Bible Pathways - Mar. 13, 2009
March 13
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Moses is dead! Who will God choose to lead this great multitude? Want to know how to have a prosperous and successful life? The key is clearly stated in Chapter One. God can use all who decide to put Him first in their lives. Rahab the harlot decides to be loyal to the One True God, protects the spies, and eventually has the honor of being in the Messianic line! See the miracle as the feet of the priests touch the water. At last, after 40 years, the two million people who were the children of the adults who were delivered from Egypt enter their promised land!
While the Hebrew word "sakal" is translated elsewhere in the King James Bible as wise, wisdom, or prosper, God allowed it to be translated as success only once in the King James Version. Nothing — no other object, purpose, or plan — can compare with the Scriptures or share equal recognition with the Word of God in expressing success as He did to Joshua, saying: Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the Law, which Moses My servant commanded thee: turn not from it . . . that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This Book of the Law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success (in conquering Canaan) (1:7-8).
The key to Joshua's greatness was his obedience to all the Word of God in this unfolding of success. It is no surprise that we read: As the Lord commanded Moses His servant, so did Moses command Joshua, and so did Joshua; he left nothing undone of all that the Lord commanded Moses (11:15). Forty years earlier Joshua and Caleb were the only two of the twelve spies who believed that God would give them success.
Joshua's battles were physical while ours are primarily spiritual. Yet, the same principle of success holds true. We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against . . . spiritual wickedness in high places (Eph. 6:12). Our battle is not with men, though Satan may use people at times to discourage our efforts to please the Lord.
Just as Joshua was strengthened to be successful by meditating upon the Word of God day and night, so our faith is strengthened and our victory assured as we read and live according to the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (6:17).
Jesus declared: If ye continue in My Word, then are ye My disciples indeed (John 8:31).
Thought for Today:
Success by the world's standard is vastly different from that of God. The world says: "Gain all you can"; but the Word of God says: Godliness . . . is great gain (I Tim. 6:6).
Christ Revealed:
Through the scarlet line in the window that saved Rahab and her household — symbolic of the blood of Christ (Josh. 2:21; Heb. 11:31; James 2:25). The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin (I John 1:7).
Word Studies:
1:1 minister =assistant; 1:4 coast =territory, boundary; 1:15 rest =peace; sunrising =East; 1:17 hearkened unto =obeyed; 2:17 blameless =free; swear =promise under oath; 2:19 on our head =our responsibility; 2:20 quit =free; 3:16 Salt Sea =Dead Sea; against =opposite
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Radio Sri Lanka Shortwave Broadcasts to Bangladesh sponsored by Paul & Linda Stalter • Radio Sri Lanka Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Mrs. Gwen Hensley and Mr. & Mrs. Melvin Morris • Staff: Karen Hawkins • Government Official: Gov. John Hoeven (ND) • Country: Cuba (11.2 million) on the northern rim of the Caribbean • Major language: Spanish • Strict government surveillance of all true Christian activities • 40% Catholic; 10% Protestant; 2-10% Santeria; 1% Other; 40% None • Prayer Suggestion: Realize that your life is in God's hands, and ask Him to deliver you from all evil (Luke 11:4).
Optional Reading: John 4
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:12
