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March 6 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 65

We're entering a new land today.  We have a new leader, but we still have the same God and the same promise.  As we've read, you can almost feel the rise of expectation building as Moses gives his final commands and blessings and as Joshua takes his new place among the people.

Today's Bible Project video illustrates a review of what the book of Joshua is about.  It gives a great outline you can follow to understand the book better.


DAILY READINGS

Joshua 1-4 & Psalm 65

DAILY NOTES

Joshua 1:1-9
  • God gives Joshua the command to leave the people into the new land since Moses has died.
  • Joshua is reminded that the Lord will go before the people; no one will be able to stand against them because of God's power.  
    • Still, Joshua is reminded 3 times to be strong and (once very) courageous.
  • The law of God is to remain in the mouth of Joshua (and the people).  They are called to meditate on it day and night.
Joshua 1:13
  • This new land was to be a "place of rest" for the Israelites.
Joshua 1:16-18
  • The people offer their allegiance to Joshua.  They promise to follow him as much as they followed Moses--shouldn't he be nervous?  
  • They followed Moses in "all things"?
Joshua 2:1-2
  • Joshua sent out spies.  Jericho is specifically identified.
  • So many questions about Verse 1:
    • Why did they immediately go to a prostitute's house?  Was it because it was a place where people came and went and it would not have been suspicious?
    • Was a prostitute the only person who would accept them?  Did they tell her who they were?  If so, they weren't very good spies.  If they didn't, they weren't very good spies because they were found out pretty quickly.
    • Did they need to stay at anyone's house?
Joshua 2:12
  • Rahab has seized an opportunity to save herself and her family from the danger she and everyone else knows is ahead.  It's almost like she was prepared for this!
Joshua 2:17
  • This agreement requires a lot of trust from both sides.  Notice the words of the spies: "this oath that you have made us swear to you."  This shows that Rahab has put this idea together, and, perhaps, the spies are not all that pleased about it--except for the fact that they can live.  This indicates that Rahab has the upper hand in this agreement.  She initiates it, she sets her terms first, she hides the spies on the roof top (which seems like an obvious place to look for someone in hiding) and even gives the spies instructions about what to do next.  You go, girl.
Joshua 2:24
  • The spies return and reiterate what Rahab has told them, that the people are fearful of the Israelites.  They have heard of everything that has happened and fear their lives are in danger now.
Joshua 3:4
  • The ark of the covenant will guide the people forward.  But they are not to come within approximately 3,000 feet of it.  Is this because it is so holy and/or to make room to pray before it?
Joshua 3:10-11
  • Only a "living God" could be behind what is next, Joshua affirms.
Joshua 3:14-17
  • At the Red Sea, it was the Egyptians that pressed upon the people before they would cross over; let's remember back then they didn't know what was about to happen.  Now, it is the overflow of the waters itself that adds to the plight of the Israelites.  
Joshua 4:1-3
  • God tells Joshua to gather 12 stones from the middle of the Jordan.  The Lord doesn't tell Joshua what to do with them other than to place them where they will camp for the night.
Joshua 4:6-7
  • Joshua recognizes that these are signs for future generations of what has happened this day.  
Joshua 4:14
  • Joshua's first task as leader of the people is complete and the people respond with respect and awe.
Psalm 65
  • This psalm praises God because he listens to prayers, forgives iniquity and brings people into the goodness of his house.
  • Notice how much nature is a part of this psalm.  The psalmist recognizes God's hand in creating and nurturing the world's resources.

OTHER OBSERVATIONS

You can't read the first few chapters of Joshua and escape the command God gives the new leader to "be strong and courageous."  At one point, God even says to be strong and "very courageous."  

Have you ever heard something from God, but you weren't quite sure it was indeed from God?  Most of us have.  How do we know if God is actually telling us something we need to know?  There are several ways, but I think we can see one illustrated in Joshua's story.

At the beginning of the first chapter, God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous.  That's easy for God to say.  By the end of the chapter the people speak to Joshua.  They tell him they will follow him faithfully just like the did with Moses.  

By the way, they say they followed Moses in "all things."  I have a different interpretation of "all things."  They wouldn't have been in so much turmoil if they had listened to "all things."  

After they pledge their allegiance to Joshua they tell him one more thing.  Remember?  Yes, be strong and courageous.  

When I feel like I've heard something from God, I take it into strong consideration.  I pray about it, talk it out, maybe fast about it.  But when I hear it from someone else, it's almost like an immediate affirmation.

So, listen to what God is saying through what others are saying.

Stay blessed...john

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