Trust

Headwaters of the Jordan River, Israel

God led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and through the Red Sea. They saw the Red Sea swallow the Egyptian army. God led them and protected them forty years in the wilderness. Then Moses sent twelve spies into the Promised Land. Ten returned to him saying that there were giants in the land and that the cities were fortified. Only Joshua and Caleb returned with a good report. “The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. If the Lord is pleased with us, He will lead us into the land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the Lord, and do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them” (Numbers 14:7-9).The headwaters of the Jordan River are in northern Israel. It is a fertile place, a land flowing with milk and honey. The Judean desert, where John the Baptist lived and preached, is south.

Victory or Defeat

Many of the Israelites did not trust God, even though He had provided for them and protected them the forty years in the wilderness. They believed the ten bad reports and wanted to turn around and return to Egypt. They did not get to witness the mighty hand of God in the Promised Land. Yet those who trusted God approached Jericho. They did not complain but did what God told them to do. Joshua said, “Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). As foolish as it seemed to the Israelites, they marched around Jericho every day for six days. On the seventh day, they marched around the city seven times and at the sound of the rams’ horns, they shouted, and the walls of Jericho fell down. Israel defeated Jericho and all the nations in the Promised Land because they trusted God.

Prayer

O Lord, raise up faithful people today to turn this world right side up again, to shine your light into the darkness, and to give hope to your people. Empower each of us to do our part to be strong and encourage others as Joshua did. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

While You Were Sleeping

Photo by Sam K on Pexels.com

A star hung over Bethlehem. The angel announced the birth of a King. A heavenly host sang praises in the night sky. Most of the people slept through the night that changed history. Jesus left glory in heaven to make His dwelling with people, but the people He came to save slept. They didn’t make room for Him. A whole city with no room for Jesus. So He was born in a stable out back.

A night sky with a supernaturally bright star and filled with angels. Who noticed? Those who were not sleeping. The shepherds tending their flocks by night. They saw the star and the angel and the heavenly host. They returned to Bethlehem as the angel directed, and they found Jesus wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. They fell down on their knees and worshiped the newborn Savior (Luke 2:8-13).

While America Sleeps

God has been with us since the beginning of time. Jesus came to Bethlehem and lived among men for thirty-three years. He healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, made the lame walk and the blind see. He drove out demons and taught people how to live. These things are recorded in the Bible so we can believe and live forever with Him (John 3:16). Yet, many in America are like those in Bethlehem. They have not given Jesus room in their lives. They have made up their own rules how they should live – save the trees and kill the children. Will another supernaturally silent night come? When Jesus ascended into heaven, He promised He would return for those who love Him. Will we be sleeping?

Prayer

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for Jesus. Thank you for creating us and saving our souls from sin and destruction. Help us to be watchful while we wait for that day when you return. And while we wait, make us beacons of your light and love in this world so more people will experience your amazing love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.