Prone To Wander

"But be very careful to obey all the commands and the instructions that Moses gave to you. Love the LORD your God, walk in all His ways, obey His commands, hold firmly to Him, and serve Him with all your heart and all your soul." Joshua 22:5

The fighting was over. The land had rest. Now Joshua was sending the warriors from the tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh "home"--not to the land God had promised the descendants of Abraham. They were going to the land they thought was a better fit for them. God's best for them would have been within the boundaries of the land He had chosen for them. However, He allowed, through Moses, their choice of the land east of the Jordan River.

Until now they had followed a commander they could see face to face. As he said goodbye, Joshua reminded them what they needed to do to remain in fellowship with the LORD their God. It required commitment and effort. It wouldn't come easy, but there was a reward for their obedience.

"...if you obey all His decrees and commands, you will enjoy a long life. Listen closely, Israel, and be careful to obey. Then all will go well with you and you will have many children in the land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD the God of your ancestors promised you." Deuteronomy 6:2b-3

Think of it. No more moving. No more marching to someone else's orders. All their lives they had either been wandering in the wilderness or fighting alongside their brothers to establish the borders for each tribe. For the first time they were going home to work their land and raise their families--in peace. 

After seven plus years, did their families even know them? Would they accept the authority of these strangers who were coming home to take over? The Bible doesn't speak to it, so we have no way of knowing the answer, but I wonder if Joshua provided opportunities for these men to go home once in awhile and reacquaint with their families. 

What about the spiritual condition of those who had stayed behind to tend their flocks and the land? It wasn't until the fighting was over that Levitical cities along with the cities of refuge were established. Had it been up to the women to raise the children in the knowledge of the LORD without a place to gather for worship?

Joshua has a valid concern for their spiritual well-being. God spoke to the warriors through Moses and Joshua. The High Priest had also been with them every day and God's will was made known through the casting of the sacred lots. They were every day reminders of their relationship with God.

When they arrived home they would need to make the effort to be diligent in worship, and remember the commandments so they could obey them. Without individual diligence, a lax attitude toward God could (and did) develop.

We have similarities to them. Like them we are raising families, seeing to their needs, engaging them in activities, perhaps working outside the home as well. However, we are so fortunate to be under the covenant of Grace.

We have the Holy Spirit indwelling us and leading us into truth. We have our Bibles and Bible Apps we can take with us wherever we go. We have moment by moment access to Bible teaching and Praise music. We live (fairly) close to our churches and we can initiate fellowship when we want to. 

Maintaining a close relationship and fellowship with God wasn't easy in Old Testament times. Every time God gave them rest, they wandered away from Him. Their rest came mostly from peace and prosperity. They were still subject to sin and needed to return to the altar for forgiveness.

The rest we have is internal--spiritual--given us when Jesus said "It is finished." The work was done. A single, perfect sacrifice provided once-and-for-all forgiveness. It's ours to accept and remain in His rest.

"God's promise of entering His rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it...only we who believe can enter His rest...For all who have entered into God's rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world. So let us do our best to enter that rest...since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe...let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most." Hebrews 4:1, 3a, 10-11a, 14, 16

Let us not wander, but come boldly to the throne. Let us worship the LORD our God through His Son, Jesus Christ. His promises of mercy and grace are ours. He provides rest.

by Marilyn Allison

 

Fountain of Life

"For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light."  Psalms 36:9

The Lord alone can refresh and renew the weary sinner. He gives life that overflows with His love. He shines His light and chases away the shadows that cause fear of the unknown. The Light that is Jesus Christ allows us to see the brash, the ugly and the invasive; ugly distractions that try to draw attention away from what is good and lovely and the everlasting hope we have in Jesus.

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."  John 8:12

The Light of Jesus shines, helping us to see ourselves the way our Savior sees us--as His Beloved. Nothing in our past--no matter how haunting-- or the present--that seems daunting--or the future that is yet unknown--will ever dim His love for us. It illuminates who we are in Him.

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." 1 Peter 2:9

Jesus shines His light on us and also gives us Living Water that springs forth--washing us clean, fresh, new, life altering. He changes us from the inside out--overflowing every area of our life. It washes away fear, confusion, doubt, shame and self.

“But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again.  The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:14

Do you know what it’s like to live under the Light of God? Are you thirsty or feel dirty? Come and drink. Bask in the light of Jesus. He died for you. Don’t ever forget that. Nothing will change the past, but He can change the future. So...won’t you come? Walk in the Light that reveals, not the ugliness of sin, but the beauty of His presence.

How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights. Psalms 36:7-8

by Eve Montano

He Is Faithful; His Promises True

"Not a single one of all the good promises the LORD had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything He had spoken came true." Joshua 21:45

For two weeks I've been pondering this declaration. The preceding verse indicated the LORD gave them rest on every side, and that none of their enemies could stand against them. Yet, we know they have never defeated all of their enemies. Some of them remain in the land to this day. 

Time is a confusing concept. We live within the limits of time...a beginning and an end. God does not. He is Omniscient, all knowing, without beginning, and without an end.

"Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me. Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish." Isaiah 46:9-10

He knows the end from the beginning, so when He makes a promise, in His eyes it's already done. We see things as they play out in time and have no idea what tomorrow looks like. We need to remember the events and people described to us in the Old Testament are there for our examples. They show us the blessings of obedience and the consequences of disobedience. That was the choice God gave the ancient Hebrews.

"Look, today I am giving you the choice between a blessing and a curse! You will be blessed if you obey the commands of the LORD your God that I am giving you today. But you will be cursed if you reject the commands of the LORD your God and turn away from Him and worship gods you have not known before." Deuteronomy 11:26-28

We can see the truth of that pronouncement throughout the Bible. God tells us the truth. He does not lie, nor mislead.

"God is not a man, so He does not lie. He is not human, so He does not change His mind. Has He ever spoken and failed to act? Has He ever promised and not carried it through? Numbers 23:19

Pastor David Guzik wrote in his commentary on Joshua 21:45, "God was completely faithful in regard to the Promised Land, but Israel was not. Any failure to fully possess was not because God had not made adequate provision, but because Israel had failed to fully follow the LORD."

They claimed the land during the first few years of their sojourn, but possessing it would take the rest of their lives. God told them He would drive out their enemies "little by little" (Exodus 23:30; Deuteronomy 7:22). That was His design. God brought the battles when they had the strength and spiritual fortitude to manage them and win.

Through Jesus Christ we have the same promises--exceeding great and precious--purchased for us on the cross at Calvary. They are given to us so Christ's divine nature will live and thrive in us.

"By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know Him, the One who called us to Himself by means of His marvelous glory and excellence. And because of His glory and excellence, He has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share His divine nature and escape the world's corruption caused by human desires." 2 Peter 1:3-4

Two things kept the Israelites from claiming and possessing the Promised Land. The same two things keep us from walking in the promises we have received. Unbelief and disobedience. Unbelief causes us to disobey. It is faith that pleases the heart of God. Faith produces obedience.

"Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see....By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God's command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen...And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him." Hebrews 11:1, 3, 6

Faith produces patient endurance. When we trust God in our faith, everything eventually turns out right. How can it not? For our God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

I'd like to share some words of Jon Courson, from his commentary on Joshua 21:45. "God has kept every promise He's ever made to me. Without exception, He's done everything He said He would do. Mix the word with faith. When Satan attacks your faith, tell him, 'I believe creation was accomplished by my Father. I also believe Jesus rose from the dead." I couldn't believe either one of those things had not the Father given me huge, colossal-sized faith. He has given me faith for the big issues, and everything else--health, finances, relationships--are minuscule by comparison."

Mix the Word with faith and patiently endure. Hold on to His promises even when it doesn't look like they will be fulfilled. His plan is perfect and is being worked out in our lives every day. Be encouraged in what He's already done. One day soon we will say:

"Not a single one of all the good promises the LORD has given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything He has spoken came true." 

by Marilyn Allison

 

 

When You're Not Strong Enough to Climb

"The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety." Psalm 18:2

If I look down, I’ll fall!

And then…my kids will tumble off.

If we survive, we’re doomed! I didn’t pack any snacks or hand sanitizer!

Welcome to me--unhinged in a National Park. Fear of heights is a relatively new "blessing." Something short circuited when Aaron and I were newlyweds. On top of the Sacred Heart church in Paris, a strong wind blew. I stopped. Dropped. And rolled into the fetal position.

We kept the shovel he used to scrape me off the floor as a souvenir.

Ever since, I imagine myself plunging to my death at the slightest height. My sweet husband thinks I’ve lost my mind. I don’t even allow the kids to walk next to the railing on the second floor at the mall.

It freaks me out.

What if they decide to climb over and jump to Santa?!

It could happen.

If anyone fell off this cliff in Sequoia, Santa wouldn’t be there to catch us.

I decided the best way to prevent a tragedy, was to glue my face, arms, legs and stomach to the cold stone; like a flattened fruit roll up. This offered room for other hikers to push past.

Yes, it was a good idea

"Mommy! Aren’t you going to the top with us?"

"Nah…Mommy is going to smell this rock for a bit."

People were staring. Many stopped. "Do you need a doctor? A tissue? Essential oil?"

I don’t reminisce over this snapshot often. However, I’m a visual learner. I’ve been asking God to teach me by showing me. During worship on Sunday, God brought this distressed picture of me to the forefront of my mind. 

There I was, clinging to the side of the cliff.  When I looked down, I was seized with fear. When I looked up, the clouds were crushing me. But, just like in Sequoia, if I kept my face towards the rock, I knew I would be OK.

He was clear.

"This is what you look like, Jenna. You’re panicking. Stop looking away from the rock." 

We’re living through a season of great unknown in our adoption journey. I don’t know how to stop shifting my gaze in every direction. I’m looking for answers.

Will this break me, Lord?

Will any good come out of this?

God is the fire by night, the cloud by day. But he is always the rock.

"...there is no Rock like our God." 1 Samuel 2:2

King David was protected by the rock,

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge." 2 Samuel 22:2-3

The Israelites were pursued by the rock,  “…for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.” (1 Corinthians 10:1-4)

God’s people were given sweet provision from the rock,

“He nourished them with honey from the rock, and with oil from the flinty crag” Deuteronomy 32:13

There’s no shame in taking a season to stop and grasp to the rock…the rock that is Christ.

We were made to climb with Jesus.

Honestly, there are days when all I can do is cling to Him.

God knows. He gives grace if we’re not ready to forge to the top. But, it’s those pesky what ifs that pry our fingers from our stronghold. We glance down and imagine our broken bodies at the bottom--even more--our shattered expectations of what God should’ve done.

I have a choice. I’m learning to train my thoughts to press back into the solid rock. My arms wrapped tight around Jesus.

Yes. This is a good idea.

I may look like a crazy-lady-pancake fastened to my faith. I’m not ashamed.

God answered my question. Can any good come from this?

Yes.

God’s protection...
God’s pursuing love...
God’s sweet provision.

This time, I’m not gripped by fear, but faithfulness. I’ll be brave enough to climb again soon.

For now, I’m just going to hang on.

by Jenna Masters

 

Place of Refuge

"Now tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed Moses. Anyone who kills another person accidentally and unintentionally can run to one of these cities; they will be places of refuge from relatives seeking revenge for the person who was killed. Upon reaching one of these cities, the one who caused the death will appear before the elders at the city gate and present his case. They must allow him to enter the city and give him a place to live among them. If the relatives of the victim come to avenge the killing, the leaders must not release the slayer to them, for he killed the other person unintentionally and without previous hostility. But the slayer must stay in that city and be tried by the local assembly, which will render a judgment. And he must continue to live in that city until the death of the high priest who was in office at the time of the accident. After that, he is free to return to his own home in the town from which he fled." Joshua 20:2-6

After many years of fighting and destroying the stronghold of inhabitants living in the land of promise, the tribes received their allotted land by the casting of sacred lot. Then the LORD reminded them to give the tribe of Levi their allotment among all the tribes in the land.

The Levites would receive no land, because the LORD was their inheritance (Numbers 18:20, Deuteronomy 10:9). However, they were to receive cities and the adjoining pasture lands to provide for them and the animals they raised for sacrifice. In this manner, the spiritual influence of the Levitical priests was spread throughout the nation.

Six of the cities were to be designated as "Cities of Refuge." Three would be on the east side of the Jordan (Reuben, Gad and half the tribe of Manasseh) and three were on the west side. The Cities of Refuge were strategically placed in the northern third, middle third, and southern third of the land on both sides of the Jordan River. In this way, no one--Israelite or foreigner--who accidentally killed another person would be very far from a city of refuge. 

When someone died at the hand of another for any reason, the nearest relative was designated to mete out justice by taking the life of the person who had killed their family member. When the killing was accidental and unintentional, a place of mercy was readily available. The guilty party would head for the nearest refuge and be safe, as long as he remained within the boundaries of the city. Upon the death of the Levite who bore the seal of High Priest at the time of the infraction, the person could be free to return home. If he left the refuge before the high priest's death, he was fair game for the "kinsman avenger."

God knew the war-like nature of fallen man. In the Law, the LORD sets forth very exacting standards and penalties for those who treat life casually. He knew there needed to be a place of mercy.

Many times David referred to his need for mercy and a place of refuge. Read through the Psalms.

"The LORD is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble." Psalm 9:9

"God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble." Psalm 46:1

"The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge." Psalm 46:7

"...You have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress." Psalm 59:16

"My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in Him at all times. Pour out your heart to Him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:7-8

And my personal favorite:

"This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him." Psalm 91:2

We have a place of refuge when we commit murder. We haven't killed anyone, we protest. But God says:

"You have heard that our ancestors were told, 'You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment. But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell." Matthew 5:21-22

God is concerned about the condition of our hearts, for it's from the heart that our actions spring forth. So, if our thoughts lead to words or actions that would hurt someone, it pains God's heart. Instead of reflecting well on Him (aka brings Him glory), our actions give cause for others to mock Him. 

Oh, how we need to flee to His place of mercy...and stay there. Jesus gave His life to buy mercy for us. He will never die again. Just as the murderer needed to remain in the City of Refuge as long as the High Priest lived, so we need to stay firmly in our Refuge, Jesus Christ.

"But our High Priest offered Himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then He sat down in the place of honor at God's right hand. There He waits until His enemies are humbled and made a footstool under his feet. For by that one offering He forever made perfect those who are being made holy. And the Holy Spirit also testifies that this is so. For He says, 'This is the new covenant I will make with my people on that day,' says the LORD: 'I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their mind. Then He says, 'I will never again remember their sins and lawless deeds." Hebrews 10:12-17

Oh, the mercy, grace, refuge, protection and hope we receive through our Savior. May we be "glued" to Him from this day forever.

by Marilyn Allison