Feasting on God's Word (One Year Bible)

“Surely there is a God who judges the earth” (Psalm 58:11). “God repaid the wickedness … ” (Judges 9:54). The Holy God speaks to us of His judgment upon sinners. He speaks to us His Word of warning, “It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31). In love, He is calling us to return to Him. He pleads with us, “See to it that you do not refuse Him who speaks” (Hebrews 12:25). God’s Word of warning comes to us as part of His call to receive His gift of salvation through faith in Christ – “How shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?” (Hebrews 2:3). Two ways are set before us – the way of “those who shrink back and are destroyed” and the way of “those who have faith and are saved” (Hebrews 10:39). What does it mean to have faith in Christ and be saved by Him? To gain a clearer understanding of what faith in Christ as Saviour is, it may be helpful to note what it is not. In John 6:14-15, we see two inadequate responses to Jesus Chr...

“No sooner had Gideon died than the Israelites again prostituted themselves to the Baals” (Judges 8:33). “John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light” (John 5:35) – “For a time”, but note their response to Jesus -”I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not accept Me” (John 5:43). “The Lord detests those whose hearts are perverse, but He delights in those whose ways are blameless” (Proverbs 11:20). How important it is not to settle for a superficial religion, which can be easily overthrown when Satan comes in with an unbelieving alternative which does not honour the Lord Jesus Christ. True faith honours Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord.

The source of Gideon’s spiritual strength lay in the Lord – “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior” (Judges 6:12). The source of Jesus’ strength lay in God the Father – “the Son can do nothing by Himself; He can only do what He sees the Father doing” (John 5:19). When we realize the source of our spiritual strength, we are able to say, “My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast” (Psalm 57:7).

“God sends His love and faithfulness” (Psalm 57:3). When we’re reading a book like Judges, we must remember the faithful love of God. When we remember God’s faithful love, we will look beyond the events recorded in Judges. We will catch a glimpse of God’s presence and purpose. Whatever may be happening in our lives, let’s remember this: God is there, and He is fulfilling His purpose of “love and faithfulness.” In Jesus Christ, the love and faithfulness of God are seen more clearly than anywhere else. In His healing, we see Him declaring the “love and faithfulness” of God. Rejoicing in God’s faithful love, let us say, from our hearts, “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth” (Psalm 57:5).

“The Lord raised up judges who saved them out of the hands of these raiders” ( Judges 2:16 ). “This man really is the Saviour of the world” ( John 4:42 ). God sends His servants to revive His people. God sent His Son to redeem His people. Revival comes “by the Spirit of the Lord” ( Judges 3:10 ). Redemption comes through the Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ. As we look to God for both redemption and revival, we say, “In God, I trust, I will not be afraid” ( Psalm 56:4 , 11 ).

In John 4, we read about the overcoming of our enemies through the Gospel. “Jews do not associate with the Samaritans” ( John 4:9 ). Jesus did associate with the Samaritan woman. The woman believed in Jesus. Many others believed in Him. By breaking down the barrier between Jews and Samaritans, Jesus was not minimizing the difference between the godly and the ungodly. He was emphasizing that “he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward” ( Proverbs 11:18 ). As He spoke the Word of God’s love, many were brought to faith in Him ( John 4:39 ). When the Gospel of God’s love reaches our hearts, we do not continue in sin, going our own way rather than the Lord’s way. We come in our sin to the Saviour. We receive His forgiveness. We begin a new life – “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” ( Galatians 2:20 ).

The concluding message, preached by Joshua, is a call for the people to exalt the Lord. They make a definite and public commitment to the Lord. The Christ-centredness of real commitment to the Lord is summed up in the words of John the Baptist: “He must become greater; I must become less” ( John 3:30 ). We must confess Christ and honour Him – “The One who comes from heaven is above all” ( John 3:31 ). We must listen to what He says to us – “The One whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit” ( John 3:34 ). It will not be easy to live a life of true commitment to Christ. Nevertheless, we have God’s promise: “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you” ( Psalm 55:22 ).

In all the social details of the division of the land, we must not lose sight of its spiritual basis ( Joshua 21:43-45 ). The important thing is that God, and not man, receives the glory: “Do not rebel against the Lord or against us by building an altar for yourselves, other than the altar of the Lord your God” ( Joshua 22:19 ). If God, and not man, is to be exalted, there must be new birth ( John 3:3 , 5-7 ). To the man who is obsessed with his own problems – “My heart is in anguish within me …” ( Psalm 55:4-5 ), God gives us “the wings of a dove” ( Psalm 55:6 ) – to rise to higher things.

What God did for His people, Israel, was very great. There is a striking contrast between their slavery in Egypt and their abundance in the promised land. God had multiplied His blessing upon them, just as Jesus did when He turned water into wine ( John 2:1-11 ). If the blessing is to be maintained and increased, we must honour the Lord. We must cry to Him for blessing: “Hear my prayer, O God, listen to the words of my mouth.” We must call upon Him with faith: “Surely God is my help; the Lord is the One who sustains me” ( Psalm 54:2 , 4 ).

Each of the tribes had their part in the promised land. Each of Jesus’ disciples, whom He called to Himself at the outset of His ministry, had his part in the work of the Lord. What God did with Israel and with Jesus’ first disciples will be surpassed when Christ comes in glory: “You shall see greater things ... You shall see the heavens open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man” ( John 1:50-51 ). On that Day, there will be both salvation and judgment: “The righteous man is rescued from trouble, and it comes on the wicked instead” ( Proverbs 11:8 ).

Each tribe had its limited allotment of land. Jesus Christ, “the Word” who “was God”, “became flesh” ( John 1:1 , 14 ). He accepted the limitations of being human. He was human, yet without sin. “There is no one who does good, not even one” ( Psalm 53:1 , 3 ).  This is true of every human being except Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God. In Him alone, there is “salvation” ( Psalm 53:6 ).

Although many victories had been won, there was still “the land that remains” ( Joshua 13:2 ). The land which had been taken was shared among God’s people. There is strength in sharing. Some are called to leadership, e.g. Caleb (Joshua 14), but their leadership is not for their own satisfaction and benefit. It is for the blessing of the whole people of God. Those who had witnessed the appearance of the risen Lord were sent out to preach the Gospel ( Luke 24:46-49 ). The testimony of the Lord’s people is to be: “I will praise You for ever for what You have done” ( Psalm 52:9 ).  

Israel’s victory over the heathen nations was given to them by the Lord. The spiritual dimension in this military situation must not be overlooked, if we are to learn the lessons God is teaching us from His Word. God has much to teach us from His Word. Those who listen to Him will always have this testimony: “Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us” ( Luke 24:32 ). Why does the Lord’s Word burn in our hearts? - so that we might pray to the Lord, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” ( Psalm 51:10 ).

The Lord gave victory to His people, and the defeated enemies were hung upon trees ( Joshua 10:25-26 ). When Jesus was hung upon a tree, this was not defeat. It was victory. Concerning Jesus, it was said, “Surely, this was a righteous man” ( Luke 23:47 ). Proverbs 10:25 tells us that “the righteous stand firm for ever.” This truth was mightily declared in Jesus’ resurrection, which demonstrated Him to be more than a righteous man. He is the Son of God.

In their opposition to Christ, “Herod and Pilate became friends - before they had been enemies” ( Luke 23:12 ). The people of Israel had to battle against many nations - different from each other, yet having one thing in common: their opposition to the Lord. Everything which is displeasing to the Lord must be resisted, as we pray, “Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin” ( Psalm 51:2 ).

Achan suffered death because of his own sinful disobedience. Achan died, and the judgment of God did not come on the whole people of God. Jesus suffered death as the sinless Son of God, who bore the sins of many that we might be saved through faith in Him. Achan died because he disobeyed the will of God. Jesus died in obedience to God’s will: “not My will, but Yours be done” ( Luke 22:42 ). As we look on what Jesus has done for us, we are to “sacrifice thank-offerings” to God that He might “show us the salvation of God” ( Psalm 50:23 ).

“Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you” ( Joshua 3:5 ). Jesus shared the Passover with His disciples, while teaching them that something greater than the Passover was about to take place - redemption through the shedding of His precious blood. God says, “Gather to Me My consecrated ones, who made a covenant with Me by sacrifice ... Sacrifice thank offerings to God ... “ ( Psalm 50:5 , 14-15 ).

Israel’s entry into the promised land was a highly significant event in the history of God’s redemption. ‘The momentous event’ is the Return of our Lord Jesus Christ: “The Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” ( Luke 21:27 ). We must be ready for His Return, for there is a great difference between the righteous and the wicked ( Proverbs 10:16 ).

The contrast between Moses and Jesus continues. Moses died. Jesus is the Lord: “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet” ( Luke 20:42-43 ). In Him, we have the promise of eternal life: “God will redeem my life from the grave; He will surely take me to Himself” ( Psalm 49:15 ).

Moses was God’s servant. Joshua was God’s servant. The prophets were God’s servants. Jesus is God’s Son. He is the Cornerstone of our salvation. Without Him, there is no salvation. With Him, there is full salvation. Concerning Him, the Word of God says, “This God is our God for ever and ever” ( Psalm 48:14 ). He loves us with an “unfailing love” and His “praise reaches to the ends of the earth” ( Psalm 48:9-10 ).

A comparison may be made between Israel’s entry into the promised land and Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Ahead of both, there lay conflict, but beyond the conflict, there was triumph. Their triumph is the triumph of God – “As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the Lord Almighty, in the city of our God: God makes her secure for ever” ( Psalm 48:8 ).

The Lord is looking for His people to stand up and be counted as His faithful servants. There is a commitment to be made, a commitment to be maintained. It is not only beginning with Christ. It is going on with Him. This is illustrated in the story of Zacchaeus. We are to walk securely as men of integrity ( Proverbs 10:9 ).

Sadly, it is possible to be living in the promised land yet living in disobedience and thus losing out on the promised blessing. The Pharisee, in Jesus’ parable, lived and worshipped within the tradition which remembered God’s mighty act of redemption. Nevertheless, his heart was far from God. He considered himself superior, He was not justified, and he would not be exalted (glorified). Those who are justified, who will be glorified, rejoice in the Lord with much gladness: “Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises” ( Psalm 47:6 ).

The Lord blesses an obedient people ( Deuteronomy 28:2 ). Our obedience to God arises from our thankfulness to Him ( Luke 17:16 ). With grateful hearts, we make confession of our faith: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” ( Psalm 46:1 ). To His people, God says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations” ( Psalm 46:10 ). God is exalted among the nations when His people are obedient people ( Deuteronomy 28:9-10 ).

Scripture speaks of both salvation and judgment. The Israelites were given “the land … as an inheritance.” The Amalekites were to be “blotted out” ( Deuteronomy 25:19 ). Lazarus received salvation – “carried … to Abraham’s side.” The rich man received judgment “in hell” ( Luke 16:22-23 ). We must seek to honour Jesus Christ our Lord ( Psalm 45:11 ). This is salvation – confessing Christ as Lord with the mouth and trusting Him with the heart ( Romans 10:9 ).

Holiness and honesty are two qualities which are to characterize the life of the Christian. The ‘laws’ in Deuteronomy stress the importance of holiness. Jesus, in His parable of the shrewd manager, emphasizes the importance of honesty – “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much” ( Luke 16:10 ). We are not to put on a facade of holiness. We are to be honest in our seeking holiness. If we despise the way of honesty and holiness, we will go the way of folly against which we are warned in Proverbs 9:13-18 .

Above all men, it can be said of Christ: “You are the most excellent of men and your lips have been anointed with grace, since God has blessed you forever” ( Psalm 45:2 ). When we read the parable of the prodigal son, we are reading the words spoken by the perfect Son. His lips were “anointed with grace.” In this parable, He points us to the heavenly welcome which is ours through returning to the Father. With the perfect Son of God, we will share the blessing: “God has blessed you for ever.” Blessed by Him, we are to fight for Him without fear and with the assurance of His victorious presence ( Deuteronomy 20:1 ).

“The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet …” ( Deuteronomy 18:15 ). This prophecy has its greatest fulfilment in Christ. Jesus is more than a prophet. He is the substance of the prophecy concerning God’s Kingdom. The coming of God’s Kingdom is the coming of Christ – both His first coming (our foretaste of heavenly glory) and His second coming (the fullness of heavenly glory). In Christ, there is redemption – a redemption we have begun to know, a redemption which we will enjoy in its fullness when Christ returns. Then, we will know the full answer to the prayer of Psalm 44:26 – “redeem us because of Your unfailing love.”

The people of God had been blessed by God. They had much to celebrate. The Lord had brought them out of the land of bondage. He was about to bring them into the land of promise. As we celebrate the love of God, we give the place of highest honour to Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord. Why did God give Israel the promised land? It was because He “loved them” ( Psalm 44:3 ). We know the love of God in Christ. Concerning Christ, we say, with thanksgiving, “You give us victory over our enemies” ( Psalm 44:7 ). In Him, we rejoice – “In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise Your Name for ever” ( Psalm 44:8 ).