Over the next few weeks in class we will be talking about the Bible and how we know that it is free from errors. On a daily basis we will work through Psalm 119, which is actually a devotional on the word of God.
Read Psalm 119:1-8
Context: This psalm is very different from the rest. In the original Hebrew language it is an acrostic...the verses of each stanza begin with the same letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It was probably used as a training tool.
Text:
Aleph
1 Blessed are they whose ways are blameless,
who walk according to the law of the LORD.
2 Blessed are they who keep his statutes
and seek him with all their heart.
3 They do nothing wrong;
they walk in his ways.
4 You have laid down precepts
that are to be fully obeyed.
5 Oh, that my ways were steadfast
in obeying your decrees!
6 Then I would not be put to shame
when I consider all your commands.
7 I will praise you with an upright heart
as I learn your righteous laws.
8 I will obey your decrees;
do not utterly forsake me. (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
It is pretty overwhelming to read all the laws that God gave the Israelites. I have to say that Leviticus and Deuteronomy are probably two of my least favorite books in the Bible. But if you think about it, the Hebrew people didn't have these laws written down in any form that was readily available to them. In the beginning, Moses had to write the words of God onto tablets. God gave many laws in addition to the commandments, and Moses recorded these on scrolls.
Most people couldn't read, and only the priests had access to the documents. The knowledge of the laws and promises of God had to be learned from a priest and memorized. It was really easy for the priests of Jesus time to expand upon the rules because there were very few people who could hold them to the truth.
It's nice that we have immediate access to God's word through copies in our homes and on-line. But I wonder if we have lost reverence for it since it is so available?
Monday, July 2, 2007
Friday, June 29, 2007
June 29 - Grace You Can See
Read Acts 11:19-26
Context: Peter went up onto a roof after lunch to pray. While there he saw a vision from God and he was told that he should eat foods that were previously considered unclean. At that time some men came to him asking that he go to Cornelius' home (a Roman centurion) to share the message of Christ with the Gentiles. Peter realized that God wanted the Gentiles to share in the salvation of Christ.
Text:
19Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews. 20Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
22News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.
25Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
When Barnabas arrived in Antioch, he was able to see the evidence of the grace of God. I wonder what he witnessed. How was their grace so visible to others? I imagine that he sat down and talked with the people and heard their stories of how God had changed their lives, but did he witness this grace before he really met them?
The word used here in the Greek is 'charis' (khar'-ece), which means good will and loving kindness, specifically 'of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues' (from Strong's)
If someone comes into our church, are they able to easily perceive the grace of God? I hope they see us under the influence of God, being strengthened in our faith and demonstrating the virtues of Christ!
Context: Peter went up onto a roof after lunch to pray. While there he saw a vision from God and he was told that he should eat foods that were previously considered unclean. At that time some men came to him asking that he go to Cornelius' home (a Roman centurion) to share the message of Christ with the Gentiles. Peter realized that God wanted the Gentiles to share in the salvation of Christ.
Text:
19Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews. 20Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
22News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.
25Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
When Barnabas arrived in Antioch, he was able to see the evidence of the grace of God. I wonder what he witnessed. How was their grace so visible to others? I imagine that he sat down and talked with the people and heard their stories of how God had changed their lives, but did he witness this grace before he really met them?
The word used here in the Greek is 'charis' (khar'-ece), which means good will and loving kindness, specifically 'of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues' (from Strong's)
If someone comes into our church, are they able to easily perceive the grace of God? I hope they see us under the influence of God, being strengthened in our faith and demonstrating the virtues of Christ!
Thursday, June 28, 2007
June 28 - Jonah's Prayer
Read Jonah 2 (don't worry...it's short)
Context: Most of us know this story...Jonah has run away from God, been in a huge storm at sea, and has been thrown overboard. A great fish has swallowed him up and he's been inside for three days and nights.
Text:
1 From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God. 2 He said:
"In my distress I called to the LORD,
and he answered me.
From the depths of the grave [a] I called for help,
and you listened to my cry.
3 You hurled me into the deep,
into the very heart of the seas,
and the currents swirled about me;
all your waves and breakers
swept over me.
4 I said, 'I have been banished
from your sight;
yet I will look again
toward your holy temple.'
5 The engulfing waters threatened me, [b]
the deep surrounded me;
seaweed was wrapped around my head.
6 To the roots of the mountains I sank down;
the earth beneath barred me in forever.
But you brought my life up from the pit,
O LORD my God.
7 "When my life was ebbing away,
I remembered you, LORD,
and my prayer rose to you,
to your holy temple.
8 "Those who cling to worthless idols
forfeit the grace that could be theirs.
9 But I, with a song of thanksgiving,
will sacrifice to you.
What I have vowed I will make good.
Salvation comes from the LORD."
10 And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Jonah 2:2 Hebrew Sheol
Jonah 2:5 Or waters were at my throat
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Has God ever had to 'throw you off the deep end' to get your attention? I'm glad he hasn't done this to me literally, but sometimes it seems like he has to knock me out just to get me to sit still and listen to him. Like Jonah, sometimes I need to have the 'seaweed wrapped around my head' to remember to turn to God. Why in the world do we think that we know better than he?
Verse 8 could be a portrait of life in the 21st century...we cling to worthless idols that take our time and attention away from God (money, fame, busy-ness, sports, television, etc.), giving away the grace that could be ours. Let's "embrace the grace"!
Context: Most of us know this story...Jonah has run away from God, been in a huge storm at sea, and has been thrown overboard. A great fish has swallowed him up and he's been inside for three days and nights.
Text:
1 From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God. 2 He said:
"In my distress I called to the LORD,
and he answered me.
From the depths of the grave [a] I called for help,
and you listened to my cry.
3 You hurled me into the deep,
into the very heart of the seas,
and the currents swirled about me;
all your waves and breakers
swept over me.
4 I said, 'I have been banished
from your sight;
yet I will look again
toward your holy temple.'
5 The engulfing waters threatened me, [b]
the deep surrounded me;
seaweed was wrapped around my head.
6 To the roots of the mountains I sank down;
the earth beneath barred me in forever.
But you brought my life up from the pit,
O LORD my God.
7 "When my life was ebbing away,
I remembered you, LORD,
and my prayer rose to you,
to your holy temple.
8 "Those who cling to worthless idols
forfeit the grace that could be theirs.
9 But I, with a song of thanksgiving,
will sacrifice to you.
What I have vowed I will make good.
Salvation comes from the LORD."
10 And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Jonah 2:2 Hebrew Sheol
Jonah 2:5 Or waters were at my throat
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Has God ever had to 'throw you off the deep end' to get your attention? I'm glad he hasn't done this to me literally, but sometimes it seems like he has to knock me out just to get me to sit still and listen to him. Like Jonah, sometimes I need to have the 'seaweed wrapped around my head' to remember to turn to God. Why in the world do we think that we know better than he?
Verse 8 could be a portrait of life in the 21st century...we cling to worthless idols that take our time and attention away from God (money, fame, busy-ness, sports, television, etc.), giving away the grace that could be ours. Let's "embrace the grace"!
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Endless Patience
Read Exodus 34:1-7
Context: God engraved his commands on two stone tablets, but Moses threw them on the ground when he returned to find the Israelites involved in idolatry. Moses has pleaded with God to stay with them and not destroy them. God has shown Moses his glorious presence at Moses' request.
Text:
1-3 God spoke to Moses: "Cut out two tablets of stone just like the originals and engrave on them the words that were on the original tablets you smashed. Be ready in the morning to climb Mount Sinai and get set to meet me on top of the mountain. Not a soul is to go with you; the whole mountain must be clear of people, even animals—not even sheep or oxen can be grazing in front of the mountain."
4-7 So Moses cut two tablets of stone just like the originals. He got up early in the morning and climbed Mount Sinai as God had commanded him, carrying the two tablets of stone. God descended in the cloud and took up his position there beside him and called out the name, God. God passed in front of him and called out, "God, God, a God of mercy and grace, endlessly patient—so much love, so deeply true—loyal in love for a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin. Still, he doesn't ignore sin. He holds sons and grandsons responsible for a father's sins to the third and even fourth generation." (The Message)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
This passage makes me really admire Moses. Not only did he hear directly from God, he was able to find the right kind of stone in the desert, cut out stone tablets, carve instructions from God on them, walk all the way up a mountain carrying heavy tablets, and meet personally with God! Whew...even if those tablets were only the size of a notebook, they had to be heavy.
This is also one of the few passages where God talks about his character. Most other passages have man telling of his traits. He tells us that he is merciful, full of grace, endlessly patient, and so full of love...too bad we can't stop with this sentence. But in reality, if he did, would he really love us?
Think about your children (if you don't have any, pretend with me for a moment). How many times have you had to tell them 'no' to something that you know would be wrong for them in the long run (like a cookie before dinner, soda for breakfast, or watching a movie that has adult content)? How many times have you punished them for their errors in order to teach them the right way to live (for lying, stealing, rudeness, destruction of their sibling's property)? If they don't learn about consequences early, their lives will be full of nasty surprises. I'd have to question a 'love' that doesn't involve teaching right from wrong.
God does the same for us. In his love he has to teach us right from wrong, and often through unpleasant consequences. I'm REALLY glad he told us about his 'endless patience...I'm sure I try it every day.
Context: God engraved his commands on two stone tablets, but Moses threw them on the ground when he returned to find the Israelites involved in idolatry. Moses has pleaded with God to stay with them and not destroy them. God has shown Moses his glorious presence at Moses' request.
Text:
1-3 God spoke to Moses: "Cut out two tablets of stone just like the originals and engrave on them the words that were on the original tablets you smashed. Be ready in the morning to climb Mount Sinai and get set to meet me on top of the mountain. Not a soul is to go with you; the whole mountain must be clear of people, even animals—not even sheep or oxen can be grazing in front of the mountain."
4-7 So Moses cut two tablets of stone just like the originals. He got up early in the morning and climbed Mount Sinai as God had commanded him, carrying the two tablets of stone. God descended in the cloud and took up his position there beside him and called out the name, God. God passed in front of him and called out, "God, God, a God of mercy and grace, endlessly patient—so much love, so deeply true—loyal in love for a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin. Still, he doesn't ignore sin. He holds sons and grandsons responsible for a father's sins to the third and even fourth generation." (The Message)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
This passage makes me really admire Moses. Not only did he hear directly from God, he was able to find the right kind of stone in the desert, cut out stone tablets, carve instructions from God on them, walk all the way up a mountain carrying heavy tablets, and meet personally with God! Whew...even if those tablets were only the size of a notebook, they had to be heavy.
This is also one of the few passages where God talks about his character. Most other passages have man telling of his traits. He tells us that he is merciful, full of grace, endlessly patient, and so full of love...too bad we can't stop with this sentence. But in reality, if he did, would he really love us?
Think about your children (if you don't have any, pretend with me for a moment). How many times have you had to tell them 'no' to something that you know would be wrong for them in the long run (like a cookie before dinner, soda for breakfast, or watching a movie that has adult content)? How many times have you punished them for their errors in order to teach them the right way to live (for lying, stealing, rudeness, destruction of their sibling's property)? If they don't learn about consequences early, their lives will be full of nasty surprises. I'd have to question a 'love' that doesn't involve teaching right from wrong.
God does the same for us. In his love he has to teach us right from wrong, and often through unpleasant consequences. I'm REALLY glad he told us about his 'endless patience...I'm sure I try it every day.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
June 26 - God's Kind Grace
Read Isaiah 26:1-12
Context: This is part of a song of praise for God's deliverance.
Text:
1 In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah:
We have a strong city;
God makes salvation
its walls and ramparts.
2 Open the gates
that the righteous nation may enter,
the nation that keeps faith.
3 You will keep in perfect peace
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you.
4 Trust in the LORD forever,
for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.
5 He humbles those who dwell on high,
he lays the lofty city low;
he levels it to the ground
and casts it down to the dust.
6 Feet trample it down—
the feet of the oppressed,
the footsteps of the poor.
7 The path of the righteous is level;
O upright One, you make the way of the righteous smooth.
8 Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, [a]
we wait for you;
your name and renown
are the desire of our hearts.
9 My soul yearns for you in the night;
in the morning my spirit longs for you.
When your judgments come upon the earth,
the people of the world learn righteousness.
10 Though grace is shown to the wicked,
they do not learn righteousness;
even in a land of uprightness they go on doing evil
and regard not the majesty of the LORD.
11 O LORD, your hand is lifted high,
but they do not see it.
Let them see your zeal for your people and be put to shame;
let the fire reserved for your enemies consume them.
12 LORD, you establish peace for us;
all that we have accomplished you have done for us.(NIV)
Footnotes:
Isaiah 26:8 Or judgments
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Verse 10 seems to sum up the history of the Hebrew people...God shows them grace but the lesson of righteous living doesn't seem to sink in. There are several words in Hebrew that are translated as 'grace'. This one is the word 'chanan' (chaw-nan'). It means 'to be gracious, to show favor or pity.'
God shows grace to us on a daily basis, and this is a type of grace that we can show to others, too. When family members or friends are hurting and require compassion, we can respond with 'chanan'. Sometimes that requires a quick kiss and a bandaid, other times it takes an extended period of time listening and empathizing with one who is suffering through a crisis.
This is also the type of grace that we can show those we come across outside of our circle of friends. Random acts of kindness fall into this category - especially when someone is in need in some way.
In our moments of stress, pain, or crisis, God seeks us out to offer his grace and compassion. Often it is in the form of a phone call from a friend at just the right moment, a hug from a child, or the caring touch of a nurse. He never has to look for us -- he knows right where we are.
Your challenge today is to show someone God's grace through an act of kindness!
Context: This is part of a song of praise for God's deliverance.
Text:
1 In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah:
We have a strong city;
God makes salvation
its walls and ramparts.
2 Open the gates
that the righteous nation may enter,
the nation that keeps faith.
3 You will keep in perfect peace
him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you.
4 Trust in the LORD forever,
for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.
5 He humbles those who dwell on high,
he lays the lofty city low;
he levels it to the ground
and casts it down to the dust.
6 Feet trample it down—
the feet of the oppressed,
the footsteps of the poor.
7 The path of the righteous is level;
O upright One, you make the way of the righteous smooth.
8 Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, [a]
we wait for you;
your name and renown
are the desire of our hearts.
9 My soul yearns for you in the night;
in the morning my spirit longs for you.
When your judgments come upon the earth,
the people of the world learn righteousness.
10 Though grace is shown to the wicked,
they do not learn righteousness;
even in a land of uprightness they go on doing evil
and regard not the majesty of the LORD.
11 O LORD, your hand is lifted high,
but they do not see it.
Let them see your zeal for your people and be put to shame;
let the fire reserved for your enemies consume them.
12 LORD, you establish peace for us;
all that we have accomplished you have done for us.(NIV)
Footnotes:
Isaiah 26:8 Or judgments
taken from www.biblegateway.com
Verse 10 seems to sum up the history of the Hebrew people...God shows them grace but the lesson of righteous living doesn't seem to sink in. There are several words in Hebrew that are translated as 'grace'. This one is the word 'chanan' (chaw-nan'). It means 'to be gracious, to show favor or pity.'
God shows grace to us on a daily basis, and this is a type of grace that we can show to others, too. When family members or friends are hurting and require compassion, we can respond with 'chanan'. Sometimes that requires a quick kiss and a bandaid, other times it takes an extended period of time listening and empathizing with one who is suffering through a crisis.
This is also the type of grace that we can show those we come across outside of our circle of friends. Random acts of kindness fall into this category - especially when someone is in need in some way.
In our moments of stress, pain, or crisis, God seeks us out to offer his grace and compassion. Often it is in the form of a phone call from a friend at just the right moment, a hug from a child, or the caring touch of a nurse. He never has to look for us -- he knows right where we are.
Your challenge today is to show someone God's grace through an act of kindness!
Monday, June 25, 2007
June 25 - The Library of Your Life
Read Hebrews 4:12-16
Context: In his letter to Jewish converts, Paul has been explaining how the old laws have been superseded by Christ. He has reminded them that Christ is greater than Moses, their hero, and how they must have faith and must not live a life of sin or they will not enter into God's rest.
Text:
12For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. 14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens,[a] Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Hebrews 4:14 Or gone into heaven
taken from www.biblegateway.com
I can't really comprehend the thought of everything I've done, every thought I've had, being uncovered and laid before God so I can account for it. Almost all of the mistakes and sins were caused by my selfishness, greed, and lack of self control. And many of the good things I've done were spontaneous, with much less intent than I would have liked to say I had.
I read a devotion once that compared the documentation of our lives to a library card catalog (remember those...the long skinny drawers full of little cards?). The devotion painted a picture of judgment day -- we walk into a huge room full of these cabinets. Each drawer has a date and when you open one you see each thought and action, good or bad, has its own card. After flipping through just a few of the cards, you realize that there is no way you can justify your behavior to the God of the Universe. You collapse in fear and shame.
There is a huge fanfare, and God walks in with Jesus at his right side. You tremble, knowing what will come next. Jesus smiles down on you and he reaches over to touch the cabinets. He tells God, "Start with this one." You look at the dates and you realize it was the lowest point of your life...you pray that he starts with any drawer but that one.
God pulls out the drawer and looks through the cards. He says 'hmmm' and 'aha' a few times, then he goes on and looks at a couple more drawers. You wait for the floor to fall away so you will fall through the abyss to the place where you really belong.
All of a sudden God smiles and says 'welcome.' You look up in shock and Jesus reaches out his hand to show you the drawers. They are full of cards, but each one is blank, clean and white as snow.
Where would we be without Christ's mercy and grace?
(sorry, I don't know the reference for the devotion)
Context: In his letter to Jewish converts, Paul has been explaining how the old laws have been superseded by Christ. He has reminded them that Christ is greater than Moses, their hero, and how they must have faith and must not live a life of sin or they will not enter into God's rest.
Text:
12For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. 14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens,[a] Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (NIV)
Footnotes:
Hebrews 4:14 Or gone into heaven
taken from www.biblegateway.com
I can't really comprehend the thought of everything I've done, every thought I've had, being uncovered and laid before God so I can account for it. Almost all of the mistakes and sins were caused by my selfishness, greed, and lack of self control. And many of the good things I've done were spontaneous, with much less intent than I would have liked to say I had.
I read a devotion once that compared the documentation of our lives to a library card catalog (remember those...the long skinny drawers full of little cards?). The devotion painted a picture of judgment day -- we walk into a huge room full of these cabinets. Each drawer has a date and when you open one you see each thought and action, good or bad, has its own card. After flipping through just a few of the cards, you realize that there is no way you can justify your behavior to the God of the Universe. You collapse in fear and shame.
There is a huge fanfare, and God walks in with Jesus at his right side. You tremble, knowing what will come next. Jesus smiles down on you and he reaches over to touch the cabinets. He tells God, "Start with this one." You look at the dates and you realize it was the lowest point of your life...you pray that he starts with any drawer but that one.
God pulls out the drawer and looks through the cards. He says 'hmmm' and 'aha' a few times, then he goes on and looks at a couple more drawers. You wait for the floor to fall away so you will fall through the abyss to the place where you really belong.
All of a sudden God smiles and says 'welcome.' You look up in shock and Jesus reaches out his hand to show you the drawers. They are full of cards, but each one is blank, clean and white as snow.
Where would we be without Christ's mercy and grace?
(sorry, I don't know the reference for the devotion)
Friday, June 22, 2007
June 22 - Be Strong and Courageous
Deuteronomy 31:1-8
Context: Moses knows he is near death, and the Israelites are on the banks of the Jordan river, preparing to cross soon into the promised land. He calls together all the Israelites and he reminds them of the covenant and commandments God has given them. This portion of the text is well into his speech.
Text:
1 Then Moses went out and spoke these words to all Israel: 2 "I am now a hundred and twenty years old and I am no longer able to lead you. The LORD has said to me, 'You shall not cross the Jordan.' 3 The LORD your God himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you will take possession of their land. Joshua also will cross over ahead of you, as the LORD said. 4 And the LORD will do to them what he did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, whom he destroyed along with their land. 5 The LORD will deliver them to you, and you must do to them all that I have commanded you. 6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
7 Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, "Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their forefathers to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. 8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
The phrase 'be strong and courageous' shows up in the Bible eleven times...all in the Old Testament. Six of these times the statement is directed toward Joshua -- five times by God himself.
As the newly named leader of the entire Israelite population, Joshua was doubting his abilities and was second guessing himself. He didn't know for sure what was facing them on the other side of the river, and based on their history he wasn't sure he could keep the Israelites in line. But God had put him in this place and God was capable of ensuring success.
Many of us struggle with fear as we face massive new situations. A new job, a move to a new community, or any opportunity to step into the unknown can cause fear and insecurity.
If you are comforting someone in this situation, these verses can be really helpful. If God is calling them to something new, he promises to be right there along side. Help the person remember his or her strengths and capabilities that will transfer to the new situation, and remind him/her to be strong and courageous. Pray for that strength and courage, and continue to be there as the journey unfolds.
Context: Moses knows he is near death, and the Israelites are on the banks of the Jordan river, preparing to cross soon into the promised land. He calls together all the Israelites and he reminds them of the covenant and commandments God has given them. This portion of the text is well into his speech.
Text:
1 Then Moses went out and spoke these words to all Israel: 2 "I am now a hundred and twenty years old and I am no longer able to lead you. The LORD has said to me, 'You shall not cross the Jordan.' 3 The LORD your God himself will cross over ahead of you. He will destroy these nations before you, and you will take possession of their land. Joshua also will cross over ahead of you, as the LORD said. 4 And the LORD will do to them what he did to Sihon and Og, the kings of the Amorites, whom he destroyed along with their land. 5 The LORD will deliver them to you, and you must do to them all that I have commanded you. 6 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
7 Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, "Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their forefathers to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. 8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (NIV)
taken from www.biblegateway.com
The phrase 'be strong and courageous' shows up in the Bible eleven times...all in the Old Testament. Six of these times the statement is directed toward Joshua -- five times by God himself.
As the newly named leader of the entire Israelite population, Joshua was doubting his abilities and was second guessing himself. He didn't know for sure what was facing them on the other side of the river, and based on their history he wasn't sure he could keep the Israelites in line. But God had put him in this place and God was capable of ensuring success.
Many of us struggle with fear as we face massive new situations. A new job, a move to a new community, or any opportunity to step into the unknown can cause fear and insecurity.
If you are comforting someone in this situation, these verses can be really helpful. If God is calling them to something new, he promises to be right there along side. Help the person remember his or her strengths and capabilities that will transfer to the new situation, and remind him/her to be strong and courageous. Pray for that strength and courage, and continue to be there as the journey unfolds.
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