Bible Pathways - Mar. 19, 2008
March 19
Highlights In Today's Reading:
At last, most of Canaan is under the control of the Israelites and the Tabernacle is set up in a central location at Shiloh. But read prayerfully since their key to victory is the same basic principle needed today for each one of us for our best interest.
Seven years of marching throughout the land of Canaan were added to the forty long years of wandering in the wilderness before Israel could erect the Tabernacle in the place which the Lord your God shall choose out of all your tribes (Deuteronomy 12:5). The whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the Tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them (Joshua 18:1). How satisfying it must have been to set up the Tabernacle in Shiloh whose very name signified God's rest!
In a very real sense, Canaan was not won until the Ark was established in Shiloh, for only then do we read that added phrase and the land was subdued before them (Joshua 18:1).
Once Christ has delivered a person from the power of Satan (as a lost sinner), there remains very much (spiritual) land (13:1) yet to be conquered. The lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever (I John 2:16-17). The believer knows too well that these secular giants, such as lust and the pride of life must be conquered so we may express the fruits of the Holy Spirit — love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance (Galatians 5:22-23).
A significant fact to remember is that seven of the tribes did not have faith (courage) enough to possess their inheritance until after this Shiloh experience. Many believers never experience much spiritual enjoyment and happiness because they continue on with the same goals in life as they had before they were saved. Their first thoughts are still on their secular affairs. Only "if time permits" do they consider provisions for Christ who loved the church, and gave Himself (His life) (Ephesians 5:25). But, every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He (Jesus) is pure (I John 3:2-3). Just as there was only one Shiloh in Israel, there is only One Lord and Savior. For the child of God, peace is discovered only through yielding to the will of Christ who said: Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14:27).
Thought for Today:
Without the crucifixion, there would have been no resurrection. Unless we crucify the flesh we will have no victory in the Spirit. They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts (Galatians 5:24).
Christ Revealed:
Through Shiloh. The children of Israel assembled . . . at Shiloh, and set up the Tabernacle (Joshua 18:1). The Tabernacle was located at Shiloh, meaning "peace." It was the dwelling place of God's presence and both the Tabernacle and Shiloh were prophetic of Jesus. The Word was made flesh, and dwelt (tabernacled) among us. . . . These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace (John 1:14; 16:33).
Word Studies:
17:13 tribute =b> forced labor; 18:1 Shiloh =b> location of Tabernacle in the tribe of Ephraim; 18:6 describe =b> map out, survey, diagram.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts sponsored by Patricia Hanna • Staff: George Kopchak • Country: Guinea (8 million) on the Atlantic coast of western Africa • Major languages: French and tribal languages • Freedom for nationals, but strict limitations on missionaries • 83% Muslim; 12% tribal religions; 4% Roman Catholic; .6% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Seek the Lord in times of trouble (Matthew 8:24-25).
Optional Reading: John 10
Memory Verse for the Week: I Peter 1:16
