(Two years ago I blogged my way through Israel's history (Genesis-Nehemiah), covering a chapter of the Bible every day. My church is currently studying Joshua and this Sunday we'll cover chapters 3-5, a section I covered two years ago. I wanted to post it for you because these words have come back to me recently. I'm in a period of refocusing as I seek God's will for my life and ministry. I pray these words speak to you, as well.)
"At that time the LORD said to Joshua, "Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelites again." So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the Israelites at Gibeath Haaraloth." (5:2-3)
"On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month, while camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, the Israelites celebrated the Passover. The day after the Passover, that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land: unleavened bread and roasted grain. The manna stopped the day after they ate this food from the land; there was no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate of the produce of Canaan." (v. 10-12)
-----
Every now and then it's usually a good idea to take a deep breath and refocus. For we all need to refocus every now and then.
What we refocus depends on what has become blurry, what has become undesirable, what has become unhealthy. Maybe it’s a focus on the family, spending more time with a spouse or child and less time at work. Or maybe it’s a focus on a hobby that you've let deteriorate for one reason or another. For certain, a refocusing on spiritual things is usually a good step to take. For the Israelites, that refocus came soon after they crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land.
First of all, the Lord commanded Joshua to see that all the males were circumcised. The first generation had been circumcised soon after leaving Egypt. But their children had not been forced to bear the sign of the Abrahamic Covenant and now the Lord wanted to rectify this human oversight. The sign of circumcision identified the Hebrews as a people group, and was a physical sign that every male wore of God's pledge to Abraham to make his descendants a great nation and bless the world through them.
Second, the people celebrated Passover, yet another reminder of God's working in the past. It's very fitting that the date of Passover came when they entered the land. It was a ceremonial end to the Exodus, which, of course, started with the original Passover. Another ending took place that day. The question, "Manna, again?" was never uttered again. God had delivered His people to a land of food and water. They can live off of its nourishment now. So the manna stopped.
Third, the Lord appeared before Joshua in a mighty display at the end of chapter 5, showing up in human form as a warrior, sword drawn. Joshua was thrown off track at first (as would I!) but the figure identified Himself as the commander of the army of the Lord. Dude! God's commander-in-chief, sword in hand, ready to fight. With this guy leading the way, who can stand against us? The angel helps Joshua refocus on the task at hand and the reality of who would be doing the fighting. This land conquest was God's to win.
Sometimes we just need to refocus on what matters most, our family, our friends, and our faith. Here in chapter 5, God took time to refocus not only His nation but also His chosen leader. Afterwards, they were better able to face the challenges ahead. Sometimes we need to take a step back and pray that the Lord would open our eyes to areas in our lives we need to strengthen. Knowing who we are, both as individuals and who we are in Christ, is invaluable in helping us face the challenges that lie ahead.
So if you think you have strayed away from an important area of your life, or just feel that there is something missing, take a step back, pray and seek the focus that only God can provide. It will help you face whatever challenges lie ahead.
Like the walls of Jericho.
Be God's.
0 comments:
Post a Comment