Can He, Could He, Would He?

O. T. #476  "Can He, Could He, Would He?"
March 10, 2015
Joshua 15-Part 3
As for the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out: but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day.  Joshua 15:63

LET IT GLOW

Waiting is not my better quality. I admit that I get impatient and want particular prayers answered with a yes today. Do I believe that He could do it now, tomorrow, next year? Do I trust God enough that He could answer anytime? Would He do it tomorrow? I have to wait and see. Even if He chooses not to, He is still all powerful, all wise, sees into the future, knows best.
What did Judah miss out on by not conquering Jerusalem? Who knows what they missed. Only God knows. Perhaps they now know.

You will recall that Judah was the most populated tribe of Israel and given the most land for their inheritance, also. There were two cities of significance located in Judah.
We know that little Bethlehem lay within the region of Judah. It was so small that it was not listed as one of the cities here, but maybe it was a village not named. Christ brought it honor by being born there. Also, Jerusalem was in this land of Judea (Judah). He chose to die on the cross there. Does this land hold a special place in the Savior's heart?

In Luke 13:34, Jesus told Jerusalem that He longed to gather its children together as a hen does her chicks under her wings, yet they were not willing. Then in Revelation 21, John saw a new Jerusalem in his vision. Ultimately, Jesus will build a new Jerusalem for His children.

The MacArthur Bible Commentary describes it this way:

Jerusalem became a holy and royal city, the city of the David, king of Israel and King Jesus. Joshua killed Jerusalem's king, who had joined a pact against Gibeon (chapter 10). Israelites called the area "Jebus" until David ordered Joab and his soldiers to capture the city (2 Sam.5:6-7)and made it his capital. Judges 1:8,21show that the Israelites conquered Jebus and burned it, but the Jebusites later regained control until David's day. Melchizedek had been a very early king (Gen 14), a believer in the true God, when the site was "Salem" (Ps. 76:2, Salem is Jerusalem).

The Lord works things out, though it may take a while. Do we have the patience to trust His timing?


LET IT GROW

Jerusalem continued to be possessed by the Jebusites. Why?
Judah could not drive them out (verse 63). Perhaps it was through their sluggishness, stupidity, and unbelief; had they attempted it with vigor and resolution, we have reason to think God would have given them success.; but they could not do it, because they would not. (M. Henry)

It was a long time later, but God did take control of the great city of Jerusalem. He can, He could, He would, and He did.
Do we believe that God can give us victory in our life today? Did we believe He could have done it before now? Would He give it in the future, if not now?

All things are possible with God. I keep telling myself that while I'm waiting.

LET IT GO

Praise Him while I'm waiting.

Obey while I'm waiting.

Trust God for the right answer in His time.

The Line of Judah Has a Lion

O. T. #475 "The Line of Judah Has a Lion"
March 9, 2015
Joshua 15-Part 2
This then was the lot of the tribe of the children of Judah by their families ...   Joshua 15:1

LET IT GLOW

Have you ever checked out your family's genealogy? My mother, sister, and a distant cousin have. Though we have no kings, stars, or significant people in our background, we do have a preacher, a guitar playing and gospel singing grandmother, and a full blooded Cherokee Indian. What kind of influence am I leaving Linda's line? Judah left quite a legacy. The line of Judah has a Lion of Judah in it. (I ain't lyin' either.)

The first part and the last part of this chapter is about the inheritance of the tribe of Judah.

As Israel's largest tribe, Judah is listed first and presented with the most detail. All the tribal listings follow a similar format: geographical boundaries and then a listing of cities by region. (D. Jeremiah)

Notice that these boundaries and descriptions of the Promised Land are very specific. God was telling Israel exactly what to do, and He was giving them just what they needed. They had no excuse for disobedience.  (Life Application Study Bible)

In spite of Judah's younger sinful days, his father Jacob (Israel) still blessed Judah, as well as his other brothers, which stemmed from Abraham.

What did Jacob predict about his son Judah found in Genesis 49?

• His brothers will praise him.
• His hand would be on the necks of his enemies.
• His brothers would bow down to him.
• Judah is a young lion, who returns from the kill.
• The scepter will not depart from Judah.
• The staff would not depart from between his feet until the Messiah comes.

When the first generation of Israel marched through the wilderness, Judah's tribe went first (Num.10:14). They had the largest population in Moses' census recorded in Numbers 1:27 and 26:22.
They prospered so greatly that people would tie a donkey to a choice vine, letting it eat because there is such abundance; wine will be as plentiful as wate4r and everyone will be healthy.  This is likely a millennial prophecy. (MacArthur)

The scepter was a symbol of royal power. The lawgiver, is pertaining to a legislator or one in authority. when the dignitary was seated, the staff would rest between his feet. (Falwell)

The Messiah, Jesus Christ, came through the lineage of the line of Judah. In Revelation 5, no one is able to break the seals and open the scroll. Then, according to verse 5, one of the elders told  John, Do not weep! See the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals. (NIV Translation)

The tribe of Judah was a great army. Their cities numbered 36. (verses 20-62)

What kind of legacy are we leaving our children-faith, faithfulness in serving the Lord, teacher, preacher, servant of the Lord Jesus, believer in the Word of God?


LET IT GROW

What do we know about this man who was the father of the tribe bearing his name?

• Judah suggested selling Joseph, Israel's youngest son at that time, instead of his brothers leaving Joseph in a well to die. (Gen. 37)
• Judah had twin sons by his daughter in law, Tamar, who pretended to be a harlot, unbeknownst to him. (Gen. 38)
• When Judah and his brothers went to Egypt to buy grain for their family during a famine, they encountered that brother Joseph as the agricultural head of that country, which was kept a secret for a while. When Joseph demanded that his brothers' youngest brother, Benjamin, be brought to him next time, it was Judah who promised his father that he'd take the blame if Ben did not return home. (Gen. 43)
• Because brother Reuben committed fornication with his step-mother Bilhah (Gen 35), his first-born birthright went to brother Judah. Joseph received Reuben's blessing. (Gen 49).

Judah was quite a character, yet he found grace in God's eyes. King David and the Messiah came through his family. What an honor!

Do we consider the influence our life has on future generations of our family to come?

LET IT GO

Let the past go and focus on the present and future.

Be encouraged that God can use me in His kingdom work as well as Judah.

Influence my family to be faithful to God.

A Monstrosity

O. T. #474  "A Monstrosity"
March 6, 2105
Joshua 15
She replied, "Do me a special favor. Since you have given me land in Negev, give me also springs of water." So Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs.  Joshua 15:19 NIV

LET IT GLOW

This week I had to deliver my bottle of sample so it could be sent off for testing from my Urologist's office. If it were not done on Wednesday, then I would have to repeat it again. On the trip over to the office, it started sleeting. I expected it since the weatherman predicted sleet and snow for the day. So I left by 9 am hoping to get there and home without any problems. Not happening for me.

After leaving that office, I went to change my bone density test and doctor appointments due to the weather. After the waiting and running to both offices, I achieved my purpose and headed out the door. By that time, the sleet was more than slushy by this time. How was I to get to the car parked up a hill? Oh, I remembered that I parked there so I could come out safely and had to ride the elevator. So that is what I did, went back inside, rode the elevator up to the first floor, walked slowly out to my car and took off. Driving only 30-35 mph and praying all the way home on icy roads, I made it home after taking 35 minutes longer than usual, up and down hills. Praise the Lord for His going before me and never forsaking me! I have stayed home ever since. (Yesterday, the sun melted the snow and the roads are fine.) God is so good!

Well, we left Caleb with a mountain for an inheritance yesterday.
So I looked up in Webster's Dictionary the definition of mountain, which is a land mass that projects conspicuously above its surroundings and is higher than a hill; a vast number or quantity.

I think you will agree with me when I use these words to describe this man who had a mountain of faith as:
a mountaineer(a native or inhabitant of a mountainous region), a foreign mountain man (an American frontiersman at home in the wilderness), one who lived on a spiritual mountain top (the summit of a  mountain), as well as a mountainy ( of, relating to, or living in mountains).

Are you still with me? Hang on, I'm going somewhere with this. Caleb kept his vision on his mountain and the LORD. His vitality was mountainous for an 85 year old. His victory resulted from a
monstrosity  (the quality or state of being monstrous); monstrous is an adjective meaning
deviating greatly from the natural form or character; very great. Yes, Caleb's faith was monstrous, great, huge, in comparison with those around him. I call it extravagant faith. His strength was that of a mountaineer and a mountain man. Quite a guy, wouldn't you agree?

How would they describe us, our faith, our talk, our life? Is it out of the ordinary-extraordinary?

LET IT GROW

We just thought we were through reading about Caleb-not. He is inserted in the middle of Judah's inheritance. so jump on down to verses 13-19 with me and see what happened a little later on:

• Caleb's mountain (Hebron) was a portion of Judah's inheritance-Kiriath Arba. Arba was the forefather of Anak. From Hebron Caleb drove out the three Anakites-Sheshai, Ahiman and Talmai-descendants of Anak. From there he marched against the people living in Debir (formerly called Kiriath Shepher).
• Caleb offered his daughter Acsah in marriage to the man who attachs and captures Kiriath Sepher.
• Caleb's nephew, Othniel, a brave and capable warrior (Judges 3:9) did so and married Acsah.
• Caleb gave her the land of Negev, a south land, barren of water.
• Acsah asked her father Caleb for a further blessing, which was more than a dowry, springs of water, to nourish the field.
• Caleb gave her the upper springs, and lower springs. (verse 19)

The Christian should joyfully continue to ask the Father for greater blessings, especially for the "spiritual springs" that water the fruitful life. The field that God gives us will never produce fruit apart from the springs of water. (Wiersbe)

Her father responded by giving the couple several springs at various levels in Debir.  Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him  (Matt. 6:8).  (Falwell)

Who was Othniel? He was the first judge after Joshua's death, and her reformed Israel by chasing away an enemy army and restoring peace to the land. (D. Jeremiah)

Sounds like Acsah was surrounded by mountainous men, of great character and faith in God (her father Caleb and husband Othniel).

Are we faithful with what God has given us to honor Him?
Is it a monstrosity?
Do we ask Him by faith and He has given to us?

Yes, I consider myself a mountaineer, a mountain woman, and a mountainy. Most of all, I want to be known for a mountainous faith, deviating from the normal, and very great. It continues to develop it, though, since I haven't reached the top yet.

LET IT GO

Let God grow my faith as big as a mountain, even if it requires going through the valleys of hard times.

Stay on the spiritual mountain top with Jesus.

Give Me This Mountain

O. T. #473  "Give Me This Mountain"
March 5, 2015
Joshua 14-Part 2
Now therefore give me this mountain, wherefore the LORD spake in that day: for thou heardest in that day how the Anakims were there, and that the cities were great and fenced: if so be the LORD will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out, as the LORD said. 
Joshua 14:12

LET IT GLOW

Do you like living in the mountains or on the flat land? I have lived in both, but I prefer the mountains. I grew up in the mountains. In fact our farm is on a small hill. The highways leading to this area go up and down the hills. The major highway climbs the mountains. There is something about the mountains and hills that gives me encouragement. Perhaps it is that I see the work of God, that they have rocks and boulders on and in them, standing firm. Yes, like Caleb, I would fight for this mountain on which I live.
.
Like the writer of Psalm 121:1-3, I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: He that keepeth thee will not slumber.

Caleb reminded Joshua that God promised him the land he spied out 45 years earlier was Caleb's inheritance. It was because Caleb wholly followed the Lord and believed God could give Israel's first generation the Promised Land. He and Joshua were the only ones among the 12 spies who believed that. When he claimed it, Caleb said, Give me this mountain. (verse 12) so Mt. Hebron became the land where the Kenezites came to live.

Caleb said that if the Lord helped him, then he would drive out the Anakites and live on the mountain.


Life Application Study Bible says:

When Joshua gave Caleb his inheritance, it fulfilled a promise God had made to Caleb 45 years earlier. We expect such integrity and reliability from God, but do we expect the same from His followers? How about you? Is your word this reliable? Would you honor a 45-year-old promise?  God would-and does. Even today He is honoring promises He made thousands of years ago. In fact, some of His greatest promises are yet to be fulfilled. This gives us much to look forward to. Let your faith grow as you realize that God keeps His word.

LET IT GROW

Here are some interesting points from my husband's sermon on this chapter:

• Caleb would not allow others to determine how close he got to God.
• He would not settle for less than what God promised him.
• He refused to take the easy way out.
• Caleb stood up, stepped up, and spoke up.
• What we think is what we are; we can't strattle the fence with God.
• What we do is what we believe; everything else is God talk.

Did you notice that throughout those 45 years Caleb kept following God?
He remembered what God had promised him, even though Caleb was 85 years old.
He didn't settle for a land that was easy to get to, but a mountain which he had to climb.
Caleb was willing to drive out the Anakims, the giants of the land, and conquer their cities in the hill country.

Here are some lessons to ponder:
What do we think about throughout the day? Are we singing praised to our Lord Jesus?
Are we repeating memorized scriptures? Or do we allow the worldly talk around us to dictate our talk?
Are we putting walk to our talk?
Do we let others determine how close we get to God? How easily are we discouraged?
What do we settle for in life-God's best and God's promises or whatever comes our way?

Do you have any mountains to climb in your life?

LET IT GO

Stand up for Jesus.

Step up for my faith in Him.

Speak up for our Lord, His Word, and His ways.

Convictions

O. T. #472  "Convictions"
March 4, 2015
Joshua 14-Part 1
Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt, but I wholly followed the LORD my God.  Joshua 14:9

LET IT GLOW

How strong are our convictions? We have seen the convictions of those 21 Christians beheaded in Egypt recently. Now that is definitely a testing of the heart. We must all decide how we would react in such a confrontation. They have received a crown of life for their stand of faith for Jesus. Caleb took a stand for his convictions that God is faithful and would give him his promised mountain for an inheritance. Shall we look into the situation a little closer?

With the conquering of so much of the land of Canaan, Joshua and Eleazar the priest (heads of church and state, so called), began the distribution of the Promised Land to the tribes of Israel. Previously, we read of the distribution of the land east of the Jordan River going to Reuben, Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh. Now comes the land west of the river. The apportionment was determined by the casting of lots (a small pebble). Lots were frequently used to determining the will of God. It was done so in the choice of King Saul (1 Sam. 10:19-21) and Matthias as apostle (Acts 1:26). Because the casting of lots assured that no personal ambition or external pressure would decide the outcome, this method was used by Israel. The sovereignty of God alone would prevail, and they would trust The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD. (Prov. 16:33).
[Resource: Liberty Bible Commentary]

Caleb, who was Joshua's one-time spy partner, did not need the casting of lots for his inheritance, for God had already promised him and Joshua a certain portion of the land. Caleb was 40 years old when he went to spy out the land of Canaan for Moses. Now he was age 85. He brought word that was in his heart. Caleb and Joshua were the only ones of the twelve spies who believed God could give the first generation of Israel the land of Canaan. This was seen by the second generation.

In her study Guide, The Best Yes, author Lysa TerKeurst says:

Caleb's statement gives a picture of two hearts: his own, and that of the people. the picture we have of Caleb's heart is that it was undivided and filled with faith. Caleb's conviction (meaning heart) made him certain of God's instructions to take the land. In contrast, the people lost their conviction. One heart follows fear and dissolves; the other follows God and is filled with courage.

Joshua says in verse 8 that he wholly followed the LORD his God.
The word wholly means to fill or be full of.

It was Caleb's whole-hearted conviction that God could be trusted which gave Caleb courage to claim what was promised to him.
 
Caleb was filled with faith in God. He believed God could and would keep His promises. However, the peoples' hearts melted, which means to dissolve, melt as water. As a result of this caused by listening to the report of the other ten spies about the giants in the land, Israel did not conquer Canaan until 45 years later.

Do we live by our convictions of our heart or the ways of the world?
Which is more important to us, pleasing others or pleasing God?
When we are challenged by giants, walls, or armies, do we loose heart or stand by our convictions and God's Word?
Do we allow fears to conquer us or do we conquer them?
Are we whole-heartedly obedient to God, following Him with all of our heart?


LET IT GROW

What portion of land was Caleb and Joshua promised while back at Kadesh-barnea? (Did you notice that his memory now was just as strong as his physical strength?) Caleb did not forget God's promise to him. According to verse 9, it was the land where their feet trod on that spy expedition. He knew God kept His promises, which included those made to Caleb.

What did Caleb tell Joshua?

• He wholly followed the LORD. (verse 8)
• The LORD kept Caleb alive these 45 years during the wondering in the wilderness. (verse 10)
• Caleb is 85 years old. (verse 10)
• He is as strong that day as he was 40 years earlier, a strong soldier for the LORD. (verse 11)
• He boldly claimed his inheritance, Give me this mountain. Mt. Hebron was the burial sight of the patriarchs of Israel. Although the Anakims lived there, Caleb and his tribe would conquer it with God's help.

Will we be that strong in faith as Caleb was, for the next 45 years?

LET IT GO

Wholly yield to the Lord.

Know His promises and believe them.

Keep my heart fixed on God.

Depend on God to give me victory in my life.

Thank Him for the victories.

Our Allotment in Life

O. T. #471  "Our Allotment in Life"
March 3, 2015
Joshua 13-Part 2
Only unto the tribe of Levi He gave none inheritance; the sacrifices of the LORD God of Israel made by fire are their inheritance, as He said unto them.   Joshua 13:14

LET IT GLOW

How's our attitude concerning our life as it is? Sure, we all have made mistakes, but we can't undo them nor go back and change them. Well, if only I knew back then what I know now, I would have...
But it doesn't work that way, does it?
However, one thing we can change is our attitude about our current situation. Yes, I am talking to myself. There are times that I wish I could change things, but it is what it is. I need to accept my allotment in life. Be happy, it could be worse. What I can do is be grateful for how God has blessed me and honor Him with what time I have left.

In verse 7, Joshua announced divisions made clear by lot to tribes:

• east of the Jordan (13:8-33),
• tribes west of the Jordan (Josh.14-19),
• Caleb (14:49-15),
• cities of refuge (20:1-9),
• Levite towns (ch. 21). (MacArthur)

The tribe of Levi was not given an allotment of land as the other tribes. God had given them the special assignment of serving in the tabernacle (18:7). He had assigned them cities and adjacent lands (14:4; Num. 35:2, 4, 5), scattered at forty-eight places (21:41) throughout all the tribes. This made these religious servants accessible to all the people (ch. 21).  (MacArthur)

The Levites' "financial security" was the offerings which Israel brought to the Lord.
If Christians are connected to any tribe, of Israel, it would be the tribe of Levi. We are called priests (1 Peter 2:5), a special inheritance in God (Eph. 1:11; Col. 1:12; 1 Peter 1:4). We are to see ourselves as priests and understand our real inheritance is God Himself.  (David Guzik)

Do we come daily to the Lord, offering our sacrifices of praise to Him?

Just think about it, of the 12 tribes, the Levite tribe was chosen to be their priests. That was the top of the line in my books. It was such an honor for them, although such a remedial task which God gave them.

LET IT GROW

Each tribe was to trust God to drive out their enemies. Each was responsible for possessing their allotted land completely. What was promised before the conquering of the Promised Land was being fulfilled.

The portion of land given to the Reubenites, east of the Jordan River, is given according to whom they conquered and listed in verses 15-23. They received all the cities of the southern plain that once belonged to the Amorites. It included the land possessed by Balaam, the soothsayer and pagan prophet. You will recall that he was inquired by Baal to curse Israel so they would not be victorious in doing so. However, God intervened by using a talking donkey to bring Balaam to submit to Him instead. Balaam blessed Israel and gave predictions of the region.

Next is the portion of land given to the tribe of Gad is found in verses 24-28. Moses gave them all the cities of Gilead (Deut. 1:12) from the border of Jazer to Rabbah. It included Succoth where Jacob rested after meeting with Esau (Gen. 33:17). Their western boundary was the Jordan River.  (Falwell)

Lastly, the portion of land given to the half tribe of Manasseh is found in verses 29-33. They received sixty towns. Half of the Gilead was given to Machir, the son of Manasseh.

Are we happy and satisfied with what God has allotted to us?
Are we looking forward to our eternal inheritance?


LET IT GO

Stay where God has put me, move when and where He says.

Keep my eyes focused on Jesus, not looking back to my Egypt.

Be happy with my assignment in life.

Rest in Jesus.

How Old is Old?

O. T. #470  "How Old is Old?"
March 2, 2015
Joshua 13-Part 1
 Now Joshua was old and stricken in years: and the LORD ssaid unto him, Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed.   Joshua 13:1

LET IT GLOW

How old is old?
It's one thing to have a birthday and realize you are getting on up in years, but to have the Lord say you are old and stricken in years... Oh my. No getting around it for him then; poor old Joshua. Maybe it doesn't bother the men folk like it does us ladies. Actually, 60, 70, 80, even 90 do not seem that old any more. Now when I was a kid, that was another thing. My parents were 32 when I was born, so they always seemed old to me. Not any more. It all depends on your perspective, right? Which side of the fence you are on?

Thou art old and stricken in years...
Webster's Dictionary says the word stricken means afflicted or overwhelmed by or as if by disease, misfortune, or sorrow; made incapable or unfit.

By this time he (Joshua) was about 95, in comparison to Caleb's 85 years (14:10). In 23:1, he was 110 and near death (24:29). (MacArthur)

I like the way Falwell put it: Joshua was now of advanced age, and he had brought Israel well along the road to the blessing promised to them by Jacob (Gen. 49) and by Moses (Deut. 33).

Since those in the Old Testament times lived longer than our times, a person 95 probably was not having one foot in the grave.

Isn't age a state of the mind, anyway? Some may consider 60 old and stricken in years, but I don't. (Of course, since that is my age, it may have something to do with it.)
Is there a time when we retire or quit from serving the Lord? No, not that I can find.

Any thoughts on the subject?

LET IT GROW

Although Israel had conquered land east of the Jordan River and given it to the 2 1/2 tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh, they were not finished yet. Thirty-five cities had been possessed by Israel in seven years, but they had not completed the task of conquering the whole Promised Land. There was still more of the Canaanite and Philistine land to take over.

The New International Version puts it this way: There are still very large areas of land to be taken over, while the King James Version says, There remaineth yet very much land to be possessed.

The Christian church has been around many a year, however, there is still much spiritual land to be possessed for our Lord Jesus Christ by sharing the gospel and bring the lost to salvation in Him.

What are our unconquered lands? They may be ethical issues, personal problems, sins in our life to overcome, underdeveloped talents, unused gifts, lack of prayer and Biblical reading.
What territory has God given us to conquer? Perhaps they are overseas, in our neighborhood, or in our family. We must be busy fulfilling the mission God has assigned us. Then we will be ready to inherit out Promised Land in heaven.

Paul challenges us in 1 Corinthians 15:34a, Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God.

Just as Joshua and the Israelites had more land to be taken over, we have more people to bring to Jesus before the trumpet sounds.
Are we telling others about the one True Living God, our God?


LET IT GO

Keep serving Jesus, no matter what age I am.

Share the things Jesus has done for me during my years.

Tell the Good News of Jesus.

Pray for others to come to know His as their Savior.