THE LORD SPOKE (March 26)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: Joshua 1-2

Joshua was a man set to change history. From his call by God (Josh. 1:1-3), he was given the monstrous task of leading the children of Israel after Moses. Three times (Josh. 1:6,7,9) he was commanded to “Be strong and courageous!” No doubt, he needed that reminder.

Two things stand out in the text. First is the promise of the Lord’s enabling presence: “I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.... The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Josh. 1:5,9). He’s told that God would be with him “just as he was with Moses” and that’s really saying something!

The second factor is Joshua’s link to the Word of God. Moses had written down God’s revelation to him. A copy of those five books were recorded on a scroll (“this Book of the Law”) and given to Joshua to instruct him in the way he should go. He was to “meditate on it day and night” and to be careful to put every detail into practice (Josh. 1:8). Then, and only then, was success guaranteed.

Our situation is not far different. You may not have to lead a recalcitrant people like Israel, and you may not find yourself following in the footsteps of a man like Moses. But, no doubt, you need and want the Lord’s enabling presence in your life. Jesus has promised that the Comforter would be with us forever (Jn. 14:16,26; 15:26). Besides His enabling presence, He will guide us into all truth.

When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned. "I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. (Jn. 16:8-13)

A major part of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives is in leading us to an understanding of the proper meaning (interpretation) and application of Scripture. That, of course, presupposes that we are reading Scripture regularly, systematically, and with an open heart.

How is it with you? Do you hear His voice?


New Testament: John 17

It almost feels like eavesdropping. We’re allowed for a moment to listen in on an intimate conversation between the persons of the Godhead. Once again Jesus is found praying just before a momentous event - in this case, His hour of greatest need. This was his “finest hour” and we are allowed to listen in.

His words are a grand summary of what is most important in life. All the elements are there! Consider the following:

• PRAYER - The whole of this chapter is a prayer but three times the Lord states specific requests: “I pray for [the ones you gave me]” (vs. 9); “My prayer is...that you would protect them from the evil one” (vs. 15); and “My prayer is for...those who will believe in me through their message” (vs. 20).
• SCRIPTURE - All things come about “so that the Scripture would be fulfilled” (vs. 12). Jesus says, “I have given them your word” (vs. 14) and “your word is truth” (vs. 17). It’s what motivates us to obey Him (vs. 6).
• RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD - This - to know God - constitutes eternal life (vs. 3). It comes to us by revelation (vs. 6, 8). It is what sustains us through all trials (vs. 11, 12) and that which will protect [us] from the evil one” (vs. 15).
• MISSION / PURPOSE IN LIFE - By His example (“I have brought you glory” - vs. 4a), Jesus has shown us the ultimate purpose of life. Just as he completed the work the Father gave Him to do we are to carry on that mission. He has sent us into the world (mentioned 18x in this chapter!) to spread His message so that others will believe also (vs. 20).
• LOVE - God’s love for us is what motivates us to seek His glory (vs. 24-26). This is in stark contrast to the world which produces only hate (vs. 14). So, while we’re in the world, we’re not of the world. But Christ has placed us in the world to demonstrate His love to others (vs. 23).

What a prayer! Maybe it will motivate us to think a little more about how we pray.