Psalm 22 Joshua 1-2 Hebrews 4
We often reflect on Good Friday the crucifixion of Jesus and
here his words from the cross, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” and
here Jesus feeling abandoned by God. However, when you look at the song of
David and hear Jesus singing it in his soul from the cross it transformed a
feeling of abandonment to one of comfort.
This song is one of contrast of one that puts complete trust
in God and those that do not. A song that starts out with words of loneliness to
seeing God at work even in the cross. I want to challenge you to read it as if
Jesus was singing it from the cross looking down on both those that had been
his followers and loved him and those that had hated him and put him on the
cross.
We find we can quickly find a word of hope that the reason
God allowed Jesus to suffer and die was to give hope to those that would see
him for what he was, the Son of God, Savior of the world and the one that would
fulfill his promise to send a helper for us on the faith journey and our
relationship with God. That promise would be fulfilled by the Holy Spirit that
allows us to see these words with new insight. We can trust God even when our
life hangs in the balance between life and death.
As the journey through Joshua begins and he prepares to take
the people of Israel into the land promised to them so long ago. God tells
Joshua that Moses is dead and now it is his responsibility to lead the people. God
calls on him to be strong and courageous as God will go before them and give the
land into their hands. He is reminded that the book of the law must be the
center of his life and they should meditate on it day and night. There is no
need to tremble with fear or be dismayed because God is leading the way.
Joshua sends two spies ahead and they focus on how to enter
and take it over. The interaction with Rahab, a harlot, by the two spies is a
sign that they have learned something, and the purpose is not to see what they
can do but what God will have to do as they move ahead. God can use anyone he
desires to accomplish his purposes when they do what he commands of them.
The writer of Hebrews reminds us of the importance of rest as
a part of our regular cycle of life. We are to be diligent to enter into rest
where God can do a mighty work in us. God’s word is like a two-edged sword that
can cut in two directions and it is in that which we enter into judgement and
God examines the intentions of our heart.
Jesus is the high priest that brings our life before god,
not in weakness but strength. We can therefor approach the throne of grace with
confident we are never alone. God is all we need.
No comments:
Post a Comment