Joshua 22:21-34
There was almost a civil war until the situation was clarified. We must always find out the facts before we try to assess a situation. The Lord's guidance should always be invoked (v.23). Explaining our misinterpreted intentions can be an opportunity to witness for the Lord (v.34). In fact, we must use every opportunity to glorify the Lord in the presence of others.
Joshua 23:1-16
In summing up what has happened in his lifetime, Joshua takes no credit whatsoever; he gives all glory to God as follows:
The Lord fought for you (v.3). The land is allocated as promised by God; the inhabitants driven out by Him (vv.4-5).
Now it was Israel's opportunity to do something for God, namely, obey His laws. That would be the smart thing to do, because it would mean ongoing blessings (v.15a). Having seen how greatly God had blessed them, to disobey was a bad option (vv.15b-16). Surprisingly, Israel did disobey.
Luke 20:27-47
The supposedly knowledgeable Sadducees misunderstood the scripture, so Jesus enlightened them. Such people, who are supposed to know better, yet who need enlightenment, surround us. Are we able to enlighten others? We will be able to if we allow God to use us for the purpose.
In verse 38 we read that God is the God of the living. That is, from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, through David, and right up to ourselves. Believers are alive forever, for eternal life begins as soon as they are born again; the death of the body does not affect the life of the believer's spirit (2 Corinthians 5:8); we are not affected by the 'second death' (Revelation 20:6). Non-believers have to endure the second death.
Psalm 89:14-37
God is to be exalted for His power and mercy. He empowers His servants, like David (v.21) and us, for whatever He wants done.
It does not matter that there is no king sitting on Israel's throne at present. The Bible's genealogical records show that Jesus is a descendant of King David, the seed that shall be established forever (v. 36). One day, I hope very soon, Jesus is coming back to rule upon 'David's' throne - forever!
It should not really hassle us that we do not see hoped-for blessings right now; God has everything in hand, and His blessings will be ours one day! Hallelujah!
Proverbs 13:17-19
We have all met people who are nasty and intractable; working with such is a burden. What a difference when someone is F-A-T; that is: Faithful, Available, and Teachable. God loves having fellowship with him/her.
I made up this little line to encapsulate these thoughts:
"The unreliable are undesirable,
but what a pleasure to work with a treasure!"
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