Short Reflection from Joshua 11-24

[Originally posted in a WhatsApp group (PG) as a daily reading update (reflection) from each chapter of the Bible]

𝕁𝕠𝕤𝕙𝕦𝕒 𝟙𝟙:𝟚𝟘

“For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, to meet Israel in battle in order that he might utterly destroy them, that they might receive no mercy, but that he might destroy them, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.”

Wow! God hardened the hearts of the enemies that they might go out to fight and die by the sons of Israel.

God hardened the heart of Pharaoh. He perished at the Sea in his pursuit of the Israelites.

God hardened the heart of Judas Iscariot to betray Christ, and the death of Christ brought Salvation to many.

Problems, Troubles, Challenges in a life of a Christian are to (allow us to) experience God in a different way. Even Job's suffering was the defeat of Satan.

May I not be dismayed nor discouraged when the tough time comes. O Lord, may I be like David, not like Saul. May I be courageous, not a coward!

 

𝕁𝕠𝕤𝕙𝕦𝕒 𝟙𝟚:𝟞

"Moses the servant of the LORD and the sons of Israel defeated them; and Moses the servant of the LORD gave it to the Reubenites and the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh as a possession."

Moses is mentioned twice in this verse (and that's all in this chapter). Each time he is mentioned, he is identified as "the servant of the LORD," not a mighty man, a faithful man, or a great man of God. The world (even the churches and Christians) loves to give and receive flaunty titles.

May I make my ambition to not desire after any title than that a minister of God is an unprofitable servant just doing his duty!

 

𝕁𝕠𝕤𝕙𝕦𝕒 𝟙𝟛:𝟙

"Now Joshua was old and advanced in years when the LORD said to him, 'You are old and advanced in years, and very much of the land remains to be possessed.'"

Works are not yet done, not yet over, not yet completed! Only God is my strength and comfort!

 

𝕁𝕠𝕤𝕙𝕦𝕒 𝟙𝟜:𝟙𝟚

"Now then, give me this hill country about which the LORD spoke on that day, for you heard on that day that Anakim were there, with great fortified cities; perhaps the LORD will be with me, and I will drive them out as the LORD has spoken."

An 85 years old man still fighting the Canaanites while the younger generations were living along with them. What a contrast!

 

𝕁𝕠𝕤𝕙𝕦𝕒 𝟙𝟝:𝟞𝟛

"Now as for the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the sons of Judah could not drive them out; so the Jebusites live with the sons of Judah at Jerusalem until this day."

These guys might be braver than me but they are cowards in the eyes of God and compared to Caleb. Cowardice to Conquer brought them Judgment upon the land.

Centuries later, David, a brave warrior conquered it. God made his Kingdom everlasting through his descendant, Messiah!

 

𝕁𝕠𝕤𝕙𝕦𝕒 𝟙𝟞:𝟙𝟘

"But they 𝕕𝕚𝕕 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕕𝕣𝕚𝕧𝕖 𝕠𝕦𝕥 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕔𝕒𝕟𝕒𝕒𝕟𝕚𝕥𝕖𝕤 who lived in Gezer, so the Canaanites live in the midst of Ephraim to this day, and they became forced laborers."

Cowards. Easily satisfied. Compromised. 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚜𝚊𝚖𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚋𝚎 𝚜𝚊𝚒𝚍 𝚘𝚏 𝚖𝚢 𝚐𝚎𝚗𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗!😬

 

𝕁𝕠𝕤𝕙𝕦𝕒 𝟙𝟟:𝟙𝟚

"But the sons of Manasseh could not take possession of these cities, because the Canaanites persisted in living in that land."

The next generation enjoying the achievement and inheritance left behind by the previous generations. They were just irresponsible and not leaving anything for the coming generation!

The adage "No pain no gain" was true, is true, and will still be true!

 

𝕁𝕠𝕤𝕙𝕦𝕒 𝟙𝟠:𝟛

"So Joshua said to the sons of Israel, 'How long will you put off entering to take possession of the land which the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you?'"

Another chapter, another reminder of the same lesson!

 

𝕁𝕠𝕤𝕙𝕦𝕒 𝟙𝟡:𝟜𝟡

“When they finished apportioning the land for inheritance by its borders, the sons of Israel gave an inheritance in their midst to Joshua the son of Nun.”

After everything is done, a leader also needs to be rewarded well!

 

𝕁𝕠𝕤𝕙𝕦𝕒 𝟚𝟘:𝟛

"that the manslayer who kills any person unintentionally, without premeditation, may flee there, and they shall become your refuge from the avenger of blood."

There will not be perfect justice on earth, but God has given us some standards of justice.

Navigating what's just and what's not is tough. When I am guilty, I want mercy. When I am a victim, I want justice. The others want the same!

 

𝕁𝕠𝕤𝕙𝕦𝕒 𝟚𝟙:𝟜𝟝

"Not one of the good promises which the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass."

What a testimony of the faithfulness of God! Sometimes I doubt the promise of God, not because God is untrustworthy but because of my failures and unworthiness!

 

𝕁𝕠𝕤𝕙𝕦𝕒 𝟚𝟚:𝟝

"Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God and walk in all His ways and keep His commandments and hold fast to Him and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul."

Can we be too careful? Certainly not!

 

𝕁𝕠𝕤𝕙𝕦𝕒 𝟚𝟛:𝟙𝟝

"It shall come about that just as all the good words which the LORD your God spoke to you have come upon you, so the LORD will bring upon you all the threats, until He has destroyed you from off this good land which the LORD your God has given you."

This verse stands out in chapter 23. What a fearful God I serve!

 

𝕁𝕠𝕤𝕙𝕦𝕒 𝟚𝟜:𝟙𝟘

"But I was not willing to listen to Balaam. So he had to bless you, and I delivered you from his hand."

I won't be surprised if some people expect or wish me to fall, and I won't be surprised if they get disappointed because of God who holds me fast!

Short Reflection from Joshua 1-10

[Originally posted in a WhatsApp group (PG) as a daily reading update (reflection) from each chapter of the Bible]

[2:14 pm, 01/01/2022] S.R:

𝕁𝕠𝕤𝕙𝕦𝕒𝟙:𝟙𝟠

"Anyone who rebels against your command and does not obey your words in all that you command him, shall be put to death; only be strong and courageous."

The first chapter of the historical section of the Hebrew Bible emphasizes the value of courage. The last verse repeated that command again. Winston Churchill is right when he said, "Courage is the first of human qualities because it is the quality that guarantees all the others."

As I grow older, I want to be more courageous this year! And I have learned from the Scriptures and by experience that it takes a strong conviction and a strong character to be courageous for God!

 

𝕁𝕠𝕤𝕙𝕦𝕒 𝟚:𝟚𝟜

"They said to Joshua, 'Surely the LORD has given all the land into our hands; moreover, all the inhabitants of the land have melted away before us.'"

Not only was Joshua told to be courageous, but was reported that their enemies have lost their courage!

It's amazing how God has set the stage for Joshua to conquer. I am sure when God requires us to be courageous, He has frightened our opposition. We either conquer them or let them regain their courage and beat us! 😬

 

𝕁𝕠𝕤𝕙𝕦𝕒 𝟛:𝟙

"Then Joshua rose early in the morning; and he and all the sons of Israel set out from Shittim and came to the Jordan, and they lodged there before they crossed."

There seems to be no better portrayal for alertness, readiness, discipline, and excitement than waking up early in the morning!

I am not a morning person, not even a morning aspiring person, but a morning admiring person. I hardly get up early, though several times I try to. I love those who rise early!

As the English poet, John Milton said, "Morning shows the day," Joshua and his men had a great day!

 

𝕁𝕠𝕤𝕙𝕦𝕒 𝟜:𝟚𝟜

"that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, so that you may fear the LORD your God forever."

The purpose of a memorial stone. It points to the awesomeness of God. It was made to fear God. To instill the fear of God into the coming generations.

As a leader, I have that same responsibility to instill the fear of God in people. The fear that develops because of the goodness and awesomeness of God!

 

𝕁𝕠𝕤𝕙𝕦𝕒 𝟝:𝟡

"Then the LORD said to Joshua, ‘Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.’ So the name of that place is called Gilgal to this day."

Hmm! I have got to improve my vocabulary. I have to look back and see how many Gilgals I should have listed down in my life so far! The Lord is good!

 

𝕁𝕠𝕤𝕙𝕦𝕒 𝟞:𝟙

"Now Jericho was tightly shut because of the sons of Israel; no one went out and no one came in."

Indeed, a man's heart is like a Jericho, especially in this generation. There's no way to transform a man than to let God transform him.

Like Joshua and his men, who did nothing strategic, but seemingly foolish actions of marching around proclaiming what God commanded made Jericho's wall fall down.

Oh! May I be found faithful proclaiming His words, even if it looks like a fool to other 'great' warriors!

 

𝕁𝕠𝕤𝕙𝕦𝕒 𝟟:𝟙𝟡

"Then Joshua said to Achan, 'My son, I implore you, 𝕘𝕚𝕧𝕖 𝕘𝕝𝕠𝕣𝕪 𝕥𝕠 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕃𝕆ℝ𝔻, the God of Israel, and give praise to Him; and tell me now what you have done. Do not hide it from me.'"

In effect, Joshua was telling, "tell the truth,” thus, implying telling the truth is one way we glorify God.

If he meant, "confess/admit before God" it implies the same thing, admitting/confession is always the truth.

Achan was given a chance to glorify God while he would be damned! And he did it, but too late. Philippians 2 reminds us that in the end, everyone will bow and confess Jesus is Lord, while some confessing will be damned eternally! No matter what, God shall be glorified by all!

 

𝕁𝕠𝕤𝕙𝕦𝕒 𝟠:𝟙

"Now the LORD said to Joshua, 'Do not fear or be dismayed. Take all the people of war with you and arise, go up to Ai; see, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land.'"

Had Joshua been a brave man, there wouldn't be this many commandments to him to be brave!

Another guy in the New Testament, who was not brave is Timothy! Timothy was warned by Apostle Paul.

I don't want to be like them, but I haven't even set my foot on their battlefield yet.

 

𝕁𝕠𝕤𝕙𝕦𝕒 𝟡:𝟙𝟜

"So the men of Israel took some of their provisions, and did not ask for the counsel of the LORD."

What a tragedy!

In some ways, I find it relevant to my walk. Any day I decide to go out of my room without a prayer, trouble is not far!

 

𝕁𝕠𝕤𝕙𝕦𝕒 𝟙𝟘:𝟙𝟛

"So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, Until the nation avenged themselves of their enemies. Is it not written in the book of Jashar? And the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and did not hasten to go down for about a whole day."

I think it's good to recall the mighty acts of God like this one and pray in trying circumstances for God's intervention!

Short Reflection from Deuteronomy 18-34

[Originally posted in a WhatsApp group (PG) as a daily reading update (reflection) from each chapter of the Bible]

[1:18 pm, 22/06/2022] S.R:

𝔻𝕖𝕦𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕠𝕟𝕠𝕞𝕪 𝟙𝟠:𝟙𝟟-𝟙𝟠

"The LORD said to me, ‘They have spoken well. I will raise up a prophet from among their countrymen like you, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him.’"

Indeed, Jesus had to conceal His glory in His incarnation. Or no man would survive seeing the full glory of God.

 

[7:12 am, 23/06/2022] S.R: 𝔻𝕖𝕦𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕠𝕟𝕠𝕞𝕪 𝟙𝟡:𝟙𝟛

"You shall not pity him, but you shall purge the blood of the innocent from Israel, that it may go well with you."

There's a counterfeit for everything. There's counterfeit justice, counterfeit mercy, and counterfeit compassion.

 

𝔻𝕖𝕦𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕠𝕟𝕠𝕞𝕪 𝟚𝟘:𝟙𝟘

"When you approach a city to fight against it, you shall offer it terms of peace."

There's an option for peace.

 

𝔻𝕖𝕦𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕠𝕟𝕠𝕞𝕪 𝟚𝟙:𝟚𝟚-𝟚𝟛

"If a man has committed a sin worthy of death and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, his corpse shall not hang all night on the tree, but you shall surely bury him on the same day (for he who is hanged is accursed of God), so that you do not defile your land which the LORD your God gives you as an inheritance."

Civility even in Punishment!

Even Jesus wasn't hung up there all night. He was taken down by the evening.

 

𝔻𝕖𝕦𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕠𝕟𝕠𝕞𝕪 𝟚𝟚:𝟠

"When you build a new house, you shall make a parapet for your roof, so that you will not bring bloodguilt on your house if anyone falls from it."

Government should not dictate how a Christian Church should be built and looking like. However, Christians should obey government instructions in certain things for safety protocol, like fire safety, earthquake strategy, etc...

 

𝔻𝕖𝕦𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕠𝕟𝕠𝕞𝕪 23:7

"You shall not detest an Edomite, for he is your brother; you shall not detest an Egyptian, because you were an alien in his land."

To remember the humble background! To consider the importance and significance of the past in present times!

 

𝔻𝕖𝕦𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕠𝕟𝕠𝕞𝕪 𝟚𝟜:𝟚𝟙

"When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, you shall not go over it again; it shall be for the alien, for the orphan, and for the widow."

The Bible lays out for God's people to be generous, not greedy; to be merciful not to be a miser; to be contented not maximal profit.

 

𝔻𝕖𝕦𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕠𝕟𝕠𝕞𝕪 𝟚𝟝:𝟙𝟟-𝟙𝟠

"Remember what Amalek did to you along the way when you came out from Egypt, how he met you along the way and attacked among you all the stragglers at your rear when you were faint and weary; and he did not fear God."

Are Christians supposed to forgive and forget wicked people all the time? Are Christians supposed to be merciful to wicked people?

Well, allow not the heathens to dictate what we should and shouldn’t do. Even Satan uses the Scriptures to destroy the saints of God and the very Son of God!

 

𝔻𝕖𝕦𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕠𝕟𝕠𝕞𝕪 𝟚𝟞:𝟙𝟘-𝟙𝟙

"Now behold, I have brought the first of the produce of the ground which You, O LORD have given me. And you shall set it down before the LORD your God, and worship before the LORD your God; and you and the Levite and the alien who is among you shall rejoice in all the good which the LORD your God has given you and your household."

Gratefulness to God is accompanied by Generosity to the other classes (top and bottom) of the society: the Levites and the aliens.

 

𝔻𝕖𝕦𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕠𝕟𝕠𝕞𝕪 𝟚𝟟:𝟡

"Then Moses and the Levitical priests spoke to all Israel, saying, ‘Be silent and listen, O Israel! This day you have become a people for the LORD your God.’"

We do praise God from the top of our voices but it's appropriate to silence ourselves before Him too.

 

𝔻𝕖𝕦𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕠𝕟𝕠𝕞𝕪 𝟚𝟠:𝟞𝟛

"It shall come about that as the LORD delighted over you to prosper you, and multiply you, so the LORD will delight over you to make you perish and destroy you; and you will be torn from the land where you are entering to possess it."

The description concerning the curse is much longer than the blessings. Humans are often motivated by warnings than privileges!

 

𝔻𝕖𝕦𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕠𝕟𝕠𝕞𝕪 𝟚𝟡:𝟚𝟡

"The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law."

Not to waste time thinking about things that will not make one more godly or Christlike.

 

𝔻𝕖𝕦𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕠𝕟𝕠𝕞𝕪 𝟛𝟘:𝟙𝟙

"For this commandment which I command you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it out of reach."

To those who love God, His commandments aren't burdensome. People would rather love the world than God.

 

𝔻𝕖𝕦𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕠𝕟𝕠𝕞𝕪 𝟛𝟙:𝟚𝟙

"Then it shall come about, when many evils and troubles have come upon them, that this song will testify before them as a witness (for it shall not be forgotten from the lips of their descendants); for I know their intent which they are developing today, before I have brought them into the land which I swore."

God is not surprised with what's going on. Nor is he mad about it. Everything is under His control. This is the God who from before the foundation of the world has seen the eternal hell and has chosen me to be His. Nothing I do surprises Him nor will make me utterly go astray.

 

𝔻𝕖𝕦𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕠𝕟𝕠𝕞𝕪 𝟛𝟚:𝟛𝟞

"For the LORD will vindicate His people, And will have compassion on His servants, When He sees that their strength is gone, And there is none remaining, bond or free."

#Vindication. #Compassion.

 

𝔻𝕖𝕦𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕠𝕟𝕠𝕞𝕪 𝟛𝟛:𝟚𝟟

"The eternal God is a dwelling place, And underneath are the everlasting arms; And He drove out the enemy from before you, And said, 'Destroy!"

Dwelling place: defense

Drove out: offense

Destroy: immense

 

[6:37 am, 08/07/2022] S.R: 𝔻𝕖𝕦𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕠𝕟𝕠𝕞𝕪 𝟛𝟜:𝟞

"And He buried him in the valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth-peor; but no man knows his burial place to this day."

Very cool to be buried by the Lord. But I might not want to die where my body will not be found... 😬