Romans 5 “The Wonder Of it All”

“But God demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (v.8)

The love of God goes beyond all human understanding. With our finite minds it is impossible to fathom how a holy God should so love sinners - that He would actually give His very own Son to die that they might be saved. Who of us would ever give one of our precious children to die, that the world's worst criminal might be spared from paying his just debt to society? I think we all know the answer to that question.

You and I, are sinners; but despite our faults, God loved us so much that He was willing to send His Son to die in agony and shame to save us. The wonderd of all that is, God loves us unconditionally out of His own nature. In 1956 George Beverly Shea wrote both the lyrics and the music to the old gospel hymn, "The Wonder Of It All." The simple message behind that wonderful hymn is just that, the wonder that God loved us. Anyone who ever went to or heard a Billy Graham Crusade would no doubt have heard this closing hymn.

Yes, God hates sin, but He loves the sinner. Truly there is no greater love than this. Take the time to thank Him for that love, especially during this time of year. And, if you would like to experience His love in your life today, simply pray the prayer to the right of this page (see connect with God).

The Truth: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Romans 4 "Abraham Believed God"

What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” (vv.1-3)

Building on the thought begun in Romans 3:31 Paul asks the question, “Does the idea of justification through faith, apart from the works of the law, make what God did in the Old Testament irrelevant?” In answering that question, Paul looks at Abraham, who was the most esteemed man among the Jewish people of his day – even greater than the “George Washington” of the American people. If anyone could be justified by works, they (or in this case he) would have something to boast about. Nevertheless such boasting is nothing before God. In other words, even if works could justify a man, he would in some way still fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).

So, what does the Scripture say? The Old Testament does not say Abraham was declared righteous because of his works. Instead, Genesis 15:6 says that Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Paul makes it clear, it was a righteousness obtained through faith. Our justification is not God making us perfectly righteous, but counting us as perfectly righteous. After we are counted righteous, then God begins making us truly righteous, culminating at our resurrection. 

What makes Abraham's faith so exemplary? God called Abram to leave his homeland, friends, and family and move to a foreign land. He promised to bless Abram's posterity and honor him among nations (Genesis 12:1-3). At age 75 we can only imagine receiving this call upon our lives! But without hesitation, “Abram left, as the Lord had told him” (Gen.12:4).

Today's chapter also draws attention to the quality and motivation of his faith. It paints a picture of persistent, and ever-growing unbendable trust in God's power to fulfill His promises (vv.18-21). The character of God, on which Abraham waged his whole life, was specifically His creative, life-giving power. Abraham was, “fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform” (v. 21). Therefore, “it was credited to him as righteousness” (v.22).

May God give us all half of the faith of Abraham.

The Truth: “Therefore from one man (Abraham), and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude – innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore” - Hebrews 11:12. (because Abraham believed) 

God’s Gift To All”

 Jesus came to this earth, by Gods' plan and design.

The place of His birth, marked by a heavenly sign.

A new star above, showed the place where He lay.

The Fathers' gift, sound asleep on the hay.

So innocent and pure, this gift to man.

Would later receive, Roman nails in His hands.

Born to die, His life He gave.

So all might live, and their souls be saved.

One day all will answer, for what they have done.

With Gods' gift to the world, His only son.

So accept His gift, and your soul you will save.

From the wages of sin, and the death of the grave.

Merry Christmas

The Truth

"For by grace you have been saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is a "gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8)

Matthew 1”Why Was Jesus Born (Sent)”

 “She  (Mary) will bear a Son; and you (Joseph) shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)

As we approach Christmas, it’s good to remember "why Jesus was born." The Son of God did not come to establish a nostalgic, family-oriented, commercially successful holiday. The angel told Joseph: “Mary will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (v. 21). This unspeakable gift to man would later become the sacrificial, spotless lamb, who's blood would be shed for the sins of the world.  

He truly was a "gift" from God, sent to a sin-damaged world who without Him would be lost in their trespasses and sin: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 6:23). Yet, "God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved" (John 3:17). And that my friends is why Jesus was born. 

If you have not accepted this life changing gift, what better time than now, and celebrate your spiritual birthday with His. The best gift ever was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger, all you have to do is accept it. Now that would be something to celebrate at Christmas!

 The Truth: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” (Isaiah 7:14)

Matthew 2 “The Magi”

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” (vv.1-2)

Matthew actually tells us little about the birth of Jesus; Luke 2 records those familiar details. What Matthew does tells us regards something that happened after Jesus was born in Bethlehem, "Wise men came from the East in the days of Herod the king." This gives us a chronological marking point, as Jesus was born before the death of Herod the Great, which is probably to be dated in 4 BC; the exact date of Jesus’ birth is unknown.

These travelers from the east are called wise men, which in the ancient Greek is Magi. They were not kings but astronomers, and probably traveled with a great company. They seem to have come not on the birth night, but probably several months later. Guided by the astronomical phenomenon mentioned in our text (His Star), they came to the area and expected to find answers in Jerusalem. They expected that the leaders and people of this capital city of the Jews would be even more interested than they were. Yet all were unaware.

Upon asking king Herod the question, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews," he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, Herod inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They then said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet:  ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, Are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; For out of you shall come forth a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel’ (Micah 5:2).

The fact that Herod had to instruct his advisors to search the archives for information, pointed to his lack of knowledge of the scriptures, and the time which was at hand. While all missed the time and location of His birth, the shepherds did not. To this Spurgeon states, “It has been truly remarked that the shepherds did not miss their way; they came to Christ at once, while the wise men, even with a star to guide them, yet missed their way, and went to Jerusalem instead of to Bethlehem, and enquired at the palace of Herod (who would seek to kill the child), instead of at the stable where the Christ was born.”

Nevertheless the motive of these Magi (realizing that this Son that has been born is to be the Messiah, King of the Jews and over all of the earth), was that they wanted to come and worship Him, behold His glory, to be obedient subjects and show the reverence that is due to Him, solely because of who He was - something even His own people missed. 

Sadly today people are still missing their way to Jesus, not looking to worship Him for who He is, but like Herod, how they might destroy His message and elevate themselves. Jesus said, "What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet loses his own soul?" (Mark 8:36) As for me, give me Jesus.  

The Truth: "And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; For out of you shall come forth a Ruler, Who will shepherd My people Israel." (Micah 5:2)

Matthew 2 "The Guiding Light"

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” (Matthew 2:1-2)

The Christmas song, “We Three Kings” speaks to us of the “guiding light” which lead the Magi West from Persia to Jerusalem and eventually to Bethlehem, the birth place of Jesus. In the gospel of Matthew (2:2) this light is referred to as, "His Star."

Not much is known about the exact identity of the Magi but they were most likely Gentiles of high position from a country northeast of Babylon, who were given a special revelation by God concerning the birth of, the King of the Jews. Some Bible scholars believe the revelation came through knowledge of Balaam’s prophecy concerning the “star” that would “come out of Jacob” (Num. 24:17). Others simply believe it came to them in the sky, as we are told in Matthew’s Gospel, “they had seen His star in the East.” (Matthew 2:2) Whatever the source, the Magi came to Jerusalem to worship the new-born King of the Jews and to pay Him tribute of Gold, Incense and Myrrh.

On their journey from Jerusalem to Bethlehem “the star” they had seen in the East, reappeared and led them to the specific house in Bethlehem where they found the Child Jesus. (Matthew 2:9-11) Two things of interest here; the movement of the star which lead them to a specific house in Bethlehem 5 miles south of Jerusalem (Stars” naturally travel from east to west across the heavens, not from north to south), and the baby is now referred to as a child (meaning some time had passed form His birth in the manger).  

The response of the wise men upon finding Jesus was entirely appropriate, and their actions serve as a model of true discipleship. First they sought the Christ child (Matt. 2:2), then, when they had found their way to Him they rejoiced (Matt.2:10). Finally, seeing the child they worshiped Him (Matt. 2:11), and offered him gifts that befit a king (Matt.2:11; cf. Pss 45:7-9; 72:15).

The response of Herod on the other hand was completely different. First, he did not seek to honor the baby Jesus, in fact He was not even aware of His birth under His very nose until the Magi inquired. Second, once he learned of it from the Magi, he tried to deceive them into returning to give him the exact location of Christ child in order that he might supposedly worship Him. But in his heart he had other plans. 

Two different people groups with two different reactions. The wise men (from the east, gentiles) worshiped Jesus. While Herod (part Jewish, ruler of the nation), sought to kill him. This early division and the different reactions over the announcement of the birth of Christ, would mark His ministry His entire life. There would be no middle ground. Some would seek Him for life, while others would seek Him to take His life.

The same is true today for many people. Some are like Herod and reject Jesus, while others are like the Magi and see Him for who He is; the Messiah, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Savior of mankind, the "Light of the World." God's gift to all - if we will only receive it.

The Truth: “A Star shall rise out of Jacob. A Scepter shall rise out of Israel.” (Numbers 24:17)

                 I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” (Rev.22:16

                 Merry Christmas.

Romans 3 "Jesus Paid It All"

Even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” (vv. 22-24)

In Romans 3:21, Paul told us how this righteousness does not come. It does not come through the deeds of the law, it is apart from the law. Now Paul tells us how this saving righteousness does come. It is through faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all who believe. The righteousness of God is not ours by faith; it is ours through faith. We do not earn righteousness by our faith. We receive righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ. There is no other way to obtain this righteousness. This righteousness is not earned through obedience to the law; it is a received righteousness, gained through faith in Jesus Christ.

Few things of value are inexpensive, and fewer still are free. But salvation—the most important gift of all—is free. Unlike anything of material value, salvation is of infinite value, and yet, it is free. As the hymn Elvina Hall wrote while sitting in a choir loft in a Methodist Church in 1865 reminds us, “Jesus paid it all, all to Him we owe.”

Scripture tells us no one can earn salvation (Eph. 2:8-9). And we know from our text we need only to believe in Jesus to receive His free gift of eternal life that God offers through His Son. The paradox here is, while salvation is free to us, its cost to God was great – the sacrificial death of His Son. Oswald Chambers wrote, “Forgiveness, which is so easy for us to accept, cost the agony at Calvary.”

It is the cross of Christ that bridges the gap we could never cross on our own, and justifies us by His grace to stand before a Holy God, sanctified. It is the cross that unites us as one body of believers in which there is no difference; Jew or Greek, rich or poor, male or female, blue collar or white collar. And as believers, we are of one family, adopted sons and daughters of God through the purchase of Jesus Christ at Calvary, justified by faith in Him.

The Truth: “For you were bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are His.” (1 Corinthians 6:20)

Romans 2 "Judge Not"

“Therefore you have no excuse, everyone of you who passes judgment, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.” (v.1)

The kind of judgement Paul is talking about here is a type of righteous condemnation. One that speaks of judging another for similar actions taken by the one who judges. That kind of judgment is wrong because we all sin. Therefore, sense all sin, none should judge, not even the chief of priests. For none is free from the condemnation of the law.

The apostle Paul, once a very strict Pharisee, came to realized he too was not above anyone, eventually seeing himself to be, "the chief” of all sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). He knew the Lord had been patient and merciful to him, so he wanted to extend that same patience and mercy to others.

Today, if we take the time to see ourselves in others, we’ll see that Christ’s forgiveness does not reflect our superiority but God’s mercy. By overlooking the faults of others, we can take a big step towards overcoming our own. The apostle Paul said, "God will judge, and His judgement is according to truth" (v.2). 

As Dr. MeGee would so often say, "I'll just leave it right there."

The Truth: “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” (Matthew 7:1-2) 

Romans 1 “Salvation Available To Everyone Who Believes”

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.” (v.16)

After a short greeting (v.1-7) and an explanation of his desire to have visited them sooner (v.13), Paul sets the tone of his letter to the Romans here in verse 16 concerning “the gospel” (good news) of Christ. The “good news” he presents to them without shame is, “the gospel of Christ contains the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.” 

The key words being “everyone who believes.” Paul’s message of grace is so simple, that this is where many are vulnerable to error. We begin to think there is something else we should do, some works we should perform.   

Paul goes on to tell us in verse 17 that, “the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith” and that “the just should live by faith.” Therefore, faith is not only the starting point of salvation, but also the staying power as well. Meaning, once we as Christians have received Christ by faith, we walk through this life with Him in faith as well. 

The Christian life is not without “trials and tribulations.” But as Paul reminded the Galatians, “Having begun (your walk) in the Spirit, are you now perfected in your own flesh (knowledge)?” No! “For those who are in the flesh can not please God” (Romans 8:8) 

Therefore, Paul would say to us, “Walk ye in Him” (Colossians 2:6)

Joshua 24 “ Joshua’s Legacy”

“Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had known all the works of the Lord which He had done for Israel.” (v.31)

Not many leaders in all of history could lay claim to what is said of Joshua in verse 31. His nation served the Lord until the day he died, and even after that throughout the lives of the other leaders who served under him.

Joshua died at the age of 110, and what an eventful 110-year period it was. When Joshua was born, Israel was under captivity in Egypt. When he died, they were enjoying the peace and riches of the Promised Land. He held the distinct honor of being buried in the same land as Joseph, of whom Joshua was a direct descendant. And the book of Joshua concludes with the burial of Eleazar, the High Priest. So in the land of the sons of Joseph were buried a general, a priest, and a forefather of the nation. We get the sense that an era of faithfulness is drawing to a close in Israel. The years that followed would be marked by a cycle of disobedience, judgment, and redemption, which makes Joshua's consistent leadership and Israel's faithfulness under him all the more remarkable. 

God called Joshua to lead His people, which involved being strong, courageous, and obedient. Courage, strength, and submission don't often materialize in one man, but when they do, it makes for a powerful combination. 

If you're looking for that secret ingredient that made Joshua a great leader, don't look at Joshua. Look to God. His power, His Word, and His faithfulness are all available to you. Then you have to look at yourself. If making money, having fun, and being popular are among your top goals, you can never be the leader Joshua was. But if serving the Lord is your definition of success, God will give you the strength and courage to fulfill your purpose.

The Truth: “O God, You are more awesome than Your holy places. The God of Israel is He who gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God!” (Psalm 68:35)

Joshua 23 "Joshua's Warning"

“For the LORD has driven out from before you great and strong nations; but as for you, no one has been able to stand against you to this day. One man of you shall chase a thousand, for the LORD your God is He who fights for you, as He promised you. Be very careful, therefore, to love the LORD your God. For if you turn back and cling to the remnant of these nations remaining among you and make marriages with them, so that you associate with them and they with you, know for certain that the LORD your God will no longer drive out these nations before you, but they shall be a snare and a trap for you, a whip on your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from off this good ground that the LORD your God has given you.” (v.9-13)

Here in chapter 23, Joshua is calling together the leaders of the nation to pass on some advice for those in authority before he dies. He begins by speaking to them of God's blessings, "For the LORD has driven out from before you great and strong nations; but as for you, no one has been able to stand against you to this day. One man of you shall chase a thousand, for the LORD your God is He who fights for you, as He promised you."

Then comes the warning, "Be careful to Love the LORD your God." Meaning Israel must, as Jude puts it, keep yourselves in the love of God (Jude 1:21) if they want to be successful in possessing the land the LORD had promised them.  Continually loving the LORD takes diligence. This call to love God is an appeal to the will, which means a spiritual struggle against the flesh. For there are (both then and now) many things that wage war against our will. Joshua's warning here is not only to love God, but to not turn back and cling to other ways (v.12). Israel must hold fast to the LORD their God.

Continuing in God’s love will mean that the people must keep themselves separate from the ungodly influences around them; they must keep themselves unspotted from the world (James 1:27). They must remain separate from other nations and their practices. And if they do not separate themselves from the ungodly influences around them, then those influences will become to them instruments of torture, leading to their destruction (v.13).

Joshua could see the possibility of trouble ahead. He knew what "a little leaven" could do to the nation from within. And his warnings to the people are just as important today as they were then - we need to pay attention to them. It is easy for us to forget the Lord and what He has done for us. It is so easy for us to get caught up in what's going on in the world around us that we forget there is a world to come. 

Because there is so much to lose, let’s take to heart the warning of Joshua, “Take good heed therefore to yourselves, that you love the LORD your God.” (v.11)

The Truth: “The Lord preserves all who love Him, But all the wicked He will destroy.” (Psalm 145:20)

Joshua 22 "Look Before You Leap"

“When they came to the region of the Jordan which is in the land of Canaan, the sons of Reuben and the sons of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh built an altar there by the Jordan, a large altar in appearance.” (v.10)

Jumping to wrong conclusions can have very serious consequences. Here in Joshua 22:10-34, we read of a flawed first impression which almost led to an internal conflict between the tribes of Israel.  

The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh had built an altar near the Jordan. When the other tribes learned about this, they were enraged (v.9-12) because God had commanded that He alone would be worshiped and that sacrifices be performed only in the tabernacle ( Ex.20:3; Lev.17:8-9). They saw the building of this altar as an act of apostasy.

Fortunately, Phinehas the priest led a delegation to find out why they had built the altar (vv.13-33). Crisis averted because Phinehas was willing to confront them in love.

Often our first impressions can be wrong. Open communication, however, can correct misunderstandings that are created by our own pride and prejudice. Grandpa was right again. It’s always better to look before you leap.

The Truth: “Test all things; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

Joshua 21 “The God Of His Word”

“Not a single one of all the good promises the Lord had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything He had spoken came true.” (NLT)

Not only did God fulfill His promises to the nation of Israel but He also kept His promises to Joshua personally. Back in chapter 1 the LORD said to Joshua, “There shall not any man be able to stand before you all the days of your life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with you: I will not fail you, nor forsake you.”  Joshua went forward believing in God’s Word, to eventually claim all that He had promised to fulfill.

We too are given this same promise. And like Joshua we too can move forward in our lives believing in His Word and claim all that God has for us. However, just like Joshua, we must not falter, give up, or lose hope – but fully trust in God and His Word.

The Truth

“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” (2 Corinthians 1:20)

Joshua 20 “Cities Of Refuge”

“The LORD also spoke to Joshua, saying, “Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘Appoint for yourselves cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you through Moses, that the slayer who kills a person accidentally or unintentionally may flee there; and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood.’” (vv.1-3)

God now tells Joshua to fulfill what the LORD had commanded through Moses in Numbers 35 – the appointment of six cities of refuge. The purpose of the cities of refuge was to protect the slayer who kills any person accidentally or unintentionally. They were to protect someone in the case of manslaughter as opposed to murder. Such a person needed protection against the avenger of blood. The Hebrew word for this phrase is goel, and in this context means the representative from the victim’s family charged with making sure justice is carried out against the murderer of the family member.

God had a passion to make sure that murderers were punished in ancient Israel, and in that culture, the final responsibility for justice rested with the designated goel (avenger of blood) in the family. The principle for capital punishment goes back to Genesis 9:6: Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He made man. The state’s right to use the sword of execution is also stated in the New Testament (Romans 13:3-4). The avenger of blood would track down the murderer, and if necessary, delivered him over to the authorities for execution. This was providing the testimony of two or three eyewitnesses could confirm the guilt of the murderer according to Deuteronomy 17:6-7.

Since the avenger of blood might set himself against a person guilty of manslaughter (accidental or unintentional killing) instead of murder, the cities of refuge were established to protect the person innocent of murder. These cities of refuge (listed in ch.20) were not for Hebrews only, but for whosoever had killed any person without malice or forethought, but quite unintentionally. If some poor Gentile, sojourning among the chosen people, suddenly found himself liable to the pursuit of an avenger of blood - the gates of the refuge city were open to him. And the elders of the city were bound to give him a place that he might dwell safely and rest in peace (v.4) until justice was served (v.6).

If the accused was convicted of murder, a relative of the victim was permitted to avenge the murder by taking the life of the guilty person (v.19). Even if he was deemed innocent of malicious, intentional murder, causing a death was still a serious offense, and the offender couldn't leave the city of refuge until the death of the high priest without fearing for his life (vv. 26-28).

We may wonder at this, but God wanted to stress that all life is valuable, and there is punishment for murder and consequences even for accidents. Yet God still demonstrated His mercy by instituting protections in the legal system and by providing cities of refuge. God places tremendous value on human life. He would do anything to save a life, but He can't ignore justice to do it.

The Bible applies this picture of the city of refuge to the believer finding refuge in God on more than one occasion: Psalm 46:1: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. More than 15 other times, the Psalms speak of God as our refuge. Yet, there is a crucial distinction between the cities of refuge and our refuge in Jesus. The cities of refuge only helped the innocent, but the guilty can come to Jesus and find refuge.

The Truth: “If  we confess your sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (! John 1:9) 

Joshua 19 “Joshua’s Inheritance”

“When they had made an end of dividing the land for inheritance by their coasts, the children of Israel gave an inheritance to Joshua the son of Nun among them: According to the word of the LORD they gave him the city which he asked, even Timnathserah in mount Ephraim: and he built the city, and dwelled therein.” (v.49-50)

After everyone else had been assigned land, only then did Joshua claim his. He did not ask for the most fertile, nor did he demand land near the coast. He asked for and was granted an area in mount Ephraim. A challenging area to settle but, built a city and dwelt there.

What a great example of humility, giving up all other lands to his people, taking on the tougher territory and willing to roll up his sleeves and work for his abundance. Jesus spoke a great deal about humility and He was living proof that He came to serve rather than being served (Matt. 20:28).

As true leadership begins and ends with leading by example, both Jesus and Joshua’s self-sacrificial lives are good ones to follow. 

The Truth: “Humble yourself in the sight of the LORD, and He will lift you up.” (James 4:10) 

Joshua 18 "Claim Your Land"

"Now the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of meeting there. And the land was subdued before them. But there remained among the children of Israel seven tribes which had not yet received their inheritance. Then Joshua said to the children of Israel: “How long will you neglect to go and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers has given you? (vv.1-3)

Why would these seven tribes not want to possess their land? Probably because these are people who had not lived in permanent dwellings for more than a generation, and they were afraid of something new, even if it was good. Whatever the exact reason, the bottom line was neglect. They did not fulfill what God had called them to do.

Therefore Joshua both reproofs the slackness of the seven remaining tribes who have not taken possession of their lands and, tells them how to proceed (v.4). Like any good leader, Joshua made sure that those under his guidance got the push they needed to step out on their own.

Like many in the church today, there are those who are ready to claim their own ministries but have grown comfortably attached to the security provided by the church. But, just like the seven tribes, there will come a time when both leadership and God’s Spirit will push those He has chosen into claiming their land. And in so doing, another church will be planted.

Just as Joshua did his part and the seven tribes eventually did theirs, so we need to do our part as well. Claim your land.

The Truth: “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” (1 Corinthians 1:20) 

Joshua 17 "Stop Complaining - Get Moving"

Then the children of Joseph spoke to Joshua, saying, “Why have you given us only one lot and one share to inherit, since we are a great people, inasmuch as the LORD has blessed us until now?” So Joshua answered them, “If you are a great people, then go up to the forest country and clear a place for yourself there in the land of the Perizzites and the giants, since the mountains of Ephraim are too confined for you.” (vv.14-15)

The sons of Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim, were large tribes. Their combined number was greater than any other single tribe. Here in our text they complain that they have not been allotted adequate land. Joshua’s reply is both wise and practical. He tells them, “if you are a great people, then go and get the land for yourself; fully occupy what the LORD has given you.” These tribes had not completely taken the mountain country in their allotted territory, because it would be hard and dangerous work.

Joshua, as a public person, had no more regard for his own tribe than of any other, and governed without favor or affection. Here in our text he leaves us a good example on how to do just that. Joshua rejects his own tribe’s request for additional land and tells them that their share would be a sufficient lot for them, if they would but work and fight.

How different is their attitude from Caleb’s attitude (Joshua 14:11-12)! They want “easy land” given to them, instead of taking God’s promises and going out and taking what God has given them. The principle applies just as strongly for us today; if we desire more of something, the first thing to do is to be as faithful as we can where we are.

Therefore, if we belong to Him, He will stir us up to our best endeavors and we will work to the glory of God. Then our coast will be enlarged (1Ch 4:9,10), our complaints silenced, and our hearts turned into joyful thanksgivings.

Take a page from the book of Joshua and from his own example and encourage those around you to work for what they want. Then watch as joy will fill their hearts.   

The Truth: “The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their food in the summer.” (Proverbs 30:25)

Joshua 16 "Ephraim’s Failure"

“And they drove not out the Canaanites that dwelled in Gezer: but the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites to this day, and serve under tribute.” (v.10)

Here in our text the word “they” refers to both Ephraim and Manasseh. So both tribes of the children of Joseph failed to drive out the Canaanites from their cities. Their failure to completely drive out the Canaanites is typical of all the tribes. Perhaps the people of Ephraim were guilty of this compromise because they wanted forced laborers among them. Even this convenience does not justify their disobedience to God’s command.

If they had the power to make the people of Gezer forced laborers, they certainly had the power to defeat them completely, especially because Gezer was a city that Joshua had already conquered (Joshua 10:33 and Joshua 12:12). This sort of compromise seems innocent, but it became the way that much idolatry and immoral worship was adopted by the people of Israel. This is one reason why we see so many struggles in the days of the Judges.

Although they lacked the courage to take on the iron chariots of the Canaanites, they had the nerve later to ask Joshua for a larger inheritance. (Joshua 17:14) Ephraim’s failure to trust in God for His deliverance over the Canaanites exposed them to a continual burden of overseeing them as servants and the idolatrous practices and customs of these wicked people. For the sake of ease and money, they disobeyed God and fell short of what He had for them.

Faith is not a passive journey. It requires action in a direction we often may not see a way through. However, God will honor your faith through your own courageous obedience.

The Truth: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) 

Joshua 15 “Judah’s Campaign”

“Now as for the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the sons of Judah could not drive them out..” (v.63a)

Here we see that the tribe of Judah was not able to drive out the Jebusites from Jerusalem. We can understand why Jerusalem was a city hard to conquer. The fact that it was set on a hill made it easy to defend. But this was to be the permanent home of the line of kings and the temple. Therefore, occupation by worshipers of other gods was unacceptable. Yet they did not complete the task and fully claim the land.

This task then was left to another generation to fulfill. King David would finally finish the job of claiming the land exclusively for Israel. After David was anointed king in Hebron, his next action was to attack the Jebusites in Jerusalem.

For Israel, the courage to fully claim the land that God promised came a few generations later, but God didn't waver in His faithfulness. Even though Israel failed in completing some of the tasks God had commanded them, He remained true to His covenant with them.

As David showed us, strength and courage are indispensable in battle—but they're also a necessity in the fight against sin. Don't believe the lie that you simply can't overcome sin in your life. The Lord is with us! Ask the Holy Spirit to help you drive out sinful attitudes and protect you from unrighteous behavior and reactions. Don't be discouraged and don't wait for the next generation to fight the battle for you. Do it now! For no matter how hard the struggle, with God’s promise, and God’s help, you can triumph. 

Just as there is really no good excuse as to why this city stayed in Canaanite hands until the time of David (2 Samuel 5:6-10), so there is no good excuse why you can't overcome the sin in your life today.

The Truth: And David said to his son Solomon, “Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God—my God—will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.” (1 Chronicles 28:20)