Circumcision and The New Generation - Joshua 5

 

Joshua 5 -Circumcision and the New Generation

 

Because the Jordan River was at flood stage, the Amorites and Canaanites did not expect the Israelites to cross over.  They expected them to cross over after the flood season was over. They probably thought they had quite a bit more time to prepare for battle, and it was a shock for them to discover that God had enabled Israel to cross Jordan. Once they crossed over, Joshua set to task getting the new generation circumcised. They had neglected to observe this rite during those years of wandering through the wilderness. Therefore, the place where Joshua circumcised the children of Israel was called Gilgal, which means “a rolling”.

It was in the spring of the year, at the time of the latter rains, that Israel performed the rite of circumcision and then celebrated the Passover. The reproach of Egypt was rolled away from Israel.  God had promised to give the descendants of Abraham the land, and the promise soon became a reality.

The spiritual message here is that the old nature is no good. The old nature cannot inherit spiritual blessing.  “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh” Gal. 5:17.

When Israel arrived in Canaan, the manna ceased, and they began to eat the old corn of the land. Manna represents Christ in His death. He is the One who came down to this earth “to give his life a ransom for many”. The women baked unleavened bread for Passover, and the nation remembered how God had redeemed them from the land of Egypt.

Joshua met a man with a drawn sword, and he asked him, “are you for us, or for our enemies?  He replied, “no, but as captain of the host of the Lord am I now come!” Joshua fell on his face before him. Joshua learned that day that he was not totally in charge.  God was leading them. All Joshua had to remember was that he was to obey, and he was on “holy ground.” Whenever Joshua took off his shoes, it reminded him that he was second in command. That was his secret of his victory!

 

 Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

 

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and New King James Bible.

 

Two Memorials Joshua 4

 

Joshua 4 Two Memorials

 

Twelve men were appointed to take twelve stones out of the Jordan River, and twelve other stones are set up in the middle of the Jordan as a memorial. The priests carrying the ark pass over the river, and the water of the river returns to its normal flow.  The twelve stones taken out of the Jordan and put on the west bank of the river were a reminder of God’s tremendous power on Israel’s behalf. The twelve stones that were placed in the Jordan River speak of the death of Christ. The twelve stones taken out of the Jordan represent the resurrection of Christ.

 

What God did for the children of Israel He did for their benefit, your benefit and mine. He did it that all the people of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is indeed mighty.

 

Our business as parents is to give our children the Gospel. Christ goes before us through death but also goes with us through life.

 

The stones on the shore reminded the people that the old life was buried and they should walk ‘in newness of life.”  Romans 6:4

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

 

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and New King James Bible.

 

Crossing The Jordan River - Joshua 3

 

Joshua 3 -Crossing the Jordan River

 

The entire nation of Israel crossed the Jordan River in complete commitment to God. When they crossed the Red Sea, Moses went down to the water and struck it with his rod. All that night the waters rolled back. But when they crossed the Jordan River, it was actually a greater miracle, for it was at flood stage and their crossing caused a holding back of the waters that were rushing to the Dead Sea.

The ark is to go down far ahead of the people, three thousand feet, which is almost a mile; and it is to be carried by the priests who are to come to the edge of the Jordan River and stand there. The waters that were this side of it passed on down, and before long there was a dry passage. Priests moved to the center of the Jordan River and stood there holding the ark until all the children of Israel had passed over. The ark had been in the heart of Israel’s camp for forty years during the wilderness march. Every night when they came into camp, the twelve tribes camped about the ark. It was the very center.

For the first time. That which speaks of Christ goes ahead to the Jordan River and enters first. Christ goes before us in death. He entered it for you and me. God knows the way, leads the way, and opens the way. Your faith can encourage others to walk in His way with God.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

 

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and New King James Bible.

 

Rahab - Joshua 2

 

Joshua 2 Rahab

 

Two spies are sent in, not to see if they can take the land, but to find the best way to enter in. Rahab, a citizen of Jericho, opens her home to the spies. She told her King an outright lie to protect these men. And in doing so, she jeopardized her own life.

 

A Christian should be the most law-abiding citizen in the land. But when the laws of a state conflict with God’s revealed will, then the Christian has no choice but to obey the command of God. The believer is to obey the Word of God today rather than the word of man.

 

Word has spread that the Israelites are coming into the land. They believe they are going to take the land. Rahab could tell that all her people were terrified because of Israel’s advance. Not only did the people hear this, but they also knew it was true. Rahab heard; she believed; then she acted upon her belief. This is Salvation. When you hear the Gospel, the good news of what Christ has done for you, you must not only believe it, you must also trust Christ. “By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.”  Heb. 11:31

If the King of Jericho had turned to God, he would have been saved. In fact, the whole city could have been spared if they had believed in God.

 

Once you begin to trust God and obey Him, you never know what He will do for you!

 

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

 

 

 

God Equips Us Joshua 1

 

Joshua 1 – God Equips Us

 

Moses represented the Law, and the Law cannot save us. The law is a revealer and not a redeemer. It shows us that we are sinners. The Law was never a Savior. Moses could not lead Israel into the Promised land because of his failure. The problem was not with the Law but with Moses just as the problem is with us. “We have all fallen short of the glory of God.” Only Jesus our Savior can lead us into the place of blessing He has for us. The land is theirs, but their enjoyment depends on their taking possession of it. God gave the Israelites the promised land, but they never possessed all of it. In fact, they only possessed one-tenth of it.

Many Christians today are like Israel in that they are blessed with all spiritual blessings without claiming those blessings as their own.

There will be conflict and that is why we are told in Ephesians 6 to put on the whole armor of God. We have a spiritual enemy. If you and I ever win a victory, He will win it for us. We will, by faith, receive those wonderful possessions.

God encouraged Joshua in a most wonderful way. He says, “I will never leave you.” “Be strong and of good courage.” Joshua moved out by faith; he took charge in confidence. He did it because God told him to do it. We may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do to me. Just as God had equipped and prepared Joshua, he has equipped and prepared us for this very work. Joshua had faithfully served with Moses and is now ready to lead. The task that you faithfully do today gets you ready for what God is preparing for you.

Joshua’s victories came from the power of God that was released when they obeyed Him by faith. God still does the impossible today.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

 

 

 

Death of Moses Deut. 34

 

Deuteronomy 34    Death of Moses

 Moses’ sepulcher was unknown because he was to be raised from the dead and brought into the Promised land. When the Lord Jesus was transfigured on the mount, both Moses and Elijah appeared with Him and spoke about His approaching death. The Law could not bring Moses into the land, but the Lord Jesus Christ brought him in. God took care of this performing the burial of Moses Himself. One translation has it, “He died by the kiss of God.” It is a lovely thought that God just kissed Moses and put him to sleep.

 When your time comes to die, the important thing is not the grandeur of your funeral but the greatness of your life. In fact, how you live now will determine how you will die then.

 Moses lived in God’s will and died in God’s will. You never have to fear life or death if you walk in obedience to the Lord.

It is good to plan your funeral, but it is also good to live your life in such a way that you will be missed when you are gone.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com.

 

J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference

 

Moses' Final Blessings to the Tribes Deut. 33

 

Deuteronomy 33 _Moses’ Final Blessings to the Tribes

 The last public act of Moses before his death is to gather his people about him by tribes and give blessing to each one. He begins with Reuben and prays that Reuben will never become extinct as a tribe in Israel. Judah is the royal tribe from which the Messiah is to come. The Levi tribe was honored by the priesthood in the family of Aaron. They had the privilege of teaching the Law. The nation will be blessed through Levi. Blessings will also come to Israel through the tribes of Joseph which are Ephraim and Manasseh.

 Years ago, a pipeline of oil came into the northern part of the kingdom through the land of Asher. 

 Moses focused on the relationship of the tribes with the Lord and how each one would have a distinctive character, blessing, and ministry. God’s people are privileged to be in His hand for safekeeping and at His feet for learning and obeying. We are “between His shoulders” next to His heart and He bears us with His “everlasting arms”.

 These scriptures are a good reminder to live a day at a time. The best way to destroy today is to regret yesterday and worry about tomorrow. (quote by Warren Wiersbe)

 Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference.