“The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord. It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth” -Lamentations 3:25-27.

Today’s Hymn

Words: Charles Wesley, Moral and Sacred Poems, 1744.

REJOICE, THE LORD IS KING
Click here for tune.

Rejoice, the Lord is King! Your Lord and King adore;
Mortals give thanks and sing, and triumph evermore;
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice;
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

Jesus, the Savior, reigns, the God of truth and love;
When He had purged our stains He took His seat above;
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice; Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

His kingdom cannot fail, He rules o’er earth and Heav’n,
The keys of death and hell are to our Jesus giv’n;
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice;
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

He sits at God’s right hand till all His foes submit,
And bow to His command, and fall beneath His feet:
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice;
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

He all His foes shall quell, shall all our sins destroy,
And every bosom swell with pure seraphic joy;
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice,
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

Rejoice in glorious hope! Jesus the Judge shall come,
And take His servants up to their eternal home.
We soon shall hear th’archangel’s voice;
The trump of God shall sound, rejoice!

Thought Provoker

While my maternal grandfather and my paternal grandmother were in relatively good health near the end of their earthly lives, I spent a few hours with them individually to ask about (and video their answers regarding) our family history. In the course of my “interview,” one of the questions I asked was, “what one message do you want to leave with your family and friends?” I did not prompt them on what to say. Without hesitation, both spoke up and challenged their families to be saved (if they aren’t), and to follow and serve the Lord throughout their days. Now each is reunited with their spouse and, best of all, in the presence of their Lord. And the video is a reminder to their families of what matters the most.

In chapter 24, Joshua is giving his “one message” to leave with the nation. How does Joshua, through the leading of the Holy Spirit, challenge Israel to obey, follow and serve the Lord throughout their days?

Dad’s Study

1, Geography.
Joshua chose to deliver his final message to the people in a memorable place. Can you recall the main events that took place in Shechem? It was at Shechem that God appeared to Abraham (Genesis 12:6-7). At Shechem, Jacob and his family made a commitment to God before going on their way to Bethel (Genesis 35:1-4). Shechem is located at the foot of Mount Ebal, where the people rededicated themselves to the Lord after entering the land (Joshua 8:30-35). God used the land to teach His people about Himself and His will, just as He uses His Word and even circumstances in our lives to teach, rebuke, and exhort us to walk in His way.

2-15, History.
Joshua reviews Israel’s history from the call of Abraham as if God was telling the story. How many times does Joshua use the pronoun “I” in verses 3-13? To whom does the “I” refer? The pronoun “I” is used 17 times and refers to God (for example: 3, I took; 4, I gave; 5, I sent; 6-8, I brought; 10, I would not listen; 11, I delivered; 12, I sent; 13, I have given). In re-telling their history, Joshua was emphasizing God’s sovereignty. God works according to His eternal purposes; therefore, such a God is to be feared and obeyed (v. 14). God works in each of us uniquely. It is good to recall His blessings and His triumphs through our trials and sufferings.

16-28, Worship.
With Joshua’s challenge to choose who they would serve (v. 15), the people engage themselves in a moving act of worship. They declared their choice of God as against any other gods. Joshua outlines the conditions of serving the Lord (vv. 19-23), and sets up a stone as a memorial/reminder of Israel’s pledge (25-28). Did Israel fulfill their promise? We can see the full scope of Israel’s history and know that this commitment lasted only as long as that generation lived (v. 31). We are often guilty of the very same act. We “worship” God with our lips, but our heart is far from Him. Our God is a “a jealous God.” He will not tolerate any rival.

29-33, Death
An appendix is written to Joshua’s book. Here we are told of three burials: Joshua’s (vv. 29-31), Joseph’s (v. 32), and Eleazar’s (v. 33). Why would this information be important to those in Israel’s later history? Why are these burials significant to us? “All three were buried in Joseph’s territory. All three had served their God and their country well. Joshua and Joseph were great deliverers during their lives, and Eleazar was a deliverer in his death, for he was the high priest and his death set free all who had fled to a city of refuge (Joshua 20:6).” “God buries His workmen but continues His work.”

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

“Choose you this day whom ye will serve” (v. 15). Have you chosen wisely?

Pastor Jim Covington – Bell Gardens, CA

Catechism

Question 15

Q. Did all mankind fall in Adam’s first transgression?

A. The covenant being made with Adam, not only for himself but for his posterity, all mankind descending from him by ordinary generation, sinned in him, and fell with him in his first transgression (1Co 15:22 Ro 5:12).

For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield (Psalm 5:12)

Today’s Hymn

Words: Charles Wesley, Moral and Sacred Poems, 1744.

REJOICE, THE LORD IS KING
Click here for tune.

Rejoice, the Lord is King! Your Lord and King adore;
Mortals give thanks and sing, and triumph evermore;
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice;
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

Jesus, the Savior, reigns, the God of truth and love;
When He had purged our stains He took His seat above;
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice; Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

His kingdom cannot fail, He rules o’er earth and Heav’n,
The keys of death and hell are to our Jesus giv’n;
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice;
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

He sits at God’s right hand till all His foes submit,
And bow to His command, and fall beneath His feet:
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice;
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

He all His foes shall quell, shall all our sins destroy,
And every bosom swell with pure seraphic joy;
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice,
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

Rejoice in glorious hope! Jesus the Judge shall come,
And take His servants up to their eternal home.
We soon shall hear th’archangel’s voice;
The trump of God shall sound, rejoice!

Thought Provoker

Read together Joshua 22 and answer the following questions from verses 21-34:

1. Why is Joshua 22 a good chapter to study whenever misunderstandings arise between believers, whether it be in a Christian family, a Christian ministry, or in the church?

2. What was the basic problem between the two tribal divisions?

3. How was the situation resolved?

4. In what way were both divisions wrong?

5. How did God safeguard a common worship of Himself by His people?

Dad’s Study

Answers:

1. When a major misunderstanding took place between the two divisions of tribes, it nearly caused a civil war. Fortunately, an investigating committee was set up to get at the real reason for their actions. When the “offending” party was given an opportunity to explain their actions, the “accusing” party realized they had misjudged their motives. Not only was war averted, but the two divisions realized that they were one nation under God.

2. The two and one-half tribes built an altar, which caused great concern on the part of the other tribes, thinking that they were setting up a separate system of worship. In their eyes, this was rebellion, apostasy, idolatry.

3. The accusing party sent a committee to investigate, and found that the motives were pure, that they had built only a memorial replica of the true altar at Shiloh to be a witness to their families for generations to come. Their interpretation was that even though they lived on the east side of the Jordan River they were part of Israel that lived on the west side. They were one nation under God.

4. Even though their motives were good, the east siders failed to think ahead as to how their actions might be interpreted by the west siders. The west siders were quick to judge (misjudge) the motives of their brothers.

5. God chose a central sanctuary in the land where all His people were to come to worship. Read Deuteronomy 16:16-17.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

Lesson: It would have been easy and “natural” for the east siders to retaliate, but they didn’t. Instead, they responded, “The Lord knows! If we are in error, let the Lord Himself require an account.” They were willing to be disciplined if they were wrong. What a great lesson for us! Read 1 Peter 5:6 for a proper attitude in such a situation.

Thanks to: ©1998 Growing Christians Ministries, Box 5757, River Forest, IL 60305.

Catechism

Question 15

Q. 15 Did all mankind fall in Adam’s first transgression?

A. The covenant being made with Adam, not only for himself but for his posterity, all mankind descending from him by ordinary generation, sinned in him, and fell with him in his first transgression (1Co 15:22 Ro 5:12).

“Thy mercy, O LORD, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds. Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast. How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light” Psalm 36:5-9.

Today’s Hymn

Words: Charles Wesley, Moral and Sacred Poems, 1744.

REJOICE, THE LORD IS KING
Click here for tune.

Rejoice, the Lord is King! Your Lord and King adore;
Mortals give thanks and sing, and triumph evermore;
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice;
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

Jesus, the Savior, reigns, the God of truth and love;
When He had purged our stains He took His seat above;
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice; Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

His kingdom cannot fail, He rules o’er earth and Heav’n,
The keys of death and hell are to our Jesus giv’n;
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice;
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

He sits at God’s right hand till all His foes submit,
And bow to His command, and fall beneath His feet:
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice;
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

He all His foes shall quell, shall all our sins destroy,
And every bosom swell with pure seraphic joy;
Lift up your heart, lift up your voice,
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!

Rejoice in glorious hope! Jesus the Judge shall come,
And take His servants up to their eternal home.
We soon shall hear th’archangel’s voice;
The trump of God shall sound, rejoice!

Thought Provoker

After the recent attacks upon America I have spoken with several people and heard and watched others on the news that are definitely frightened. They have a spirit of fear about them regarding what lies ahead in the days to come. I have also noticed that each of these does not profess a biblical worldview, one in which they evaluate these events through the eyes of Scripture. They deny a sovereign God Who is in control of all things, even the acts of evildoers, and as a result they have a worldview of uncertainty that appears to be controlled by chance and caprice. Not so for the Christian who trusts in a sovereign and faithful God. We know that He causes all things to happen for our good and to His glory, even if those events bring about suffering in our life. Christ has told us that the servant is not above his Master, and our Master lived a life of suffering.

Therefore, we are not to be surprised if suffering comes into our lives, and we are not to face it with a spirit of fear. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7). Therefore, as Christians let us look to the days ahead with a sound mind, not with fear, and trust in the promises of a faithful God. Today, let’s examine three timeless truths in Joshua 21, including the faithfulness of our God.

Dad’s Study

In chapter 21 the Israelites are being obedient to the command of the Lord in Numbers 35:1-8 regarding their provision for His ministers, the Levites. God did not leave the provision of His ministers to the whims of mankind, that they might be neglected and left in want. He commanded that they be given cities and land in which to live and a portion of their daily food and provision through the various sacrifices and offerings to sustain them while they devoted themselves to the service of the Lord and His temple. It is the same today for ministers of the Gospel. We have not been commanded to provide them cities and lands, but we are to make sure their support, provision, and sustenance. “For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?” (1 Cor. 9:9-11). And, “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, “Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward” (1 Tim. 5:17-18).

This dispersion of the Levites amongst the tribes of Israel is also illustrative of how the elder and deacon today is to live amongst the people of God. Matthew Henry said this, “By mixing the Levites with the other tribes, they were made to see that the eyes of all Israel were upon them, and therefore it was their concern to walk so that their ministry might not be blamed. Every tribe had its share of Levites’ cities. Thus did God graciously provide for keeping up religion among them, and that they might have the word in all parts of the land. Yet, blessed be God, we have the gospel more diffused amongst us.” In looking at the qualifications of elders and deacons in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, discuss as a family the connection between these character qualifications and how they affect the individual’s ability to minister. Why is it so necessary for the elder and deacon to be blameless and above reproach? What happens if they are not?

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

There is one last great gem of truth tucked away in the very last verse of this chapter. “There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass” (Josh. 21:45). All that the Lord promises comes to pass. He is a faithful and sure God who can be taken at His word and trusted completely. All that He says will come to pass. For the one who is saved by grace through faith this is of great comfort to know that all of His promises will come to pass, especially those regarding our salvation. “Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;” (Deut. 7:9). (See also Ps. 36:5, 89:1; He. 6:18). But for the unbeliever His promises regarding judgment are just as sure. “When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:…

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: … And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal” (Mat. 25:31-34, 41, 46). This should be a cause of fear to the unconverted that causes them to seek the Lord God and His infinite mercies He has poured out on unworthy sinners through Jesus Christ.

Catechism

Question 15

Q. 15 Did all mankind fall in Adam’s first transgression?

A. The covenant being made with Adam, not only for himself but for his posterity, all mankind descending from him by ordinary generation, sinned in him, and fell with him in his first transgression (1Co 15:22 Ro 5:12).

“In thee, O LORD; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness. Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for a house of defense to save me. For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me and guide me” Psalm 31:3.

Today’s Hymn

Words: Verses 1, 5, 6 and 9: Matthew Bridges, The Passion of Jesus, 1852; verses 2, 3 and 4: Godfrey Thring, Hymns and Sacred Lyrics, 1874. Music: Di­a­de­ma­ta, George J. Elvey, Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1868.

CROWN HIM WITH MANY CROWNS
Click here for tune.

Crown Him with many crowns, the Lamb upon His throne.
Hark! How the heav’nly anthem drowns all music but its own.
Awake, my soul, and sing of Him who died for thee,
And hail Him as thy matchless King through all eternity.

Crown Him the virgin’s Son, the God incarnate born,
Whose arm those crimson trophies won which now His brow adorn;
Fruit of the mystic rose, as of that rose the stem;
The root whence mercy ever flows, the Babe of Bethlehem.

Crown Him the Son of God, before the worlds began,
And ye who tread where He hath trod, crown Him the Son of Man;
Who every grief hath known that wrings the human breast,
And takes and bears them for His own, that all in Him may rest.

Crown Him the Lord of life, who triumphed o’er the grave,
And rose victorious in the strife for those He came to save.
His glories now we sing, who died, and rose on high,
Who died eternal life to bring, and lives that death may die.

Crown Him the Lord of peace, whose power a scepter sways
From pole to pole, that wars may cease, and all be prayer and praise.
His reign shall know no end, and round His piercèd feet
Fair flowers of paradise extend their fragrance ever sweet.

Crown Him the Lord of love, behold His hands and side,
Those wounds, yet visible above, in beauty glorified.
No angel in the sky can fully bear that sight,
But downward bends his burning eye at mysteries so bright.

Crown Him the Lord of Heav’n, enthroned in worlds above,
Crown Him the King to whom is giv’n the wondrous name of Love.
Crown Him with many crowns, as thrones before Him fall;
Crown Him, ye kings, with many crowns, for He is King of all.

Crown Him the Lord of lords, who over all doth reign,
Who once on earth, the incarnate Word, for ransomed sinners slain,
Now lives in realms of light, where saints with angels sing
Their songs before Him day and night, their God, Redeemer, King.

Crown Him the Lord of years, the Potentate of time,
Creator of the rolling spheres, ineffably sublime.
All hail, Redeemer, hail! For Thou has died for me;
Thy praise and glory shall not fail throughout eternity.

Thought Provoker

I have always been amazed that many powerful people have been able to mold large organizations to their will and make their vision become a reality. However, the greatest example of a being molding reality to His will is our God who makes reality.

Dad’s Study

In Chapter 19 we see God fulfilling prophecies made over 400 years before. In Jacob/Israel’s deathbed testament he prophesized, by God’s inspiration, his son’s future posterity. Here in Chapter 19 we see how this applies to the size and quality of the portion of Canaan they received.

In verses 1-9 we see how Simeon was given a small portion of the land given to Judah. This reflects back to the cruel revenge they took against Shechem in Genesis 34, contrary to Jacob’s will.

· Zebulun is given a tract near the sea in accordance with Genesis 49:15.

· Issachar was content to take a parcel that required little effort.

· Asher was given a parcel that archeologists believe was rich with grain according to Genesis 49:20.

· Naphtali settled in an area secured and surrounded to control the “hind let loose.”

· Providentially, Dan was situated near Philistia (modern Gaza) where its war-likeness would aid the other tribes by buffering them against a capable enemy. Likewise, Israel says that they will behave as a viper (Genesis 49:17) which seems also to prophesy something we will study in Judges.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

We must always remember that our God makes all things happen in accordance to His will.

Greg Bailey – Greenville, SC

Catechism

Question 14

14 What is sin?

A. Sin is any want of conformity to, or transgression of the law of God (1 John 3:4).

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. Psalm 91:3

Today’s Hymn

Words: Verses 1, 5, 6 and 9: Matthew Bridges, The Passion of Jesus, 1852; verses 2, 3 and 4: Godfrey Thring, Hymns and Sacred Lyrics, 1874. Music: Di­a­de­ma­ta, George J. Elvey, Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1868.

CROWN HIM WITH MANY CROWNS
Click here for tune.

Crown Him with many crowns, the Lamb upon His throne.
Hark! How the heav’nly anthem drowns all music but its own.
Awake, my soul, and sing of Him who died for thee,
And hail Him as thy matchless King through all eternity.

Crown Him the virgin’s Son, the God incarnate born,
Whose arm those crimson trophies won which now His brow adorn;
Fruit of the mystic rose, as of that rose the stem;
The root whence mercy ever flows, the Babe of Bethlehem.

Crown Him the Son of God, before the worlds began,
And ye who tread where He hath trod, crown Him the Son of Man;
Who every grief hath known that wrings the human breast,
And takes and bears them for His own, that all in Him may rest.

Crown Him the Lord of life, who triumphed o’er the grave,
And rose victorious in the strife for those He came to save.
His glories now we sing, who died, and rose on high,
Who died eternal life to bring, and lives that death may die.

Crown Him the Lord of peace, whose power a scepter sways
From pole to pole, that wars may cease, and all be prayer and praise.
His reign shall know no end, and round His piercèd feet
Fair flowers of paradise extend their fragrance ever sweet.

Crown Him the Lord of love, behold His hands and side,
Those wounds, yet visible above, in beauty glorified.
No angel in the sky can fully bear that sight,
But downward bends his burning eye at mysteries so bright.

Crown Him the Lord of Heav’n, enthroned in worlds above,
Crown Him the King to whom is giv’n the wondrous name of Love.
Crown Him with many crowns, as thrones before Him fall;
Crown Him, ye kings, with many crowns, for He is King of all.

Crown Him the Lord of lords, who over all doth reign,
Who once on earth, the incarnate Word, for ransomed sinners slain,
Now lives in realms of light, where saints with angels sing
Their songs before Him day and night, their God, Redeemer, King.

Crown Him the Lord of years, the Potentate of time,
Creator of the rolling spheres, ineffably sublime.
All hail, Redeemer, hail! For Thou has died for me;
Thy praise and glory shall not fail throughout eternity.

Thought Provoker

Frequently I watch videos based upon Jane Austen novels with my wife and youngest daughter. I am always so appalled at how dependent even the strongest of characters are upon their expected inheritance. In the States we like to think that even a Vanderbilt or a Carnegie or a Rockefeller, if left high and dry by his family, could pull himself up by his bootstraps. We in the US have a prejudice against inheriting wealth; we think for the wealth to really be ours we must earn it. Isn’t it interesting that we do not stop seeking “get rich quick schemes”? The Biblical language in the Old and New Testaments calls what God gives his people (whether it is the land of Israel or salvation by grace through faith) an inheritance. His people did not earn it of their own merit, but their Father chose to give it to them.

Dad’s Study

In verses 2 and 3 we are told that 7 tribes have not yet claimed their inheritance. In response to their failure to claim their land designated by God, Joshua says, “how long are yea slack to go to possess the land, which the LORD God of your fathers hath given you?” And in verse 4 he calls for 3 men from each tribe who will go into the land and “describe it according to the inheritance of them.” Joshua was telling the 7 recalcitrant tribes that God had given them something without their having merited it, therefore their job was to be obedient and possess it. They had been assured as to the results of their fight.

In Ephesians 1:11 Paul says, “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will…” Just like those ancient Israelites (from Abraham to Ezra and Nehemiah) the inheritance is assured to those whom God has chosen, without merit.

Click here for Matthew Henry’s Commentary.

Truth in Practice

In our hearts we should recognize that we are much like the characters in a Jane Austen novel. We are at the mercy of someone who has promised us an inheritance. However, unlike those who are always concerned that they will lose their inheritance, our God promises “to never leave or forsake us”, and to complete the “good work” in us until the day of Jesus Christ. Our inheritance is insured by the promise of the immutable God.

Greg Bailey – Greenville, SC

Catechism

Question 14

14 What is sin?

A. Sin is any want of conformity to, or transgression of the law of God (1 John 3:4).