pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: Joshua


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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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The Plan to Restore, Part 1

Reading: Zechariah 1-4

Zechariah 1:16 – “I have returned to Jerusalem with compassion. My house will be built in it.”

Zechariah ministered to the exiles that had returned to Jerusalem. His words begin with an invitation from God to the people: “Return to me, and I will return to you.” Unlike their ancestors, they change their hearts, turning back to God. What follows is a series of night visions that lay out God’s response to the people’s repentant hearts.

In the first vision God’s patrol returns and reports that there is peace and quiet on the earth. God proclaims, “I have returned to Jerusalem with compassion. My house will be built in it.” There will be prosperity in the cities. In the second vision there are four horns representing the four kingdoms that have conquered and oppressed God’s people. Metalworkers are sent to destroy these horns. In the third vision there is a man with a measuring line. The new Jerusalem will be a city without walls. A hedge of fire from God will be its ever-growing boundary. Many nations will come to Jerusalem to become part of God’s inheritance.

Chapters 3 and 4 contain the fourth and fifth visions. In the fourth, Joshua is commissioned as high priest. His dirty clothes (sins) are replaced with clean clothes. He is charged to walk in God’s ways, to lead the temple. He is told of a “branch” that God will raise up. This “stone” will one day remove the guilt of the land. Jesus will heal their land and will bring a time of peace. In the fifth vision Zerubbabel is appointed to lead “by my spirit.” He will complete the temple under the guidance of “the two anointed ones” – Haggai and Zechariah.

These visions begin to lay out God’s plan to restore and re-establish Israel. As we read on tomorrow, the plan continues to unfold.

Prayer: Lord God, you are compassionate for your people. You longed for them to turn back to you, to once again walk in covenant relationship with you. You continue to long to walk in relationship with your people. Empower us today to walk your paths, to love as you love. Amen.


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As for Me and My House…

Readings: Joshua 18, Joshua 19, Joshua 20, Joshua 21, Joshua 22, Joshua 23, Joshua 24

Joshua 24:15 – “But my family and I will serve the LORD.”

Today’s seven chapters close out the story about inheriting the Promised Land. It begins with a way to divide up the remaining land west of the Jordan. Lots are cast and land is allotted to the tribes of Benjamin, Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Nephtali, and Dan. Joshua also receives a legacy. Then, in chapters 20 and 21, the Levites are given cities and their surrounding pastureland. These 48 cities are spread out amongst the twelve tribes and they include the six refuge cities. God is preparing here for a day yet to come. God is good.

Now that the land legacies have been given and now that peace has come, Joshua summons the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh. He thanks them for their faithful service and sends them home with a charge to be obedient and faithful to the Lord. At the Jordan these tribes build an altar as a witness to their belonging to the people of Israel west of the Jordan. It is a standing reminder.

Chapter 23 holds Joshua’s final words of warning. He first reminds the Israelites of all that God has done and then implores them to be faithful and obedient. Joshua warns them about mixing with the locals. They will be “a snare and a trap.” Joshua warns Israel that they will “vanish quickly” if they violate the covenant.

Chapter 24 closes Joshua’s story. He begins with a great review that takes Israel from Abram to this very moment. Joshua challenges Israel to decide “whom you will serve.” Joshua declares that he and his house will serve the Lord. So too will the people of Israel. May it be so for you and for me and for our households.

Prayer: Lord God, the story of another great leader and a meaningful period in Israel’s history comes to a close. Yet the choice at the end of Joshua remains our choice today. It’s a choice we make every day. So each day, O Lord our God, empower us to choose you. Amen.


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This Happened So That…

Readings: Joshua 4, Joshua 5, Joshua 6

Joshua 4:24 – “This happened so that all the earth’s peoples might know that the LORD’s power is great and that you may always revere the LORD.”

Photo credit: David Clode

After Israel crosses over, 12 stones are gathered from where the priests carrying the ark stood. Joshua then sets up 12 other stones right there as a memorial marker. As the priests and ark exit the riverbed, the water starts to flow again. Soldiers from the tribes of Reuben and Gad, plus the half tribe of Manasseh go before Israel in battle formation. Joshua then sets up the 12 stones at Gilgal. When children ask about the stones, parents will tell the story of the miraculous crossing. This crossing has instilled fear in the hearts of the Amorite and Canaanite kings.

Joshua, following God’s command, then circumcises all the males. Those born in the desert had not yet been marked as belonging to the Lord. Israel then celebrates the Passover. In these two rituals they are reclaiming their identity as the holy people of God. Readied as a nation, Joshua next meets the commander of God’s heavenly armies. Sandals come off, bookending Moses’ “holy ground” moment with God. Instructions are given for the battle of Jericho. Israel’s army and the ark will march around the city once for six days. On the seventh day they will march around Jericho seven times. All of this is done in silence. After the seventh circling on the seventh day, the trumpets will sound and the people will shout… and the walls will come tumbling down. This strategy is to test Israel’s faith and trust and obedience to God.

All goes as planned and Jericho falls. The gold, silver, bronze, and iron are holy to the Lord and are to go into the temple treasury. All else – save Rahab and her family – all else is wiped out “without mercy.” Joshua pronounces a curse on anyone who rebuilds Jericho. What great victory the Lord has brought to Israel! Like the crossing, there is the same “why” – “This happened so that all the earth’s peoples might know that the LORD’s power is great and that you may always revere the LORD.”

Prayer: Lord God, what moments of faith and obedience, what experiences of your power and might! What faith and identity building times these were for Israel. Lord, help us to claim these as part of our faith story too. And, God, help us to claim and to see and to keep our own faith moments in our hearts. May these faith encounters build up and encourage who we are in you. And, like Israel, guide us to tell these stories of faith, encouraging others who are on the journey with us. Amen.


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Filled with Wisdom and Spirit

Readings: Deuteronomy 31, Deuteronomy 32, Deuteronomy 33, Deuteronomy 34

Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong! Be fearless! Don’t be afraid and don’t be scared by your enemies, because the LORD your God is the one who marches with you.”

Today, on the 50th day of our plan to read through the Bible in a year, we close out the book of Deuteronomy. This is the close of the Torah, or the Law. Moses has been the central character and the driving force. We have been walking with Moses since day 16. That’s just over 200 pages in my Bible!

In chapter 31 Moses announces his death. Joshua is commissioned to lead next. The words above, spoken over and to Joshua, will guide his life and his leadership. Moses then stipulates that the Instructions (the Law) must be kept by the covenant chest and must be read every seven years so that all Israel will hear it and learn it. God then foretells the downfall of Israel. This couldn’t have been a surprise to Moses – he’s walked long with this stubborn and rebellious people.

God then commissions Moses to speak a poem to all of Israel. It is a witness against them, a warning to be remembered, taught, and heeded. Poetry is the format – it is both memorable and memorizable. Memory is key to obedience. The poem is part history, part promise of God’s mercy and compassion.

Moses then speaks from his own heart as he offers a blessing to Israel. In chapter 33 Moses gives blessings to almost all of the tribes and to all of Israel. The blessings are material and militaristic with some about faithfulness and God’s continued presence. This feels like a fitting end to Moses instruction of Israel.

Moses then climbs the mountain and sees the whole land that Israel will possess. Although still healthy and vigorous, Moses dies and is buried by God. The people mourn. Joshua is filled with Moses’ wisdom and spirit. He is ready to lead. To close, a poignant note from John Wesley’s commentary on Moses’ death: “God’s servants must die, that they may rest from their labors, receive their recompense, and make room for others.” So it is in the great cloud of witness and in the kingdom of God.

Prayer: Lord God, what a life of faith Moses led. He was not perfect but he was an exemplary model of faith and trust. May we too walk faithfully, teaching by word and example, raising others up, passing along the faith. Amen.


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When Will They Learn?

Readings: Numbers 11, Numbers 12, Numbers 13, Numbers 14

Numbers 14:8 – “If the LORD is pleased with us, he’ll bring us into this land and give it to us.”

Photo credit: Anne Nygard

Chapters 11-14 are a great summary of the Israelites time in the wilderness. It has it all: complaint and grumbling, anger and punishment, faith and doubt, trust and fear, intercession and forgiveness, victory and defeat.

Our reading begins with a little grumbling. God’s fire burns against this unnamed complaint, burning the edges of camp – a sign of warning. Some “riffraff” ignore the warning. They allow their craving for meat to lead to grumbling and a longing for those “better days” in Egypt. Moses is frustrated and overwhelmed. God responds by giving him leaders to help bear the weight of leadership. And God brings waves and waves of quail. God will be so abundant that “it will come out of your nostrils and nauseate you.” God’s anger then burns against the riffraff. They are buried there in the desert.

The complaining turns personal as Aaron and Miriam question Moses’ leadership. They are jealous. They claim a connection to God that only Moses has. Miriam is struck with a skin disease. Aaron begs for Moses to intercede. Miriam must bear the shame of their sin for seven days. After her isolation period she is healed and returns to camp.

Chapters 13 and 14 cover the exploration of the Promised Land and the people’s lack of faith and trust. The spies return with huge grapes and stories of huge people and fortified cities. Caleb tries to rally the people. Rumors ensue and soon the people are discouraged. The people once again long for Egypt – or at least to die in the desert instead of by the sword. Joshua then speaks, trying to rally their faith. He says, “If the LORD is pleased with us, he’ll bring us into this land and give it to us.” That is a really big “if.” The people want to stone Joshua and Caleb.

God’s anger burns hot as God decides to start over with just Moses. Moses intercedes again and God’s anger relents. But there will be a consequence: those 20+ will indeed die in the desert. They will wander for 40 years – one year for each day of exploration. Bitter mourning follows this news. And yet a group decides to enter the Promised Land anyway. Moses warns them. They are struck down by the people of Canaan.

Prayer: Lord God, how clear are the results of faith versus fear, of obedience versus disobedience. I start to think, when will they learn?! And then I realize that we’re still learning, that I’m still learning. Thank you, Lord, for your unending love and for your enduring faithfulness. You give mercy and grace that we and I don’t deserve. Yet it flows generously and abundantly. Thank you, God. Amen.


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Step Forward and See

Reading: Joshua 3:10-17

Verses 15-16: “Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests… reached the Jordan… the water from upstream stopped flowing.”

If yesterday’s lesson from the first part of Joshua 3 was “come here and listen,” then today’s lesson is “step forward and see.” In verses 10-13 of today’s passage, Joshua tells the Israelites what is about to happen: God will be ahead of you, 12 men will pick up stones for a memorial, the water will be cut off. What is implied is this: we will cross through into the Promised Land. Then, in verse 14, they break camp and the priests, with the ark, lead the way. The ark of the covenant is God’s presence going ahead of them. As they step forward towards the Jordan we learn that “now the Jordan is at flood stage during the harvest.” There is potential in this realization to falter, to doubt, to question moving forward.

We can come to this place in our journeys of faith. We’ve heard the voice or felt the nudge. We’ve been beckoned and have drawn near to hear, to be invited into the plan that God has placed before us. And then that challenge or obstacle appears and it seems huge – “at flood stage.” We can give up or can turn back. Or we can return to what we heard when we drew near, trusting in God’s plan, continuing to move forward in faith.

In the next verse we read, “Yet as soon as the priests… reached the Jordan… the water from upstream stopped flowing.” Yes, see the power of God at work! That step of faith opened the door for God to do an amazing thing. This too is our promise. When we are faithful to draw near and to listen to God, when we step forward in trust, then we too will see the power of God at work. That huge obstacle or giant challenge – nothing to God. With this assurance, may we boldly move forward in faith in the Lord our God.

Prayer: Lord God, you plant seeds and you whisper visions and dreams. You open my heart to acts of mercy, to people and places in need of your experiencing your love and grace. As I draw near and hear your heart for those in need, guide me to step forward, to move out into the world, assured that you go with me and before me in power and might. Amen.


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Come and Listen

Reading: Joshua 3:7-9

Verse 9: “Come here and listen to the words of the Lord your God.”

Photo credit: Terry Vlisidis

As we begin the first of two days in Joshua 3, we start with God speaking to Joshua. God assures him of God’s power and presence in this transition of leadership. These words must have been very assuring and encouraging to Joshua: “I will begin to exalt you… so they may know that I am with you.” As important as it is for Joshua to hear these words, it is at least as important for the people to experience these words being lived out. They need to know and trust that Joshua is indeed God’s next chosen leader.

In Joshua 3:9 he gathers the people with these words: “Come here and listen to the words of the Lord your God.” The first part is an invitation into God’s presence – come here, draw near, enter into holy space. The second part is an invitation into an attitude of readiness and expectation. The call to listen is more than a call to notice that someone is talking. It is a call to pay attention, to be ready to receive these words, to be expectant and ready for what the words call us to. In this proper attitude and posture Israel is ready to receive God’s word as spoken through Joshua.

These two practices are essential elements of our relationship with God. They are essential because without these two practices, God remains a distant buzz somewhere in the periphery of our lives. Step one is to draw near. Whether that is making quiet time each day, bowing one’s head in intentional prayer, or entering the sanctuary for worship, we must make the effort to step into God’s presence, inviting the holy to draw near to us. Next we must quiet ourselves and be attentive to the voice of God. This voice may be revealed in the scriptures, in the nudge or whisper of the Holy Spirit, or in a myriad of other ways that God uses to lead and guide us.

This day and every day may we choose to draw near to God, seeking holy presence and guidance for our daily life.

Prayer: Lord God, kindle in me a fire to know you more, better, deeper. Pour out your love into my heart, breaking it wide open to receive your word. Fill my hands and feet with that overflowing love, making you known to the world. Amen.


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God Will Show the Way

Reading: Deuteronomy 34:5-12

Verse 9: “Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him.”

Photo credit: Robert Linder

Moses comes down from the mountain, having seen the Promised Land. He died there in Moab. Yet this is not the end of Moses’ impact on Israel. Just as he knew that he was a part of God’s unfolding plan during his lifetime, he also understood that his legacy would be part of the continuing plan. His words and actions have shaped and formed the people. He has mentored Joshua. These efforts will go forward with them into the Promised Land. And in his dying, he modeled faith and obedience. Even though 120 years old, Moses was strong and clear-minded. Moses understood that this too was God’s plan. Moses followed God even into death.

After Moses died, Joshua assumed leadership. He was chosen by God and he was trained and blessed by Moses. In verse 9 we read that he “was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him.” Joshua was clearly the next leader. Israel followed his lead and they listened to his words. Even though “no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses,” the people will follow Joshua. It will not be the same, yet they will follow Joshua.

In our lives we experience change. We spend time in the wilderness, being shaped and formed into who God desires us to be. As we emerge and recognize that things aren’t exactly the same, may we first seek God’s guidance and direction, discerning the way that we should go. As it was with Israel, God will show the way. You might even play the role of Joshua! May it be for us as it was with Israel as they moved towards the Promised Land.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to faithfully and obediently step forward into your future. Remove our longing for the past and our worry about the present and the future. Give us the courage to look beyond self and to loosen our grip on our stuff. Open our eyes to the plans and purposes that you have for us. Lead us to faithfully join you in the plans that you have for us. Amen.


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May They Know

Reading: 2 Kings 2: 1-12 (and 13-14)

Verse 9: “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit”.

Continuing from yesterday we see that Elisha and Elijah have at last arrived at the Jordan River. This is a place of transitions – it is where Joshua took on leadership from Moses as the Israelites crossed over into the Promised Land. Joshua struck the water with Moses’ staff and they crossed over on dry land. Elijah takes his cloak and strikes the water – Elijah and Elisha cross over on dry land.

Elijah knows the time has come. He asks Elisha what he can do for him before he is taken from him. Elisha responds, “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit”. He wants to continue the work of his master and to do so to an even greater degree. Elisha wants to be twice as connected to God. Elijah understands the request and the enormity of the request. He tells Elisha that it will be so if he sees him being taken away. After the chariots of fire whisk Elijah away to heaven, Elisha tears his clothes in grief.

In verses thirteen and fourteen we see that the cloak has been left behind for Elisha, just as the staff was given to Joshua. Asking, “Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah”? he strikes the Jordan with the cloak and crosses over on dry land. Clearly God is now with Elisha. The mantle has been passed. The Spirit of the Lord is upon Elisha.

At the close of Jesus’ ministry he too passed the mantle on to his disciples. To each of his disciples Jesus gave the gift of the Holy Spirit. In this way, Jesus passed on the mantle – the task of being God’s love lived out in the world. Joshua would go on to lead as Moses had led, Elisha would go on to prophecy as Elijah had. In the same way, as disciples we are to go on as Jesus taught us to. Led by the Spirit we are to continue in his footsteps, offering sacrificial service, radical welcome, unconditional love, undeserved grace… Just as Jesus stood out from the religious and political leaders of his day, we too are to stand out.

The fifty prophets stood at a distance watching. As Elisha struck the Jordan and crossed over on dry land, they knew a prophet was in the land. As folks stand and watch us, may they know that Jesus is in the land. May they know.

Prayer: Lord God, pour out your Spirit. May it be evident in me. As others see me, watch me, hear me, spend time with me, may they sense the presence of Jesus within me. May this presence lead to questions, to conversation, and to the sharing of faith. Amen.