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Bible Pathways 03/18/2002


March 18

Read Joshua 14 -- 16

In Today's Reading:

The inheritance of the Promised Land is distributed and Caleb makes his voice heard: Give me this mountain, that the Lord spoke of in that day (Joshua 14:12). Interestingly enough, the land promised to Caleb included Hebron (Numbers 14:24) where Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were buried (Genesis 49:13). A lengthy description of the land, including Jerusalem, was given to the tribe of Judah. Judah was the head of the tribal family from which the Messiah would come.

Verse for Today:

Now therefore give me this mountain, which the Lord spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the Lord will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the Lord said (Joshua 14:12).

Highlights:

Canaan divided among the tribes; territories given to Judah, Caleb, Ephraim, and Manaseh.

Caleb was one of the 12 spies who searched Canaan when Moses had led Israel to the border of the Promised Land. Unlike the other 10 spies, Caleb and Joshua believed God would give them victory over the Canaanites. But the 10 were fearful of the giants and influenced the people to turn back.

Along with Joshua, Caleb had faithfully represented the Lord and urged the people not to rebel against God (Numbers 14:9). Caleb had patiently trusted God for his promised inheritance (14:30). He did not become bitter with the ones who had kept him from enjoying his inheritance for more than 45 years. His faith and patience were finally rewarded, and he conquered his mountain (Joshua 14:14).

Like the unbelieving spies, some complain there are too many "giants" -- too many difficulties and too many temptations to live a Christian life. Consequently, like the 10 spies, they fail to believe in the Word of God. When faced with worldly temptation, we need to read again the words of Caleb: If the Lord will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out. All believers have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit, just as Peter preached on the day of Pentecost: Repent and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). The indwelling gift of the Holy Spirit is the very nature of God that makes it possible to be more than conquerors (Romans 8:37). God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27).

A Thought from Psalms: You are my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep Your words (119:57).

Christ Portrayed:

By Caleb, who fully followed the Lord (Joshua 14:14). Our Savior said: Behold, I have come . . . to do Your will, O God (see Hebrews 10:7).

Word Studies:

14:9 sware = said under oath; 15:3 fetched a compass = curving or going around.

Prayer Needs:

Government Officials: Rep. Howard Coble (NC) and Rep. Karen McCarthy (MO) · Pray for one another · Country: Vanuatu (189,000) a group of 12 large islands southwest of the Solomons in the southwestern Pacific · Major languages: English and French · Religious freedom · 78% Protestant; 17% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Praise the Lord for His mercy and loving-kindness (Psalms 86:15).

Optional Reading: John 9

Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:15



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