Today's readings are Joshua 8.1-28 and Acts 11.1-18
God confirms his promise in today's reading from Joshua. He had told the people of Israel that they would enter the land and take it. He had put Ai on the map as the next place to overcome. Yet doubtless all Israel was disheartened by their defeat at Ai. After dealing with Achan and his family, God sends the people of Israel against Ai again. Their sin has been taken care of. They are ready to follow God's command without hindrance. And this time, though they are not to leave people living, they are to take all the livestock and property they want. The campaign is a success. The people of Ai are defeated and the Israelites have the plunder. Their physical needs have been provided for through the livestock, food storehouses, and other wealth of the city.
Our Lord has taken care of our sin. Jesus has given himself into death for our sin. He has satisfied the wrath of God against mankind's sin. Our Lord sends us into the world, like he sent the Israelites in today's reading. But he does not send us to kill and plunder. He sends us to love our neighbor as ourself. As we do this we will see that the Lord is with us. He provides us with all we need. He guards us from all eternal harm. He sends the Holy Spirit to comfort us and to guide us. Our Lord is the God of promise.
--
Dave Spotts
blogging at http://capnsaltyslongvoyage.blogger.com
No comments:
Post a Comment