Bible Pathways 03/13/2004
March 13
Read Joshua 1 -- 3
In Today's Reading:
God speaks to Joshua; spies sent to Jericho; pledge between the spies and Rahab; Israel crosses the Jordan River
Joshua was born in Egyptian slavery. But, while the majority of Israelites were complaining and finding fault with Moses during their desert trials, Joshua remained a faithful coworker in submission to Moses, even when the majority threatened to kill him (Numbers 14:6-10).
Israel's first encounter with the Canaanites in the promised land under Joshua's leadership was at the powerful walled city of Jericho. One of its residents Rahab reported to two Israelite spies how the people of Jericho had heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you, when you came out of Egypt; and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites . . . whom you utterly destroyed (Joshua 2:10). And Rahab said to the men, I know that the LORD has given you the land. . . . for the LORD your God He is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath (2:9-11). She then turned from her false gods, left her life as a prostitute, and trusted in the mercy of the One True God. It was no accident that the spies came to her home and promised that God would protect her and her family when they invaded Jericho.
Because of her faith in God, Rahab became an ancestress of King David and part of the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5; Luke 3:32). She also is listed in the Faith Hall of Fame (Hebrews 11:31).
Let us follow the example of Moses, Joshua, and Rahab, looking diligently (carefully) lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; Lest there be any fornicator, or profane (godless) person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat (food) sold his birthright (Hebrews 12:15-16).
Word Studies:
1:4 the wilderness = the Sinai desert; Great Sea = Mediterranean Sea; coast = territorial boundary; 1:11 victuals = food; 2:20 quit = no longer bound.
Christ Revealed:
Through the scarlet line in the window that saved Rahab and her household — symbolic of the blood of Christ (Joshua 2:21; Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25. The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin (I John 1:7).
Prayer Needs:
Pray for: The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in honor of Bonnie Wilhite · Government Official: Gov. John Hoeven (ND) · Country: Solomon Islands (455,000) in the southwestern Pacific · Major languages: 120 indigenous languages · Religious freedom · 66% Protestant; 17% Roman Catholic; 4% spirit worship, ancestor worship, and sorcery · Prayer Suggestion: Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving (Psalm 147:7).
Optional Reading: John 4
Memory Verse for the Week: John 3:15
