"Give Me Springs of Water, Too!"

Scripture Passage

Judges 1:1-3:30

Scripture Focus

“Let me have another gift. You have already given me land in the Negev; now please give me springs of water, too.” So Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs. (Judges 1:15 NLT)

Observation

I’m focusing, today, on a verse that has little to do with the overall focus of the reading for the day. I mention that so that you know that I know that such is the case. And I mention it with a reminder that this blog is a daily posting of what speaks to me devotionally, not necessarily a comprehensive discussion of the broad themes from the reading each day.

So here we are in Judges, finally. And these opening chapters are significant, because they set the theme for everything that follows in Judges. Joshua had died, territory remains to be taken—but won’t be taken completely as God directed. And as a result, Israel will fall into a repeating (and deteriorating) cycle of disloyalty to the covenant, oppression by her enemies, a sincere cry for deliverance, and God’s answer of a deliverer—until that “judge” (leader) dies and the whole cycle begins again.

But before that repeating cycle begins in earnest, the opening chapter records the efforts of Judah and Simeon conquering territory in partnership with one another. And as a part of that, we get the story of Othniel, Caleb’s nephew, who captures Kirath-sepher, and receives Caleb’s daughter, Ascah, as his wife in reward. (Got all that?)

In Judges 1:15, Acsah—who has received land from her father—asks for a “wedding gift” bonus of sorts.

“Let me have another gift. You have already given me land in the Negev; now please give me springs of water, too.” (Judges 1:15 NLT)

Again—I’ll preface what I say by noting that this request is not central to the theme of Judges (it’s perhaps included more than anything to record legal ownership of water rights by Acsah)…and the analogy I’ll draw, though true, is neither stated nor implied in the text itself (all that disclaimer for all you Bible scholars out there)…but when I read that verse, I thought…

“Lord, in salvation you’ve given me territory, too. As a ‘wedding bonus’, give me ‘springs of water’, also.”

Yep—I’m a full-fledged Pentecostal—and my prayer…my cry…is that the whole of all that God has given me in Christ would be thoroughly irrigated by the overflowing presence of the Holy Spirit—“Not just land, but springs of water, too, O Lord!”

"Time To Choose"

Scripture Passage

Joshua 22:1-24-33

Scripture Focus

“So fear the LORD and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the LORD alone. But if you refuse to serve the LORD, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:14-15 NLT)

Observation

Perhaps that noted theologian/musician Bob Dylan said it best—“You gotta serve somebody.”

Joshua has grown old and knows that his transition into eternity is not far off. So he calls together the Israelites to remind them of the God they serve and how He—that God—has honored them with His blessings over the generations. And Joshua issues to these Israelites the opportunity to affirm again their covenant agreement with Jehovah.

There’s probably a good challenge there for us, for at each significant point in Israel’s history they do not “presume” their covenant engagement, but rehearse it and re-affirm it. At Sinai, again on the banks of the Jordan before entering Canaan, again once a foothold was established inside the borders of Canaan, and now again here, as Joshua knows his days of leadership are coming to a close. So, too, from season to season in a life of faith—though we may speak of one day in history when we came to know the Lord—it wouldn’t be unwise to affirm that covenant relationship again and again.

And Joshua lays out the choices plainly enough—the idols your ancestors worshipped beyond the Euphrates…the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live…or the God who brought you out of Egypt and “has fought for you against your enemies” (23:3, see also 24:2-13).

So it’s time (again) to choose. “Serve the LORD alone. But if you refuse to serve the LORD, then choose today whom you will serve.”

Whatever you do, at least be honest about it. “But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:14-15 NLT)

"Rest on Every Side"

Scripture Passage

Joshua 19:49-21:45; 1 Chronicles 6:54-81

Scripture Focus

“So the LORD gave to Israel all the land he had sworn to give their ancestors, and they took possession of it and settled there. And the LORD gave them rest on every side, just as he had solemnly promised their ancestors. None of their enemies could stand against them, for the LORD helped them conquer all their enemies. 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 21:43-45 NLT)

Observation

I know it’s a little too honest to say so, but thank God for the oasis of one encouraging paragraph in a desert of legalese!

Today’s reading—as you know—identifies the cities of refuge in Israel, and the towns and pastureland given to the Levites…all of which, I’m sure, would have been of great significance (to a refugee or a Levite) as testimony to the Lord’s provision. It doesn’t, however, leave me with hands upraised and swollen eyes!

I can latch on to chapter 21, verses 43-45, however, especially the first part of verse 44—

“And the LORD gave them rest on every side…” (Joshua 21:44 NLT)

Doesn’t that sound good? Isn’t that both what Israel had longed for and what God had promised a generation earlier when they left Egypt and slavery behind? Now the land was theirs, and rest was theirs—including a covenant that commanded a full day of rest every week!

Rest on every side!

My suspicion is that, much more than we appropriate it, that’s what God intends for us. I mean, I’m fully confident that’s what God intends for us…

“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his.” (Hebrews 4:9-10 NIV)

My suspicion is that we consistently fail to appropriate that rest—at least, to it’s full measure. I wonder if today, though—just for today—I might grab hold of that rest a little more tenaciously than usual. I wonder how God might honor a heart that looked to Him for “rest on every side.”

"Do I Need to Draw You a Map? (Or Should You Draw Your Own?)"

Scripture Passage

Joshua 18:1-19:48

Scripture Focus

“How long are you going to wait before taking possession of the remaining land the LORD, the God of your ancestors, has given to you? …Go and explore the land and write a description of it.” (Joshua 18:3,8 NLT)

Observation

There’s a lesson here, I think, for those who might dare to believe that God has yet more He wants to accomplish in their lives than they’ve seen so far. Israel had certainly had some success in taking Canaan, but not complete success. And so Joshua—God’s man—brought a mild rebuke…

“How long are you going to wait before taking possession of the remaining land the LORD, the God of your ancestors, has given to you?” (Joshua 18:3 NLT)

…and a challenging plan…

“Go and explore the land and write a description of it.” (Joshua 18:8 NLT)

Ever had anybody prod you as to why things weren’t moving along faster on some project or goal? Ever thought perhaps your growth in the grace of God wasn’t progressing as quickly or completely as it ought to? Maybe Joshua’s words for a challenge for you (as they do for me)!

So what to do? Well, a good place to start might be found in Joshua’s plan—draw a map (so to speak) of where it is you think God *wants* to take you and/or what things will look like when you get there.

Yep, I’m writing about goals. I’m not as goal oriented as some, but I do write ‘em from time to time. Indeed, I’ve written some just recently. Writing goals, defining purpose, articulating values are ways to map out territory you believe God wants you to claim.

And while you work on some of your own…I think I’ll go review a few of mine.

"Iron Chariots"

Scripture Passage

Joshua 15:20-17:18

Scripture Focus

“Clear as much of the land as you wish, and take possession of its farthest corners. And you will drive out the Canaanites from the valleys, too, even though they are strong and have iron chariots.” (Joshua 17:18 NLT)

Observation

I love a leader of faith! It was Joshua (along with Caleb) who believed God clear back in Numbers 13 when God said He’d give the Israelites the land of Canaan. It was Joshua who took God at his Word when God promised, “Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you” (Joshua 1:3 NLT). It was Joshua to took to heart God’s challenge—“Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them” (Joshua 1:6 NLT).

And so here in chapter 17 of the book that bears his name, when the representatives of the tribe of Manasseh complain the Canaanites in the lowlands could not be defeated because they had “iron chariots”, Joshua’s response is matter of fact.

“Clear as much of the land as you wish, and take possession of its farthest corners. And you will drive out the Canaanites from the valleys, too, even though they are strong and have iron chariots.” (Joshua 17:18 NLT)

Or, in other words, “So the Canaanites have technological superiority—big deal! It can’t match God’s promise!”

Bottom line, I want to be as matter-of-fact confident in what God has said as Joshua was. And why not? He’s never reneged yet!

"Over the Hill...And Still Powered by Faith!"

Scripture Passage

Joshua 12:7-15:19

Scripture Focus

“So give me the hill country that the LORD promised me.” (Joshua 14:12 NLT)

Observation

There are a couple of things I really like about today’s reading. I like the notion that, though he is well-advanced in years and (by implication) won’t live to see it all accomplished, Joshua is still instructed to complete the territorial assignments as God directs. “It doesn’t matter, Joshua, that you won’t live to see it fulfilled—map it out!” Oh, for a vision too big to be accomplished in one lifetime!

But my favorite verse in this section of Scripture shows up in chapter Joshua 14:12. Caleb, the second of the two original faith-filled spies from Numbers chapter 13 (of the original generation that left Egypt, only he and Joshua entered the promised land) has not yet been assigned the territory he had been promised. So he comes before Joshua to request it—or, more accurately, to robustly insist he receive it! Here’s what he says to Joshua…

“Now, as you can see, the LORD has kept me alive and well as he promised for all these forty-five years since Moses made this promise—even while Israel wandered in the wilderness. Today I am eighty-five years old. I am as strong now as I was when Moses sent me on that journey, and I can still travel and fight as well as I could then. So give me the hill country that the LORD promised me. You will remember that as scouts we found the descendants of Anak living there in great, walled towns. But if the LORD is with me, I will drive them out of the land, just as the LORD said.” (Joshua 14:10-12 NLT)

I love vibrant faith at every stage of life! How wonderful—how powerful—that at eighty-five years old—and forty-five years after first receiving God’s promise of a mountain to call his own—Caleb’s still expecting, still working towards, still faith-filled regarding all that God said He would do.

Let’s be honest—some days my faith falters with the next conversation! One critical word, one discouraging incident, one frustrating encounter, and I begin to doubt that what I (thought I) unshakably believed only moments ago. Today I want to take my cue from Caleb—Eighty-five and going strong, firm in his faith, and still acting in full confidence of God’s rich promise.

"Hey, Good Buddy...Got Your Ears On?"

Scripture Passage

Joshua 10:1-12:6

Scripture Focus

“Do not be afraid of them,” the LORD said to Joshua, “for I have given you victory over them. Not a single one of them will be able to stand up to you.” (Joshua 10:8 NLT)

Observation

For me, of first significance in today’s reading is not *what* the Lord said to Joshua, but *that* the Lord said to Joshua. It’s not a new thought for me, but one I remember every time I read the first ten chapters of Joshua.

There are basically five events of conquest significance in the opening chapters of Joshua—the taking of Jericho, the loss at Ai, the victory at Ai, the Gibeonite deception, and the victory over the five-king coalition. In three of those incidents, Israel enjoyed unparalleled success—in the other two, Israel was either deceived or defeated. A primary distinction between the three and the two is that, in the three successes, God gave clear direction and Israel was listening, while in the case of deception and defeat, Israel failed to inquire of the Lord.

If you’ve got time, look it up for yourself: Consider Joshua 6:2; 7:2-5 (note what’s *missing*--God’s instruction!); 8:1; 9:14; and 10:8.

The point is obvious—when we listen for God’s voice, and then live in keeping with His direction, success is assured. But when we don’t bother…when we act without an “ear to hear what the Spirit is saying”…success is impossible. The point is obvious—but the challenge is lifelong!

Lord, help me—today…and beyond—to have an ear to hear your voice!

"Give Glory To God!"

Scripture Passage

Joshua 7:1-9:27

Scripture Focus

“My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, by telling the truth.” (Joshua 7:19 NLT)

Observation

Today my attention is captured by a somewhat enigmatic phrase from Joshua 7—a phrase, I’ll confess, that I have enjoyed for years.

An Israelite named Achan is in the hot seat. He has taken for himself things “sacred to the Lord” (Joshua 6:19)—he’s stolen from God—and he’s being called to fess up regarding this violation of his covenant relationship with God.

But Joshua’s charge is not just “fess up”…”spill the beans”…or ”come clean.” It’s more than that. I especially enjoy this verse from the NIV—"My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, and give him the praise” (Joshua 7:19 NIV).

This solemn charge to tell the truth is couched in language usually reserved for exhorting congregations towards corporate praise—“give glory to the Lord…give him the praise!” It’s language we reserve for church services and prayer meetings. But here it is a challenge to honest communication…to transparent living…in the rough and tumble of the day-to-day existence.

That a challenge to “tell the truth” is couched in terms of “giving glory to the Lord” reminds me that a life that brings glory to God is not limited to spouting religious-sounding words in a corporate worship setting. Rather, a life that brings glory to God is one lived in integrity in every setting and every context. It is a life of honesty and transparency…of being upfront and genuine…a life free from pretense, manipulation, or deceitful maneuverings.

Of course, the Scriptures are full of exhortations to this kind of honesty and transparency in relationship. “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer,” writes the psalmist (Psalm 19:14 KJV). “Each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body,” writes the Apostle Paul (Ephesians 4:25 NIV).

So let it be so in my life, Lord—that in every circumstance I “…give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, by telling the truth.”

"What do you want your servant to do?"

Scripture Passage

Joshua 3:1-6:27

Scripture Focus

“I am at your command,” Joshua said. “What do you want your servant to do?” (Joshua 5:14 NLT)

Observation

What a great passage, huh? Hope you’ve read the whole thing before reading this! :)

I love the call to consecration—Joshua 3:5—in anticipation of something great from God. I love the call—Joshua 4:6—to build a memorial by which to remember the great thing God had done in parting the Jordan at flood stage (yep, just like he parted the Red Sea).

But I think most of all I love Joshua’s encounter with “the commander of the Lord’s Army.” Joshua is perhaps scouting out Jericho…considering a plan of attack…musing over and meditating upon God’s promise, when he sees a man standing in front of him—sword in hand!

“Friend or foe?” Joshua demands to know.

“Neither one,” he replied. “I am the commander of the LORD’s army.”

At this, Joshua fell with his face to the ground in reverence. “I am at your command,” Joshua said. “What do you want your servant to do?” (Joshua 5:14 NLT)

There are two things Joshua recognizes that I want, also, to always recognize. First, the battle Joshua was about to engage involved more than just the army he could see or count. The census that had just been taken of the fighting men (Numbers 26) was incomplete. The unseen, innumerable army of the Lord was present to fight on Israel’s behalf!

Second, Joshua wasn’t in charge—God was. Certainly from a human perspective, Joshua was Israel’s leader (look at Joshua 4:14). But Joshua wisely recognized a higher authority under whom he would need to function in order to be successful. And so—immediately—Joshua hits the dirt, face to the ground, with this response:

“I am at your command,” Joshua said. “What do you want your servant to do?”

I want that to be my immediate and ongoing response, as well.

"Receptive and Rewarded"

Scripture Passage

Deuteronomy 33-34:12; Joshua 1-2:24

Scripture Focus

“I know the LORD has given you this land…” (Joshua 2:9 NLT)

Observation

Again today, I think, there’s so much that could be written. I love Deuteronomy 33:3, where Moses says of the Lord, “Indeed, he loves his people.” That really is the bottom line—the motivation behind how God acted to redeem Israel from Egypt, and how He’s acted to redeem me, as well.

I love Deuteronomy 34:9—“Now Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him.” That verse not only says something about the power of the act of ordination, but also serves as a good reminder that God always has a succession plan in place…and that, if we have invested well in Kingdom priorities, we can trust God to supply someone to care for—and continue to develop—what we have cared for well.

But mostly, I love what Rahab says to Israel’s spies in Joshua 2:9. The spies have been secretly sent by Joshua to investigate the walled city of Jericho. Jericho was the Fort Knox of it’s day—perceived as impenetrable and unconquerable by all enemies. But Rahab knew the truth:

“I know the LORD has given you this land…” (Joshua 2:9 NLT)

I love how God, by His Spirit, had already gone ahead of these Israeli spies and prepared the hearts of people with—and for—the truth. In this case, the truth was ominous, and the destruction of Jericho would result. But Rahab, whose heart was prepared by God, was also receptive to God rather than continuing in rebellion against God, and found redemption as a result. (Count the “r’s” in *that* sentence!)

Indeed, more than just redemption—she found an honored place in God’s plan, becoming one of the ancestors in the physical line of Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God and humanity’s Savior (cf. Matthew 1:5).

I’m encouraged to know that—wherever I go, engaged in the work of God—He’s already there ahead of me, preparing hearts for the advance of His Kingdom. I am likewise encouraged to believe that—as I remain sensitive to His voice and receptive to His direction, I, too, can find a favored place in His eternal plan.

"Empty Words"

Scripture Passage

Deuteronomy 31:30-32:52

Scripture Focus

“These instructions are not empty words—they are your life!” (Deuteronomy 32:47 NLT)

Observation

Years ago I heard Tony Campolo recite the experience of every teacher (and preacher) when he expressed what it was like, as a college professor, to pour your heart and soul into every word of a lecture, believing it to be not just facts and figures, but vital, utterly essential, life-changing information your students needed to know in order to have a truly successful life—only to have some schmuck on the back row raise his hand to ask, “Do we need to know this for the final?”

My friend, Moses makes it clear—Know this for the final: “These instructions are not just empty words—they are your life!”

I’m tempted to carry on about how I don’t know a pastor worth his or her salt who doesn’t pour every fiber of his or her being into every opportunity God gives for delivering God’s message (and yes, I know some tremendously effective women pastors!)…and so, to carry on about how those words of life ought to be received as such by those who listen—words your very life depends upon! But that’d be preaching to you, and these notes are to reflect what these Scriptures speak to me. So I won’t do that…ya know, that thing I just did.

I’ll simply affirm, instead, what Peter said to Jesus Himself when many disciples had left Jesus because of things He’d said hard to understand and hard to implement. Jesus asked His disciples, “You do not want to leave me too, do you?”

Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." (John 6:68 NIV)

“I affirm that, Jesus. You have the words of eternal life.”

"Choose Life!"

Scripture Passage

Deuteronomy 29:2-31:29

Scripture Focus

“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!” (Deut 30:19 NLT)

Observation

I’m quite aware that sometimes (most times?) what catches my attention from the Scriptures day-to-day is a little “to the side”…somewhat “off the beaten path” of the main thrust of the passage itself. But not so today. These words from Moses in Deuteronomy 30:19 are at the core of everything that’s been said in Deuteronomy—and, indeed, at the core of everything God’s been offering Israel since Moses first showed up on the scene in Egypt at the beginning of Exodus.

This is it. This is the offer. This is the opportunity. This is the challenge. This is the call.

“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!” (Deut 30:19 NLT)

This was God’s offer, not Moses’. Moses simply serves as the conduit for the offer God extends. And through Moses, God pleads with people—“Oh, that you would choose life…!”

That offer is extended throughout the Old Testament (see, for example, Isaiah 55:1-2) and then repeated by Jesus himself throughout the gospels.

"If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water" (John 4:10 NIV).

"If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink" (John 7:37 NIV).

Indeed, it is the closing cry of Scripture—

The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life (Revelation 22:17 NIV).

There is some point in the life of every person where that invitation must be R.S.V.P.’d—“yes” or “no”, “in” or “out”. And at the same time, there is some sense in which every one of us gets to respond to that invitation every day…maybe even many times in day. The obvious question becomes, what’s your answer—what’s my answer—today…right now? God’s cry?

“Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!”

"The Elevator Pitch"

Scripture Passage

Deuteronomy 26:1-29:1

Scripture Focus

“My ancestor Jacob was a wandering Aramean who went to live as a foreigner in Egypt. His family arrived few in number, but in Egypt they became a large and mighty nation. 6 When the Egyptians oppressed and humiliated us by making us their slaves, 7 we cried out to the LORD, the God of our ancestors. He heard our cries and saw our hardship, toil, and oppression. 8 So the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a strong hand and powerful arm, with overwhelming terror, and with miraculous signs and wonders. 9 He brought us to this place and gave us this land flowing with milk and honey!” (Deut 26:5-9 NLT)

Observation

I learned a new phrase several weeks back—“Elevator Pitch”. (Yes, I know, it may not be new at all to you, but it was to me!)

An elevator pitch is essentially a 30-second “speech”—short enough to be delivered between floors on an elevator—that explains who you are, what you do (or dream of doing) and why others should be a part of it. It’s a business tool for being “ready to give an answer” when you meet anyone who should have an interest in your product or business.

I’ve been thinking that believers should have the same—an elevator pitch that delivers a 30-second testimony to who you were and who you are now because of what God has done for you in Jesus Christ.

Whaddaya know—God gave Israel an elevator pitch. “My ancestor was a wandering Aramean…his descendents were slaves in Egypt…but here I am—blessed by God—living in a land flowing with milk and honey!”

Makes me wonder, today, what kind of opportunities God might give me—or you—for proclaiming His grace if we prepared ourselves better to do so.

"Workin' With What Ya Got"

Scripture Passage

Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19

Scripture Focus

“Suppose a man has two wives…” (Deut 21:15 NLT)

Observation

Okay, I admit it. For me, today’s passage did not lead to Holy Ghost doodads running up and down my spine, or even warm fuzzies in the cockles of my heart. We’re reading rules and regulations for a society hundreds of years removed from our own and a culture drastically different than our own.

(I do have a favorite verse from this section. I posted it on my home answering machine the first year Debbie and I were married. Deuteronomy 24:5 says, “A newly married man must not be drafted into the army or be given any other official responsibilities. He must be free to spend one year at home, bringing happiness to the wife he has married.” It was a great way to legitimize ignoring people’s calls!)

The “take-away” for me, today, has to do with seeking the best wisdom even in imperfect situations. For example…

“Suppose you go out to war against your enemies…” (Deut 21:10 NLT)

“Suppose a man has two wives…” (Deut 21:15 NLT)

“Suppose a man has a stubborn and rebellious son…” (Deut 21:18 NLT)

None of those situations reflect God’s perfect will. Indeed, each of those situations reflects the impact of a sin-cursed world—situations in which there are no perfect answers. How does a perfect God supply answers in an imperfect world?

My observation is that—even in imperfect situations—God’s wisdom primarily seeks to honor every individual as “created in the image of God, valued by Jesus at the cost of his life, and worthy of love and service” (a little blurb from Jefferson Assembly’s core values, in case you didn’t recognize it)—while balancing that priority against the health of the whole community. When someone has lost loved ones in an act of war, time and space is made for mourning. When relationships are not what they should be in the home, a less-favored son is not to suffer as a result. Even in the case of a son so consistently and blatantly rebellious as to call for criminal execution, no such action is to be taken apart from the collective agreement of the elders of the community. We read of such a course of action and are shocked—but can you imagine how dire a situation must have become before a parent would bring their son to the elders with such charges? The health and vitality of the whole community must have been at significant risk!

If today’s reading troubles you, I encourage you to read it again with the above perspective in view. Sometimes we create such broken scenarios that there are no especially palatable answers. How would God speak life into such brokenness? I believe with a heart for the individual and an eye on the health of the whole.

"Hey Pastor, Need a Piano?"

Scripture Passage

Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9

Scripture Focus

“Never sacrifice sick or defective cattle, sheep, or goats to the LORD your God, for he detests such gifts.” (Deuteronomy 17:1 NLT)

Observation

There is so much that captures my attention from today’s passage. For example, consider 17:2-7 and 18:9-14. Warnings against astral worship, fortune-tellers, psychics and mediums are not just for Israel—“These things…were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come” (1 Corinthians 10:11 NIV). Friend, with horoscopes in every newspaper and New Age spiritualism pervading contemporary culture, we face the same syncretistic challenges today that God warned Israel against centuries ago!

The strong response (penalty of death) to the violation of the regulations seems harsh—until (again, I suggest) you consider Israel’s history with Jehovah, the covenant they have freely entered with Him, and the purpose of that covenant—that all nations of the world might be blessed through Israel. That would happen not just because an Israelite would give birth to the Messiah, but also by Israel’s revelation to the world of their holy God through obedience to this covenant.

The words in 17:14-20 are downright prophetic—Israel’s King Solomon, in particular, should have paid more consistent attention to these directives.

Still, all of that’s beside the point. What really has my attention today is Deuteronomy 17:1…

“Never sacrifice sick or defective cattle, sheep, or goats to the LORD your God, for he detests such gifts.” (Deuteronomy 17:1 NLT)

How often does God get what’s leftover in our day, of our energy, or from our bank account? It’s even true of “things”. Sometimes it’s when people have used up their “stuff” and it’s got no life left in it or it’s broken beyond repair…when it’s not worth selling ‘cause it wouldn’t bring a penny…sometimes (smile when you read this) *that’s* when people begin to wonder if the church could use it. Used to happen all the time with pianos. “Well, Pastor, the keys are sticking and it won’t stay in tune, but I wondered if you needed it down at church?”

Hey—don’t misunderstand me. I’m not bitter…and I’m not necessarily faulting the offer. There have been plenty of times when people’s “used stuff” has served as a rich blessing. I’m just raising the question of why…at times at least…God gets nothing but leftovers.

I want to put into practice in my own life what I know to be true—that my awesome, holy God always deserves the best. I want to be a follower who always freely offers the best.

"A Young Goat and Its Mother's Milk"

Scripture Passage

Deuteronomy 13:1-16:17

Scripture Focus

“You must not cook a young goat in its mother’s milk.” (Deuteronomy 14:21 NLT)

Observation

No, I’ve not chosen this verse because I know something about it…but specifically because I don’t. Indeed, to my knowledge, it’s one of only a handful of Scriptures for which Biblical scholars merely guess at its “original intent.” I don’t know of anyone really convinced that they have the definitive understanding of this Biblical prohibition against “cooking a young goat in its mother’s milk.” The usual suggestion is that the verse bans a ritual practice of one of the Canaanite religions, and is therefore in place as a prohibition against idol worship, and not directly because there’d be something wrong with the act in itself.

The point of highlighting this strange verse is to suggest that the rest of the passage—certainly when taken as a whole—makes good sense. “Stay true to God. Honor His instructions. Be generous—towards God and others. Remember to celebrate the mighty acts of God on your behalf.” When so much about a passage makes sense, it’s probably not worth getting too crossed up about one or two verses that don’t.

In this regard, I appreciate the words attributed to American humorist Mark Twain: “It ain't those parts of the Bible that I can't understand that bother me, it is the parts that I do understand.”

There’s plenty I don’t understand—not just about Scripture, but about life. But I do understand enough to act on. Lord help me to do just that!

"A Land the Lord Your God Cares For"

Scripture Passage

Deuteronomy 10:1-12:32

Scripture Focus

“For the land you are about to enter and take over is not like the land of Egypt from which you came, where you planted your seed and made irrigation ditches with your foot as in a vegetable garden. Rather, the land you will soon take over is a land of hills and valleys with plenty of rain—a land that the LORD your God cares for. He watches over it through each season of the year!” (Deuteronomy 11:10-12 NLT)

Observation

Have you ever thought about the difference between Egypt (the land from which Israel was delivered) and Canaan (the land God was giving the Israelites) as it’s described in today’s “verse of choice”?

In Egypt, where Israel lived an oppressed existence as a slave population, the whole land was dependent upon the annual flooding of the Nile for irrigation—and even then, such a narrow strip of land was actually flooded that the Egyptians devised complex systems for irrigating additional lands…systems that required the backbreaking labor of the Hebrew slave population.

Now, God was taking Israel from Egypt to Canaan…a land “with plenty of rain—a land that the Lord your God cares for” (Deuteronomy 11:11-12 NLT). No more artificial irrigation…no more backbreaking labor. God would supply what was required by sending the rains—former and latter—to water the crops of the Israelites with the dew of heaven!

What was required to enjoy this automated irrigation?

“If you carefully obey all the commands I am giving you today, and if you love the LORD your God and serve him with all your heart and soul, then he will send the rains in their proper seasons—the early and late rains—so you can bring in your harvests of grain, new wine, and olive oil. He will give you lush pastureland for your livestock, and you yourselves will have all you want to eat” (Deuteronomy 11:13-15 NLT).

Kind of simple, isn’t it? Love God. Obey God. He’ll supply the rains that bring abundant nourishment.

The same is true for us. So often we chase what we can’t control, working feverishly with man-made methodologies to irrigate our parched souls when, if we’d embrace the posture of wholehearted love and obedience called for here, we’d discover that God is ready to send “the former and the latter rains” that supply all we need. The challenge—and promise—of Acts 3:19 comes to mind. Perhaps it is a word for you today…

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord…” (Acts 3:19 NIV).

"Hear, O Israel!'

Scripture Passage

Deuteronomy 6:1-9:29

Scripture Focus

“4 Listen, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. 5 And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. 6 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. (Deuteronomy 6:4-6 NLT)

Observation

It is known as the “Shema”—so designated because of the first word of the verse in the Hebrew language—“Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is One!” Something of the monotheistic significance of the passage is lost, I think, in the New Living Translation (from which I’m reading this year). Still, the practical impact of the declaration is not.

Recognizing who God is calls forth two responses: Wholehearted love and wholehearted commitment. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength…commit yourself wholeheartedly to these commands…”

Of course, it seems to me that the two go hand in hand. Love flows automatically to commitment. What I love, I’m committed to. I can say all I want that I love calculus or Nascar or needlepoint, but if I never do calculus, watch Nascar, or create needlepoint, I don’t love those things.

And commitment without love…well, it exists, but it sure is a drag. Nothing sucks the life out of life than begrudgingly following through on a loveless commitment.

But properly understood, that’s not an issue here. Taking what we read yesterday—“Remember!”—rehearsing in our hearts what God has brought us out of in the past and what he’s promised for our future births the love that makes commitment a joy rather than a burden.

So who’s brought you out? Who holds your future? Who do you love like no other? What commitments are you joyfully embracing?

"Remember This!"

Scripture Passage

Deuteronomy 3:21-5:33

Scripture Focus

“But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren.” (Deuteronomy 4:9 NLT)

Observation

Israel had a lot to remember. As Moses prepares the Israelites to take possession of the land God had promised them, he challenges and pleads with them to “never forget” what they had seen—and more than that, to be sure to pass those memories on to the next generations.

As I write, I’m wrapping up a week’s worth of intensive study of the history of the Pentecostal renewal that began just over a century ago in Topeka, Kansas. Much of what I’ve examined this week I’d studied before, but—guess what—I forget!

But to hear, see, and recall again the kind of passion for God that characterized so many believers a century ago…to be reminded of their hunger for and openness to the moment-by-moment activity of the Holy Spirit…to rehearse again the stories of the miraculous in the midst of the ordinary…all of that stirs me again to embrace who God is, to grow more sensitive to what He’s doing, and to expect the supernatural today, even right in the thick of the ordinary.

And to pass that hunger for Him on to generations that follow.

So what do you need to remember today? And what recollection of God’s great grace on your behalf do you need to retell, so that the next generation can know the greatness of our God?

"What? Me Normal?"

Scripture Passage

Deuteronomy 1:1-3:20

Scripture Focus

“Normally it takes only eleven days…” (Deuteronomy 1:2 NLT)

Observation

Ever had anything take longer than “normal” to accomplish?

I was standing in an auto parts store many years ago when a disheveled fellow in oil-stained work clothes came in, again, because the part he’d picked up the first and second times didn’t work. I still remember his frustrated remark: “Everything I ever did in my life I had to do three times!”

Israel knew that frustration—indeed, it was a bit more than frustration in this case. It was forty years of wilderness wandering waiting for every member of a faithless generation to die! But finally, they were on the borders of the Promised Land once more, and now—forty years after the fact—were poised to inherit what God had promised.

In like manner, everything in your life may not have come together the way you expected. Things may have taken a little longer than planned. Or maybe you’re not sure they’re coming together any more at all! Maybe you’re wondering if “the whole thing”—whatever it is you’ve dreamed God might do in and through your life—is a hoax, a farce.

Today I suggest that God isn’t finished yet. Yes, it might be taking longer than normal. Others might have seemed to accomplish more in less time. Some might look at your life and wonder if things you’ve said about God’s plans for you are simply so much baloney. Plenty of onlookers might have said those things about Israel, too. But bottom line, it really doesn’t matter what “normal” is by everyone else’s standards. It only matters if you’re marching in step with the Master Orchestrator. He knows how to bring you in to what He’s promised… whether it’s in ten days or forty years.

"What's in the Package?"

Scripture Passage

Numbers 34:1-36:13

Scripture Focus

[1] Then the LORD said to Moses, [2] “Give these instructions to the Israelites: When you come into the land of Canaan, which I am giving you as your special possession, these will be the boundaries.
[12]… These are the boundaries of your land.” (Numbers 34:1-2,12 NLT)

Observation

Israel must’ve felt like a kid at Christmastime! You remember what that’s like, don’t you? Snooping through the packages under the tree, finding any that had your name on ‘em, examining carefully the size and shape of the parcel—maybe even shaking the box to see what kind of noise it made—all part of the investigation of what was *yours*…though you hadn’t unwrapped it yet.

(I know what some of you are thinking. “Why, when I was a kid, we didn’t have packages under the tree. I got an orange—and maybe a pair of socks—but only in a good year!” Okay—I hear you. But for now, just play along compliantly with the rest of us, will you?)

Israel, on the borders of Canaan, had God describe for them the gift they were about to receive. They still had to take it, unwrap it, and “put it together”—but it was theirs for the receiving. A land all their own—a land promised by God…”flowing with milk and honey”! That must have been about as sweet and appealing a description as Israel could have imagined.

And so it is for me. I’ve been promised, by God, a “land” like no other. I’ve been blessed “…in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ” (Eph 1:3 NIV). I am “…receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken” (Heb 12:28 NIV). Now, my opportunity is to “press on take hold of that for which Christ Jesus has taken hold of me” (Phil 3:12 NIV).

It’s His gift…but mine to unwrap and possess.

"Repeat Offender?"

Scripture Passage

Numbers 32:1-33:56

Scripture Focus

“Your ancestors did the same thing…” (Numbers 32:8 NLT)

Observation

It’s history within history. The tribes of Rueben and Gad have come to Moses and Eleazar to request the privilege of settling in the fertile grazing lands of the Transjordan (“across the Jordan”). The story, of course, is recorded so that generations down the road, all Israel will know that Rueben and Gad legitimately possess the territory they inhabit—something like a proper title deed to the land.

But in response to their request, Moses appeals to history. “You’re just like your fathers,” he says (in essence). “They refused to take Canaan by faith, letting down the whole nation, and now you’re bailing on your brethren, too!”

The leaders of the tribes explain and assure that such is not the case—that they are fully willing to send their fighting men with the rest of the Israelites into Canaan to help possess the land. Their request really does boil down to pragmatism—the land they inhabit simply suits their livelihood better than the land across the Jordan. But the conversation raises a couple of interesting points.

First (as someone has said), the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. In that sense, Moses raised a valid concern. Friend, if someone’s always been a hothead in the past, it’s most likely they’ll be a hothead in the future! Ladies, if he’s hit you once…—well, my counsel is, all the apologies in the world wouldn’t convince me that anything would be different the next time.

However, the beauty of this passage *is* that you can be different from your history! You can become, in Christ, the exception to the rule. The tribes of Reuben and Gad had no slack history of their own—only that of their ancestors. But they were not irretrievably compelled to follow in the faithless footsteps of their fathers. They could—and did—choose instead to believe God, obey God, and enjoy what God provided!

“But I Had My Fingers Crossed!”

Scripture Passage

Numbers 30:1-31:54

Scripture Focus

Then Moses summoned the leaders of the tribes of Israel and told them, “This is what the LORD has commanded: A man who makes a vow to the LORD or makes a pledge under oath must never break it. He must do exactly what he said he would do." (Numbers 30:1-2 NLT)

Observation

Only because I’m curious, it’d be interesting to know exactly what circumstances led to Moses needing to “summon the leaders of the tribes of Israel” to declare that people should do what they say they’re going to do. Who backed out, of what, and why? I’ve been left holdin’ the bag a time or two when someone bailed—and, I’m sure, left others holdin’ the bag at different points. If you were one of the victims of my failure to follow through on what I said I’d do, I honestly and sincerely apologize.

The point of the passage becomes, obviously, the sacredness of the vow. Promises should not be made lightly, or broken once made. Moses’ directives do allow for some exceptions and releases from vows that might potentially place unreasonable encumbrances on associated parties (say, the rash vow of a wife that might encumber both she and her husband with obligations the family could not carry). Still, the principle remains.

And the principle—which by New Testament times—had become muddled in all sorts of legal debates and maneuverings, was restated simply and powerfully by Jesus Himself.

“Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one” (Matthew 5:37 NIV).

I guess that sums it up, huh?

"The Liberal God"

Scripture Passage

Numbers 27:1-29:40

Scripture Focus

And the LORD replied to Moses, “The claim of the daughters of Zelophehad is legitimate.” (Numbers 27:6-7 NLT)

Observation

Today’s passage opens with a startling predicament. Five sisters—not a brother in the batch—approach Moses with a problem. Their father had passed away along with all that generation which failed to trust God back in chapters 13-14, and the existing law made no provision for a man without a son to receive an inheritance in the land of Canaan. Could these sisters receive a claim on behalf of their father (as his son would have) within the borders of the Promised Land?

Moses takes the question to the Lord, and God answers affirmatively. Indeed, in a “ruling” that offered even more than the sisters asked, they not only received property for themselves, but that property was deemed transferable to other family members upon their deaths! Even though there was no *son* to receive the inheritance, the sisters were made qualified to receive the property to be passed down in perpetuity.

In a patriarchal world—a world where every ruling would favor a man over a woman…a world where women were treated as much like property as people…God surprises everybody and basically declares, “Among my people, and in the nation I’m creating, things will be different!” God’s ruling elevates these five sisters to a place women simply didn’t hold in that era.

God’s always pulling something like that, it seems—taking “…the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.” (1 Corinthians 1:28-29 NIV). I wonder what surprises He might have in store today?

"Ungrateful Betrayal"

Scripture Passage

Numbers 25-26:65

(One Representation of Baal)

Scripture Focus

While the Israelites were camped at Acacia Grove, some of the men defiled themselves by having sexual relations with local Moabite women. These women invited them to attend sacrifices to their gods, so the Israelites feasted with them and worshiped the gods of Moab. In this way, Israel joined in the worship of Baal of Peor, causing the LORD’s anger to blaze against his people. (Numbers 25:1-3 NLT)

Observation

Yeah, I know—if today’s passage were a movie, no one under 17 would be admitted without a parent or guardian. (One more evidence that those who consider the Bible prudish probably haven’t read it!)

The thing to know about today’s passage is that it wasn’t “just” the sexual relations going on that were problematic—though the Scriptures clearly confine sexual activity to the marriage relationship, and that wasn’t the case here. The problem was that what’s happening here was the worship of a foreign, false god!

Canaanite pagan worship often involved what’s called “sympathetic” magic—acting out in ways you wish to prompt the worshipped god to act. (Voodoo dolls are an example of this.) So in a culture where both seed and livestock had to reproduce in order for society to survive, temple prostitution and ritual sexual acts were part of the worship of (in this case) the false god Baal. “In this way, Israel joined in the worship of Baal of Peor…” (Numbers 25:3 NLT)

The same thing happens in verse 6—though the language is stronger than what’s represented in some translations. This act involves not just “a” Midianite woman but specifically “the” Midianite woman—likely the high priestess of this false faith. And it may not be “his” tent the woman was brought into, but “the” tent—the Tent of Meeting, the Tabernacle—at which this heinous act took place…in the sight of Moses and all the people as God’s judgment was still being carried out from the previous offense! The more you know, the more reasonable Phinehas’ actions seem to be.

So the grumbling against God that has characterized so much of the Israelites’ existence since leaving Egypt has now shifted to the worship of false gods. It makes me wonder how much the latter is a product of the former—how much Israel’s failure to maintain an “attitude of gratitude” (when they had every reason to be eternally grateful) helped spur them towards the disloyalty they show here to the one true God who had so lovingly “carried them on eagles wings and brought them to himself” (Exodus 19:4).

And, yep, I wonder about myself…about the ways I fail to live in gratitude to God for His manifold blessings and—as a result—fall to easily into shifting loyalties towards false and foreign gods.

“The Problematic Pagan Prophet”

Scripture Passage for Today

Numbers 22:1-24:25

Scripture Focus

I see him, but not here and now.
     I perceive him, but far in the distant future.
A star will rise from Jacob;
     a scepter will emerge from Israel.
It will crush the foreheads of Moab’s people,
     cracking the skulls of the people of Sheth.
                                          (Numbers 24:17 NLT)

Observation

Let’s face it—Balaam’s a bit problematic. Even if today’s passage were the only scriptural reference to Balaam, questions about Balaam abound. How is it that God uses a pagan prophet? Is that really what’s going on here? Why does God first tell Balaam not to respond to Balak’s request and then, later, seem to allow it, and then, later still, rebuke Balaam along the way by means of a talking donkey?

(As a father, I have an opinion on that. I’ve told my children “no” before, and then conceded, and then reinforced with them the reasons for my initial denial. I think that’s what’s going on here. God to Balaam, “Alright, go if you insist—you’re free to choose—but understand you’re to speak *nothing* but what I tell you!”)

Beyond this passage, there must be more to the story of Balaam than Scripture reveals in detail, because he is described in the New Testament as one who “loved the wages of wickedness” (2 Peter 2:15 NIV) and one who “taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin” (Revelation 2:14 NIV).

Still, here, it appears that God does indeed speak through Balaam—and powerfully! Not only does he bless Israel in spite of being offered rich payment to curse them, but he offers a Messianic prophecy! Wow! Even as Israel wanders through the wilderness having missed God’s “promised land” opportunity through rebellion, God is still speaking a promise—and speaking that promise through a pagan prophet.

He’s awesome, you know. Massive. Remarkable. And what He promised through a problematic pagan prophet centuries ago, He’s brought to pass in Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ of God.

“The Holy Hothead”

Scripture Passage for Today

Numbers 19:1-21:35

Scripture Focus

But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them.” (Numbers 16:24 NLT)

Observation

In his book Leading from the Inside Out: The Art of Self-Leadership, author Samuel Rima has significantly impacted my thinking about the necessity of leader’s wise management of his own emotions. Rima suggests that if Moses had managed his emotions more effectively—specifically how he processed them and how he expressed them publically—the Promised Land might well have been his to enjoy along with Joshua and Caleb. His observation, of course, grows from Numbers 20, and Moses’ decision to strike the rock to produce the water God promised, rather than simply speaking to the rock as God had directed. It does seem clear from the text that Moses was more filled with anger than faith when he acted!

This challenge of emotional management is tricky for me on at least two counts: First (on a personal note), I believe I grew up in an environment where emotions (especially negative emotions) were more often ignored than processed. When an offense was committed or conflict occurred it often went unaddressed (albeit usually in a genuine “forgive and forget” effort). Three decades after leaving home, I still struggle with how to effectively address legitimate offenses or resolve genuine conflict. Hey—after thirty years, let there be no doubt: That’s my issue, and I lay no continuing blame on the environment in which I was raised. I’m simply saying, for me, addressing conflict wisely is an arena where growth is still essential.

Second, our culture (rightly) values honesty and transparency. But the reality is, utter and unqualified transparency is not always prudent. (I’m convinced that’s so not just for leaders but for everyone.) I’ve come to believe that’s the issue here for Moses.

Emotions are what they are. They exist, and there’s little can be done to prevent them. Indeed, they are part of how God made us and who we are. What must be done is not to ignore them or internalize them, but to process them—to think clearly about them and assess wisely how to act with due consideration for them. Apart from the wise management of emotions, one moment of hot-headedness…whether it seems to us that it ought to or not…can destroy a lifetime of ministry. It did for Moses, and it can for me.

"Korah: Not A Happy Camper"

Scripture Passage for Today

Numbers 16:1-18:32

Scripture Focus

“Then tell all the people to get away from the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.” (Numbers 16:24 NLT)

Observation

Again today the reading is simply fascinating. The rebellion continues—this time more direct and focused. Instead of a general unhappiness with God, Moses, and everything else, there seems to be a specific power-grab going on. Korah wants the priesthood!

And his leadership skills are showing. He’s done a great job of rounding up fellow dissidents, including 250 tribal representatives.

You read the story. Under God’s direction, Moses calls for a showdown. And God’s ready to wipe out the entire nation and start over one more time when Moses and Aaron intercede (again). “O God…must you be angry with all the people when only one man sins?” (Numbers 16:22 NLT). God relents, and in His mercy sends Moses forth with a specific message for all the people…

“Quick!” he told the people. “Get away from the tents of these wicked men, and don’t touch anything that belongs to them. If you do, you will be destroyed for their sins.” (Numbers 16:26 NLT)

That remains good counsel yet today. Some people’s best gift (or most practiced, anyway) is fomenting dissension. And at some point, the best response is to get away. “Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him” (Titus 3:10 NIV). So here’s a little advice for today—

“…get away from the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram” (Numbers 16:24 NLT).