relationship with the Lord was far more important than seeing the future home of Israel. The next time we see Moses, he is with Jesus on the mount of transfiguration in the Promised Land (Mat 17:3). He made it, just not in his physical life time. It’s not over, until it’s over.


March 12, 2011
When repentance is no longer an option
The Israelites chose a slow death over an abundant life. They came to the edge of the Promised Land, but could not find the faith to enter. God gave them over to their fear and they were relegated to a life of wandering (Deu 1:39-46). They had rebelled to a point where they could no longer repent to escape the earthly consequences of their sin. They attempted to repent the next day, but it was too late. Like Esau, they sold their birthright for the illusion of security and when they regretted it, they “found no place for repentance though they sought it with tears” (Heb 12:17). Lord, keep me from rebelling beyond repentance!

Spiritual Pollution

God warned the Israelites that injustice would pollute their land. He was speaking specifically about avenging murder. The implication was that He would not dwell in a defiled land (Num 35:33-34). How many murders (abortions) have gone unpunished in our land? No sin is beyond the blood of Jesus. Even the repentant abortionist can avail himself of Christ's forgiveness. Justice was fulfilled at the cross. However, we, as a nation, are so brazenly unrepentant that we codified the "right" to abortion. Can God dwell among such spiritual pollution?

One more mission

The tribes of Gad, Reuben and the half tribe of Manasseh had a dilemma. After many years of wandering, they found a home on the near side of the Jordan River. It seemed obvious to them that they should settle their families before they crossed the “finish line.” The Lord was willing to grant these tribes the land they desired if they would complete the mission of conquering the Promised Land (Num 32:20-22). I face the same dilemma. My family has found a home in Tennessee, but I have one more assignment to complete. Lord, give me strength to finish well.

Devotion back log

March 8, 2011
Changing relationships
When Moses commissioned Joshua he directed him to go to Eleazar the priest and consult the urim when direction from the Lord was needed (Num 27:21). It strikes me that this is a degradation in the relationship that Moses enjoyed with God. Moses spoke with God face to face as a man speaks to his friend (Ex 33:11). It seems like God is withdrawing a little. Flash forward to today. When we need direction from God we rely on the Bible, counsel, circumstances, and a sense of calling. Very few (if any) have experienced a direct relationship with God. God is more hidden and we are required to seek Him out (Jer 29:13, Luke 11:9).
March 9, 2011
Sex and religion
In Numbers 31 we discover that Balaam was giving evil counsel even while God was using him (in spite of himself) to bless Israel. He advised the Midianites to lure the Israelites into idolatry with sex. The plan worked and the Israelites were led astray at Mount Peor (Num 31:16). He paid for this sin with his life (Num 31:8). I wonder how much Balaam was paid for his services as a consultant to Balak. However we look externally, we must monitor our motives lest we fall into the error of Balaam (Rev 2:14).

Righteous Anger

Many of us struggle with anger. The problem is we only get mad about the things that affect our own comfort, status or welfare. Phinehas, the priest, was zealous about the things that evoke God’s zeal (Num 25:11). I don’t advocate spearing fornicators, but things were a lot rougher in Phinehas’ day. The point is that it is okay to be angry. It’s not okay to be apathetic. Paul tells us to “be angry and do not sin.” (Eph 4:26) Are you angry about starving children in developing nations? Do you get mad about greedy corporations polluting our environment? Are you zealous to leave a solvent America to your children? A little righteous anger may lead to some redemptive action.

Bizarre Balaam

In Numbers 22-24 we have the strange case of Balaam. God tells him not to go to Balak. He asks again. God says to go. Then God blocks his way and through a talking donkey lets him know how stubborn he is. Finally, God tells him to go ahead and go to Balak. What is the point of these mixed signals? God is going to accomplish his will. He will use you to do it in spite of yourself (like the donkey, like Balaam). Your will and nature notwithstanding, God’s will prevails. The trick is to align your will with His; to be properly motivated. How do I change my heart? Only God can change a heart through prayer, Scripture and the Holy Spirit. God, make me willing to do your will. Change my stubborn heart.

Devotion back log

March 4, 2011

The Intercessor

The people would have been wiped out by the wrath of God on many occasions had it not been for Moses interceding (Num 16:21-22, 43-44). The Israelites could not get over their murmuring and grumbling. How many times would I have been wiped out if it were not for the intercession of Jesus? Thank God that Jesus is able to save me forever because He always lives to make intercession for me (Heb 7:25).

March 5, 2011

The need for need

Water was a constant problem as the Israelites wandered. Moses and Aaron got in trouble over the water issue (Num 20:10-13). As they travelled the dry and weary land they found that they were totally dependent on God for this most basic need (Num 21:16). I think that was God’s intent. When all our needs are met we grow complacent. I think God never wants to lose the hard edge of thirst for Him. This explains why He is ever present, but seemingly absent. He wants us to keep seeking Him (2Ch 7:14, Mat 6:33). The good news is that when we find Jesus He gives us living waters (the Holy Spirit) that spring up within our souls (Joh 7:38-39). For now, we become parched from time to time, but we have his promise that we will never lack His Spirit to continually satisfy our thirst for Him (Joh 4:10).

Point of no return

On the cusp of entering the Promised Land, Israel lost faith. The decided to go back to Egypt (Num 14:4). However, that was no longer an option. The Egyptians would not have taken them back. More important, God had a stake in this situation. His reputation was on the line. Failure was not an option. (Num 14:15-16). Sometimes we experience periods of doubt when we just want to quit. When most of the crowd quit on Jesus, he asked his disciples, “You don’t want to leave too, do you?” Peter replied, “Lord, to whom shall we go?” (John 6:66-68). They had passed the point of no return. If you do decide to quit you will find that you can’t go back and you can no longer go forward. Only one option remains; to wander and die in the wilderness, sustained but not satisfied (Num 14:32). Interestingly, when confronted with this option, Israel found enough motivation in their rebellion to attempt to enter the Promised Land. They failed. (Num 14:44-45) Don’t miss the irony. What they would not do in faith, they attempted in defiance of God! Lord, save me from myself! Help me to keep moving forward. Who else do I have but you? (Psa 73:5)

Graves of Gluttony

The people were discontent with their situation but they had no appetite for blessing (Num 11:4-6). They complained about where they were but feared where God was leading them (Num 13:31). They paid dearly for their lack of faith. Many died of plague immediately (Num 11:33-34) and eventually all but two fell in the wilderness. Could it be that less is more and that the road to blessing is not always the path of ease? Am I moving forward by faith or digging a grave of gluttony?

Piggy backing on the promises

Moses offered his brother in law, Hobab the Midianite, a share in the Promised Land (Num 10:29-31). Foreigners among Israel enjoyed the blessings and favor of God (Ex 23:9). Later, we see Ruth the Moabitess (the Gentile bride, symbolic of the Church) join herself to Israel and reap God’s blessings. In the last days ten men from the nations will grab the garment of a Jew and plead to go with him “for the Lord is with them”(Zech 8:23). Gentiles, realize that your salvation comes from Zion (Psa 14:7, Joh 4:22). We would do well to bless, respect and learn from Israel that we too might enjoy God’s favor. (Rom 11:17-24)