Highlights In Today's Reading:
Twelve stones were a testimony that the hand of the Lord . . . is mighty (4:20-24). Israel has started a new chapter in their lives by celebrating Passover and then eating something besides manna (5:9-15).
Joshua led the nation of Israel over the Jordan River into the promised land. He faced the task of leading this unstable nation into battle against giant enemies within well-fortified, high-walled cities protected by armies with chariots. As he considered all this, behold, there stood a Man over against him with His sword drawn in His hand: and Joshua went unto Him, and said unto Him, 'Art Thou for us, or for our adversaries?' And He said, 'Nay; but as Captain of the Host of the Lord am I now come' (5:13-14).
The Captain of the Host is the Hero of this book and every book in the Bible and of any life through whom God accomplishes His purposes. For this is Christ revealed to us in the Old Testament. Joshua fell on his face . . . and did worship (5:14).
The question Joshua had to face was not one of receiving help, but of accepting leadership of the Captain of the Host.
When believers submit to the Lord's leadership, all other fears vanish. It is His place to lead; it is our place to follow by faith. The Bible contains everything needful to make us wise unto salvation (II Timothy 3:15). The Holy Spirit confirms this through the Apostle Paul who was led to write Though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other Gospel unto you than what we have preached unto you, let him be accursed (Galatians 1:8).
It is of utmost importance that we read all the Bible; to do less is to question the wisdom of God who dictated all of it and said: All Scripture is . . . profitable (needed to fulfill His will) . . . for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect (well prepared) . . . for every good work (II Timothy 3:15-16).
The Law contains direction to be followed that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein (Joshua 1:8). This do, and thou shalt live (Luke 10:28) is common both to the Old and New Testaments. The difference is that Old Testament Law could tell us what was right but could not help us to do it. But we have the indwelling Holy Spirit to guide us and empower us to be able to overcome every temptation (I Corinthians 10:13). Obedience is proof of our love for Christ who said: If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and we will come unto him (John 14:23). But, we can't keep something we don't know (have not read). Hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His Commandments (I John 2:3).
We have the assurance of the compassionate love of God: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:9).
Thought for Today:
In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths (Proverbs 3:6).
Christ Portrayed:
As the Captain of the host of the Lord (Joshua 5:14). Christ is the Captain of our salvation (Heb. 2:10).
Word Studies:
6:17,18 accursed =b> devoted for destruction, as set apart to the LORD (compare Leviticus 27:28); 6:26 adjured them =b> made them take an oath.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The Arabic, English, and Spanish International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts sponsored by William H. Lupton • Staff: Al Joslyn Jr. • Government Official: Rep. William Jefferson (LA) • Country: Ghana (19 million) in western Africa • Major languages: English and African languages • The government permits freedom to churches and missionaries that do not get involved in politics • 31% belief in spirits and witches; 22% Protestant; 17% Muslim; 11% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Pray and fast in secret so that only the Lord knows (Matthew 6:16-18).
Optional Reading: John 5
Memory Verse for the Week: I Peter 1:15
