pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

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God’s Promises

Reading: Numbers 13:25-33

Numbers 13:30 – “Now Caleb calmed the people before Moses and said, ‘We must go up and take possession of it, because we are more than able to do it.'”

This week, as we weave our way to the Jericho story and the fulfillment of some of God’s promises, we begin where most of us falter in our trust in said promises. In the story of God’s people, they have arrived on the edge of the Promised Land. In 13:1 God says to Moses, “Send out men to explore the land of Canaan, which I’m giving to the Israelites.” A leader from each of the twelve tribes is sent to explore the land which God promised to their ancestor, Abraham.

The twelve men return after exploring Canaan for forty days. Their report begins by stating that the land “actually is full of milk and honey.” This phrase is used often to describe the Promised Land – in Exodus 3 and 33, in Deuteronomy 6 and 26… It is a phrase that implies blessing and abundance. If this is actually true, then what of the promise given to Abraham and reiterated to Isaac, Jacob…?

The “but” comes next. There are powerful people living in huge fortified cities. And there are giants. The explorers mostly see challenge. Fear and doubt and mistrust rise up. Joshua and Caleb, though, see promise. It is Caleb who speaks up in faith, saying, “We must go up and take possession of it, because we are more than able to do it.” This is trusting in God’s promises. Fear, however, is greater this day. The men who felt like “grasshoppers” next to these giants convince the people that God’s promises cannot be trusted. There are giants there! They will return to wandering the desert until this generation dies off. Only Caleb and Joshua will one day enter the Promised Land.

Prayer: Lord God, in our hearts we know that your promises are true. You are always faithful and steadfast in your love for us, your people. Lord, in those moments when the world pushes up against our faith, in the times when fear and doubt rise, whisper into our hearts and minds. In your Spirit power, guide us to step forward unafraid, trusting in you alone. Amen.


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As Long As You…

Readings: 2nd Chronicles 14, 2nd Chronicles 15, 2nd Chronicles 16

2nd Chronicles 15:2 – “The LORD is with you as long as you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but…”

Photo credit: Marcel Eberle

Asa’s reign fills chapters 14-16. Asa is a good king who seeks to walk in God’s ways and to lead Judah to do the same. Good, however, is not perfect. Following Abijah’s kingship and his sound defeat of Israel, Asa experiences 10 years of peace to begin his reign. He removes all of the foreign altars, shrines, pillars, and poles. He builds fortified cities to strengthen Judah.

After 10 years the Cushites come against Judah. They outnumber Judah almost 2:1. Asa turns to God, asking God to help the weak. He declares their reliance on God. The Lord strikes the Cushites and Judah wins a great victory. Judah collects a great amount of loot and plunder.

It is at this high point that the prophet Azariah comes. He begins by saying, “The LORD is with you as long as you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but…” We know what comes after that “but…” Azariah closes this word from God with an encouragement to be brave, to not lose heart. This word leads Asa to remove all idols. All Judah gathers, joyfully and wholeheartedly entering into a covenant with God. They declare that those who refuse to seek God will be out to death.

In Asa’s 35th year Israel attacks. Asa seeks an alliance with Aram instead of seeking God. Aram attacks Israel, ending that threat. But Hanani the seer comes with bad news. Because Asa did not seek God, war will now be the norm. In anger Asa throws Hanani in jail and takes his anger out on “some other people.” What a far cry this is from repentance.

Asa’s reign ends with continued disobedience. Good but not perfect – just like us. In illness Asa seeks help from doctors instead of from God. In our times of need, where do we turn other than the Lord?

Prayer: Lord God, as we seek to be faithful and obedient, help us to remove the shrines and idols that we set up in our lives. Give us the bravery and the faith to remove these other gods. Fill us with your Holy Spirit power so that we can confidently rely on you alone. Strengthen and encourage us in our times of need. Amen.