Author: pastor.gerooney@gmail.com

All these kings and their lands Joshua conquered in one campaign, because the LORD, the God of Israel, fought for Israel.  Joshua 10:43  (Chapters 9-22)

Canaan was the term given to all land along the Mediterranean coast of modern day Lebanon and Israel, inland to the Jordan River. All residing there were broadly known as Canaanites. Canaan consisted of several city states, ruled by kings that were subject to Egypt’s pharaoh.

Gibeon was an important city. At word of Jericho and Ai’s fatal end, the king of Gibeon employed a fictitious story to convince Israel to make a peace treaty with them. Israel did not consult God, prompting an instant war, when all the other kings of Canaan formed an alliance to defeat Israel.  God fought Israel’s battles and they settled the land of their inheritance. However, small bands of Canaanites remained and after Joshua’s death, they became troublesome for Israel.

Daily God led and sustained these people through miraculous intervention, but three times He changed the order of nature to assist His greater purpose.  He held back the waters of the Jordan River, He brought down the walls of Jericho and in the battle against five Amorite kings, God extended daylight to the benefit of Joshua’s forces.

These battles paint a picture of a brilliant and blood thirsty military power.  Remember that the judgement of these pagan people was brought about by their refusal to submit to the One True Sovereign God.  As seen in the story of Rahab, believing changes the course of your destiny. Yes, blood was shed, but opportunity for life always comes before death.

Love,

Gretchen

Afterward, Joshua read all the words of the law-the blessings and the curses-just as it is written in the Book of the Law. Joshua 8:34 (Chapters 7-8)

Following the victory at Jericho, the Israelites moved on the city of Ai. Joshua sent spies who assured him that Ai would be an easy conquest. But, a man named Achan had taken items from Jericho, an act God forbade. Intolerant of this covetous driven disobedience, God disciplined Israel. When the army of Israel moved against Ai, they were soundly defeated, with loss of life.

Achan’s sin had grave consequences. His family was aware of his misdeed and helped him secret his stolen goods. His kinsmen suffered as they lost their honor and their lives.

God redirected Israel to victory over Ai and Joshua led the people to a renewal of their covenant on Mt. Ebal, at the place where Abraham first erected an altar in this land and just as Moses had commanded in Deuteronomy 27.

Sin is not the end of the story, but there is accountability for all involved. Israel did not focus on the repercussion of their transgression, but rather, the grace and hope they had as children of God. What defines you? The darkness of death, or a life washed whiter than snow? There’s a reason it’s called amazing grace and it’s yours for the asking.

Love,

Gretchen

When the trumpets sounded, the people shouted and at the sound of the trumpet, when the people gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so every man charged straight in, and they took the city. Joshua 6:20 (Chapters 5-6)

Four days after crossing into Canaan the Israelites celebrated passover, their first home cooked meal in 40 years.  The manna ceased and God sent His invisible army to encourage and direct Joshua. The covenant was renewed among a new generation by means of circumcision.

The first threat to Israel’s inhabitance was Jericho, a fortified city. It must be removed and God alone took this victory.  Israel’s part in the battle was obedience and worship, God’s Heavenly Army did the rest. Can you imagine being a resident of Jericho while the Israelites marched to victory? Encircling troops, blasting trumpets and a silent infantry seemed an unusual maneuver, but a believer’s battle is won in ways that are not designed by man’s calculations.  The only survivors were Rahab and her family.

Archaeological revelations indicate that about 1400 B.C. Jericho was leveled and peculiarities and evidence was found that coincide with the Biblical narrative. (I’m not surprised, just wanted to share.) Dr. John Garstang, director of the British School of Achealology in Jerusalem, 1929-36, found stored food stuffs beneath the double walled fortress. It is odd that these precious commodities were not pillaged by survivors, except there were none and Israel had no need of non-kosher food. 

When God moves it is unique to His love, justice and power. Wrapped in His faithfulness we find our peace and security. It’s okay to expect a miracle, it is the essence of God’s presence in our life.

Happy Friday!

Gretchen

He said to the Israelites, “In the future when your descendants ask their fathers, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them, ‘Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ Joshua 4:21-22 (Chapters 3-4)

God once again parted deep water, first the Red Sea and now the Jordan River at flood stage, so that His people could move toward His promise. 1400 years later, Jesus stepped from these same banks, into this same river and was baptized.

It was spring time when two altars were erected using stones from the middle of Jordan’s river bed, one at the new encampment where Israel first stepped into their forever home and another marking the place the priests stood with the Ark of the Covenant as the people crossed the waters safely.

Monuments of faith are an important part of victorious Christian living. We must look back to remember and know God’s divine intervention so we can move forward with determination and confidence.  This is our hope, the foundation of great faith and obedience. Build altars, return to them often, worship and tell your children.

Love,

Gretchen

When we heard of it, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is the God in Heaven above and on the earth below. Joshua 2:11 (Chapters 1 and 2)

Joshua was born in Egypt and was Moses’ right hand man during the exodus.  Out of the twelve men sent into Canaan on a reconnoissance mission, only Caleb and Joshua were faithful enough to suggest advance. As a result, they were the only two original Hebrews to enter the Promised Land.

Joshua is commissioned by God Himself and in his initial instruction is told repeatedly, “Be strong and courageous. I will never leave or forsake you.”  Joshua was a strong and faithful leader, an example to Christians leaders today.

Rahab was probably a Canaanite priestess, which would have involved being a temple prostitute, but in her immoral culture, her social status would have been high and even honorable. Upon hearing and witnessing the miracles surrounding the journey of the Israelites, Rahab made the choice to risk everything and follow the God of these people. Because Rahab chose faith, and protected the secret spies Joshua had sent into Jericho, her entire family came under God’s protection, symbolized by a scarlet thread tied in her window. Finding a permanent home with Israel, she is listed as a hero of faith. Rahab married Caleb’s son Salmon and became the grandmother of Boaz, making her an ancestor of King David and Jesus.

Looking back across history everything fits together like a well carved puzzle. Is it coincidence? No it’s grace. From harlot to woman of heroic character, God’s mercy extends and grace exceeds the need.

Have a perfect Wednesday!

Gretchen

 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 Chapters 31-34)

Moses speaks these words to the entire Jewish nation, then directly to his successor, Joshua. God then calls these two men to His tent of meeting and tells them what is going to happen when His people ‘prostitute themselves to other gods.’  He will hide His face from them.

The last three chapters of this second book of law highlight the rebellious, stiff necked nature of man. A heart hardened against the Sovereign God has only one ending, death. But these last words of Moses, given him by God, are packed full of hope for those that do, indeed, persevere in faith. Believe the testimonies of the faithful, remember God’s blessing to you personally, don’t give in or give up!

After Moses’ final words to the people he led for 40 years, God tells him to go up Mt. Nebo where he will have a panoramic view of Canaan and be gathered to his fathers. (O.T.’s explanation for eternal life beyond death.) God buried his body and lifted his soul into His arms. His remains were not to be found and turned into a talisman of idolatry.

The key component to strength and courage is God’s presence. The key component to the personal presence of God is your worship and obedience.

Love,

Gretchen

Moses, what a man! 40 years in the palace of a pharaoh, 40 years a refugee in Midian and 40 years the leader of 3,000,000 former slaves. Frightened, overwhelmed and less than perfect, but faithful till the very end.

Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. Deuteronomy 30:11 (Chapter 29-30)

The book of Deuteronomy is a restating and retelling of laws, covenant, the birth of Israel and God’s infinite faithfulness.  Moses warns, reminds and implores those that will inhabit the promised land to worship God only! They hearse and rehearse, and then Moses says, “It’s not too hard! No excuses!”

Beware of a mentality of entitled sinfulness, an unavoidable character flaw in created man. God has to accept us, warts and all, because He made us this way. WRONG!  Remember who the Creator is, and His purpose for the created.  It’s about relationship, right communication and respect. What does this look like? Honor, worship, obedience…….It’s not impossible because it is God’s design and by His power it is accomplished. 

Love the Lord God, with all your heart, mind and body and see how easy it becomes to be Holy.

May your Monday not feel like Monday,

Gretchen

Because you did not serve the LORD your God joyfully and gladly in the time of prosperity. Deuteronomy 28: 47 (Chapter 28)

If you need absolute proof that the Bible is the divinely inspired Word of God, here it is.  Moses is directed to state the blessings of serving God only, never putting an idol or other god in His place. But He also lists the curses that will fall on this covenant people. They now number as the stars, but will be brought to ruin by the neglect and abuse of their blessings if that is their choice. Time told the story.

Israel’s peace and well-being depended on a right relationship with God. He knows the good that lies in store for the faithful and the sorrows of those who rebel and sin. Between these glad tidings and sorrows is man’s free will. Obedience isn’t the easiest route, but it is the only journey with a happy ending. 

Love,

Gretchen

“And you shall write very clearly all the words of this law on these stones you have set up.” Deuteronomy 27:8  (Chapters 24-27)

In an age when books were scarce, Joshua was commissioned to erect stones, apply a coating of plaster and write the Law on them so the people could see, read if they were able, remember, obey and teach the next generation.  This was a common custom across the cultures of the ancient world. Moses commanded that this be the first act upon arrival in Canaan.

These stones would be part of renewing the covenant of which curses and blessings were a part. A ceremony would take place. Six tribes each would climb opposite mountains. The Levites would pronounce the blessings and curses of infringement and the people would add their ‘Amen,’ or their ‘So be it.’ 

Can you imagine the enormity of this nation gathering on the mountain sides, and the resounding thunder of their ‘Amens’?  It would leave a lasting impression, just as God intended. Covenant keeping is serious business and the law was not to be passively approached.

God, in His Law giving and Love lavishing, was specific and purposeful. He left no loopholes. Don’t look for them, they aren’t there. Trust, obey, love and praise and God will take care of the rest.

Happy Friday,

Gretchen

Whatever your lips utter you must be sure to do, because you made your vow freely to the LORD your God with your own mouth. Deuteronomy 23:23 (Chapters 17-23)

The Law was given to create a culture, a nation. The ancient cultures of Biblical times were primitively organized with dietary habits, dress codes, behavior protocols and procedures. Worshiping/idolatry was certainly at the center of these city-states. God was setting the standards for Holiness to be lived out by His chose people. It is often said, the devil is in the details, but not so here. The Israelites were building from scratch, becoming something from nothing but faith through remembrance of what God had done and what He has promised to the future.  The details were to irradiate any misinterpretation or misdirection. 

God called His people to be set apart. In chapter 17 God prophesies that Israel will someday insist on an earthly king. While He does not endorse what He knows will come, He does ask to be their decision leader in choosing a just, fair and impartial judiciary, as someday, the Messiah would come from this earthly lineage, revealing God’s message and purpose to all nations. 

The community of believers is to be both inclusive and exclusive, marked by purity and Holiness through practical human living. Being people of integrity is important, whether vowing to God or to other people. Our actions directly represent the God we serve. God doesn’t lie, cheat, steal, exploit or compromise, neither can we and call ourselves His own.

Love,

Gretchen