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- What attributes of God’s character does this passage reveal?
- How does the passage point to Jesus?
- How should the truth of this passage change me?
- How do the events of today’s reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?
Josh. 4-5
I just have a curiosity question this morning. How was word of the miraculous things God was doing for the Israelites getting out? Who saw them cross the Jordan on dry ground and reported it to the surrounding nations? Did they have foreigners coming and going from their camp? Or were there people spying on them from afar during their journey? As always, I have no answers. And in this case, the answers likely don’t matter. So my takeaway from this question is that not only will God’s plan be worked out as planned, but His Truth will always get out to the world.
Josh. 6
Several things impressed me about Rahab’s story this morning. First, we see her faith in the promise of her salvation. The young spies found her ready and waiting when they came. Next, she didn’t keep her salvation to herself. She brought her whole family with her. Of course, they had to believe for themselves, but she gave them the word and pointed the way. What really impressed me, though, was her faithfulness. Even though she had to settle outside the Israelite camp, she chose to stay with them. She remained even after they settled in the land. She stayed with God, her salvation, and He honored her by making her part of the lineage of His promised Messiah.
The New Testament speaks of many who taste God’s goodness, believe His truth, and even come to faith yet they later fall away. They fail to abide in Christ. As a result, they let go of their faith and turn away from the truth. They don’t persevere when the going gets tough. Jesus spoke parables about good seed falling on bad soil. He also said, “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matt. 24:13). It isn’t enough to come to faith. We need to remain faithful. We need to be found ready and waiting, to hold fast when the walls are crumbling down around us, and to persevere until Christ’s return.