Devotion Thoughts - 18/04/2011

Joshua 17:1-18


Neither of the tribes of Joseph, Ephraim and Manasseh, drove the Canaanites completely out of their land. Although they served the Israelites, the Canaanites' worship of idols affected the Israelites adversely. An analogy: if Canaan represents our spirit, and the Canaanites the carnal nature within us that drive us to sin, vigilance is needed against that ever-present, sinful nature. If not kept under control it will cause us to sin.


By God's command (Joshua 17:4) the daughters of Zelophehad were given equal status with the men, indicating that women should have equality with men in Christian (or any other) society. Although there are verses in the Bible that could be construed as teaching that women are inferior to men (as well as verses that imply the opposite!), we should never confuse function and status. Women had equal opportunity in Israelite society. That is why married females could be judges in Israel (Judges 4:4; 2Chronicles 34:22) and prophetesses (Acts 21:9) in the early church.


That some societies treat women as inferior points to a lack of obedience to what God intended. He is consistent, so there is no way He would agree to differing treatment for women in different societies.


Joshua 18:1-28


The first worship centre for the Tabernacle was Shiloh. The remaining division of Israel was by lot. Many believe in 'chance' or 'luck'. But when it comes to the lot by which many matters were decided in Israel, I believe that God 'spoke' through the lot. That is how Achan was caught (Joshua 7:14). So the division of the land was by a lot influenced by God, as is the great events in history (for example Jeremiah51:11). That is why I don't believe gambling is a 'chance' thing. God uses them to direct or test us.


Luke 19:1-27


Zacchaeus, a sinner, went out of his way to meet Jesus. Because of his determination he succeeded and became a changed person, as do all who sincerely seek after God. He was a Jew, but that does not mean automatic salvation. Convicted of sin, part of which was stealing (taken by false accusation - v.8), and realising that money was neither the key to happiness nor a sign of God's favour, he was ready to make restitution. Jesus said of him that he was now a saved man (v.9). That is how to get right with God!


Then Jesus follows up with a parable that contains the message that God gives His servants the necessary abilities to honour Him with diligent service. When they apply themselves He is ready to reward them. For those who don't apply themselves there will be no reward.


Psalm 87:1-7


Nothing escapes the notice of God; He knows everything about each one of us from before we were born; in fact, from before He made the universe! Think about it. Given that God does not waste His time, the fact that He chooses to take notice of us has to be very encouraging. Say 'Hallelujah'!


Proverbs 13:11


'Wealth gathered by vanity' could refer to money made through any special employment, such as the entertainment industry. The huge wealth earned by some singers virtually overnight can be frittered away in drugs and alcohol.


Living for self is a vanity choice, and none of the wealth gained will follow into the next life.


Following the Lord will mean a lifetime of daily service, but the rewards that will definitely be gained are heavenly and out of this world!

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