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Bible Pathways 03/13/2002


March 13

Read Joshua 1 -- 3

In Today's Reading:

Think of it, the life of one of the most outstanding hero's in Old Testament is summarized by saying Joshua left nothing undone of all that the Lord commanded (Joshua 11:15). In just three short days Israel would accomplish that goal which had eluded the nation for forty long years! In Exodus, God had parted the waters of the Red Sea to bring His people out of Egypt. Here, He will part the waters of the Jordan River to bring His people into Canaan.

Verses for Today:

The Lord spoke to Joshua. . . . Be strong and of good courage. . . . that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success (Joshua 1:1).

Highlights:

God speaks to Joshua; spies sent to Jericho; pledge between the spies and Rahab; Israel crosses the Jordan River.

The Lord gave Joshua the greatest gift possible -- the key to success and the true foundation upon which he could fulfill God's will in conquering Canaan. It reads: This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth; but you shall meditate therein day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success (do wisely) (Joshua 1:8). It would be impossible for Joshua to do all that is written if he didn't read all that is written -- an example for all of us to follow.

The Hebrew word here translated as prosperous is defined as "to do wisely, accomplish successfully". Joshua was prosperous, did wisely and was successful, because he left nothing undone of all that the Lord commanded (11:15). Joshua never amassed great wealth; but chose to settle for the smallest designated allotment, the little village of Timnath. Knowing the Scriptures provides us with spiritual wisdom that can withstand the critics and the pressures of peers who would divert our attention from fulfilling the will of God for our lives.

Later, when David, the man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), transferred control of the Kingdom of Israel to Solomon, he admonished his son: Be strong therefore and show yourself a man; And keep the charge of the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, and His Commandments, and His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper (do wisely) in all you do . . . That the Lord may continue His Word which He spoke concerning me (1 Kings 2:2-4).

David's counsel to Solomon did not tell him how he could become famous or wealthy; instead, it was all about Solomon's moral and spiritual welfare. David had seen the terrible results of partial obedience in Saul, his predecessor. He was clearly saying to Solomon that, even though he was a king, he was not the final authority, or above the law since he was to be in subjection to the King of Heaven, the Judge of all the earth (Romans 2:16; 2 Timothy 4:1). Keep the charge of the Lord your God, to walk in His way (1 Kings 2:3). David used no vain repetition when he spoke of Statutes, Commandments, Judgments, and Testimonies.

The whole Law -- not just part of it -- should have been Solomon's greatest desire in life. That is why David firmly encouraged Solomon to be strong, and show yourself a man (2:2). But Solomon, like Saul, was self-centered and deceived. In opposition to God's Word, he amassed wealth, wives, and horses (Deuteronomy 17:16-20). Sadly, he lived to hear the voice of God say: Forasmuch as . . . you have not kept My Covenant and My Statutes . . . I will surely rend the kingdom from you and give it to your servant (1 Kings 11:9-11).

Only a few people are like Joshua or Caleb who wholly followed the Lord (Joshua 14:8-9). For those few, this book will be far more than just the record of Israel's conquest of Canaan. It will be a revelation of what God can do in, and through, anyone who reads His Word to observe to do according to all that is written therein (1:8).

A Thought from Proverbs: Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto you own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths (3:5-6).

Christ Revealed:

Through the scarlet line (cord) in Rahab's window which represented a promise of salvation to the Gentile world. It's color was symbolic of the blood of Jesus through which salvation comes. Wherefore remember, that you being in time past Gentiles in the flesh . . . being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus you . . . are made nigh by the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:11-13).

Word Studies:

1:4 the wilderness = the desert; Great Sea = Mediterranean Sea; 1:11 victuals = food; 2:20 quit = guiltless, no longer bound.

Prayer Needs:

Government Official: Gov. John Hoeven (ND) · Pray for your Church · Country: United Arab Emirates (2 million) on the eastern Arabian Peninsula · Major languages: Arabic and Farsi · Pressure and hostility against Christians are increasing · 95% Muslim; 4% Christian · Prayer Suggestion: Your prayer should always be to please the Lord (Psalms 73:25).

Optional Reading: John 4

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:14



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