“Those who aren’t following Jesus aren’t his followers. It’s that simple. Followers follow, and those who don’t follow aren’t followers. To follow Jesus means to follow Jesus into a society where justice rules, where love shapes everything. To follow Jesus means to take up his dream and work for it.” (Scot McKnight, One Life: Jesus…
Category: daily meditations
causing others to sin
SCRIPTURE: Joshua 16 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: They did not dislodge the Canaanites living in Gezer; to this day the Canaanites live among the people of Ephraim but are required to do forced labour. [Joshua 16:10] This short chapter describes the allotment of land for the sons of Joseph, Ephraim and Manasseh. Remember that since Levi did not get any…
no short cuts to success
SCRIPTURE: Joshua 15 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: This is the inheritance of the tribe of Judah, clan by clan. [Joshua 15:20] As I think about Judah’s inheritance, I think of Jesus, the messiah promised from the tribe of Judah [Genesis 49:9-10]. He would be the heir (ruler) over all the land. But how would He receive that land? By the sword,…
oh, to be like Caleb at 85
SCRIPTURE: Joshua 14 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: So on that day Moses swore to me, ‘The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly.’ [Joshua 14:9] Wow, what an inspiring guy. Eighty five years old and still vigorous for the Lord. Caleb…
wary of compromise
SCRIPTURE: Joshua 13 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: But the Israelites did not drive out the people of Geshur and Maacah, so they continue to live among the Israelites to this day. [Joshua 13:13] Here we find the first clue that things will not work out in Canaan quite as planned. The people of Geshur and Maacah are allowed to remain….
lists of names
SCRIPTURE: Joshua 12 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: These are the kings of the land whom the Israelites had defeated and whose territory they took over east of the Jordan, from the Arnon Gorge to Mount Hermon, including all the eastern side of the Arabah. [Joshua 12:1] This chapter is a list of the defeated kings, identified by name. Joshua is…
God is love
SCRIPTURE: Joshua 11 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: For it was the LORD himself who hardened their hearts to wage war against Israel, so that he might destroy them totally, exterminating them without mercy, as the LORD had commanded Moses. [Joshua 11:20] The reason why everyone was slaughtered was because the Lord wanted them destroyed. Joshua was following orders. God’s critics…
not afraid
SCRIPTURE: Joshua 10 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: The LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you.” [Joshua 10:8] Humanly speaking, this mission is doomed to fail. The odds are against Israel; they do not stand a chance against the fortified, armed…
seeking the Lord’s advice
SCRIPTURE: Joshua 9 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: The men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the LORD. Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath. [Joshua 9:14-15] The Lord made it clear that it was too dangerous for them to allow…
working with the Lord
SCRIPTURE: Joshua 8 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: I and all those with me will advance on the city, and when the men come out against us, as they did before, we will flee from them. They will pursue us until we have lured them away from the city, for they will say, `They are running away from us as…