TODAY’S READING IN THE ONE YEAR BIBLE:
APRIL 11-Joshua 3-4:24; Luke 14:7-35; Psalm 80:1-19; Proverbs 12:27-28.
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THE CONCLUSION OF DEUTERONOMY
Congratulations on completing the first section of the Bible, the Five Books of Moses, known as the Penteteuch (Pente-five teuchos-books); also called the Torah.
The Book of Deuteronomy concluded with the final deeds of Moses. First we heard his prophetic song, and then his poetic blessings on the tribes of Israel. After commissioning Joshua, he climbs Mt. Nebo and dies.
DEUTERONOMY 33- THE BLESSINGS OF MOSES
Moses (representing the Law) blessing the people of Israel anticipates the blessings of the Law coming upon the obedience of Christ, who fulfills the Law. The people who join themselves by faith to this Greater Joshua receive a blessing by the command of Moses.
Psalm 133:3b For there the Lord commanded the blessing-- life forever.
The Blessings of Moses are given as a poem. His loving concern for each tribe is carefully expressed.
In the New Testament Book of Ephesians (2:10) we read, “We are God’s workmanship”. The Greek word for ‘workmanship’ is ‘poema’, from which we get our English word ‘poem’. Much thought was put into the blessings of our inheritance (Eph 1:3, 14, 18; 2:7; 3:18), our calling (Eph 1:18)and our works (2:10) as the redeemed people of God. We are “created in Christ Jesus unto good works prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
Moses had told the children of Israel to proclaim the blessings and curses of the law in public hearing once they crossed Jordan. Here, his last words are only those of blessing. The Blessings pronounced by Moses in Deuteronomy 33 upon the tribes of Israel are gracious whereas those given by Jacob in Genesis 49 expose both their sins and hidden character.
WE ARE LEGALLY BLESSED IN CHRIST
These blessings remind us of the inheritance set apart for the believer in Christ.
REUBEN- LIFE ABUNDANT AND ETERNAL
Here, no mention is made of the sins of Reuben (Gen 49:4) only “Let Reuben live, and not die; nor his men be few.” (Deut 33:6).
LEVI- THE WORD OF THE CROSS
Instead of being cursed for his anger and known for violence (Gen 49:5), the tribe of Levi’s faithfulness to align themselves with the Lord in the idolatrous incident with the golden calf is acknowledged (Exodus 32:29). Levi is rewarded with special access to the revelation of God’s will (the Urim and Thummim) and the appointment as teacher of the law and overseer of the sacrificial system (Deut 33:8-11).
SIMEON- BAPTISM INTO (IDENTIFICATION WITH) THE MESSIANIC INHERITANCE
Prophetically, Simeon is omitted from Moses’ blessing. The scattering of Simeon was predicted in Jacob’s blessing (49:7), and their absorption into the inheritance of the Messianic tribe of Judah came to pass once they were in Canaan (Joshua 19:2-9). The inheritance of Another is the one in which they will settle.
JUDAH- THE PRIVILEGE OF THRONE RIGHTS IN PRAYER
Judah, the lion of Israel, whose offspring would be the promised Messiah to whom would belong the obedience of the nations (Gen 49:10) is now blessed with a persuasive voice in intercession. Judah is able to bring needed help to his people so they can gain victory over their adversaries. (Deut 33:7)
Hebrews 4:16 - Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.
DAN- VICTORY
Dan goes from being called a ‘serpent’ able to strike horse and rider (Gen 49: 17), to being ‘a lion’s cub that leaps forth from Bashan’, predicting his tribe’s persistent conquests and move to the north of the Promised Land.
JOSEPH- THE CHOICE BLESSINGS OF THE HEAD
Joseph gets the fullest attention in both the blessings of Jacob (Gen 49:22-26) and Moses (Deut 33:13-17). This is understandable in the light of Jacob’s particular affection for the firstborn of his beloved Rachel, but it is encouraging that Moses continues to perceive Joseph receiving “the choice things of heaven”, “the choice yield of the sun”, “the choice produce of the months”, “the choice things” of the everlasting hills and ancient mountains. God has reserved the choice things for His beloved Son. We receive them by virtue of our being "in Him".
Ephes. 1:3 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ”
NAPHTALI- FULLNESS
Naphtali is blessed with satisfaction. He is full of the blessing of the Lord. (33:23)
ISSACHAR and ZEBULON- SECRET RICHES IN HIDDEN PLACES (Isaiah 45:3)
Issachar and Zebulon are seen triumphing in their situations, being able to tap the abundance of the seas and the hidden treasures in the desert.
GAD- AUTHORITY (LEADERSHIP)
Gad is also called a lion. It is predicted that he will faithfully execute his promise of joining his brothers in the conquest of Canaan before taking the land he chose for himself, which now is called “A Ruler’s Portion” (33:21)
ASHER- STRENGTH
Asher has grown from Jacob’s original prophecy of eating rich food and providing delicacies fit for a king, (Gen 49) to Moses’ more dramatic prediction that he will be a strong, wealthy and favored by his brothers, whose inheritance is secure. (His wealth is indicated by the luxury of bathing his feet in oil). “Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; and as thy days, so shall thy strength be.” (Deut. 33:25)
BENJAMIN- PROTECTION and SECURITY
Benjamin’s blessing of protection and security is worth hearing again: “Of Benjamin he said, "May the beloved of the Lord dwell in security by Him, Who shields him all the day, And he dwells between His shoulders." (Deut. 33:12)
REASONS TO BE HAPPY
The poem begins and ends with praise to God, the King of Israel (poetically referred to as Jeshurun, ‘upright one’ in verse 5 and 26) for His great love for His people (v.3). He rides to the aid of His people who have every reason to be happy.
Deut. 33:29
"Blessed are you, O Israel;
Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord,
Who is the shield of your help,
And the sword of your majesty!
So your enemies shall cringe before you,
And you shall tread upon their high places."
A TRIBUTE TO MOSES
This last chapter in Deuteronomy is written by the hand of another.
As predicted Moses, at the age of 120, climbed Mt. Nebo and died there in the land of Moab, having seen the Promised Land. We don’t see him again until he appears with Jesus in the Promised Land on the Mount of Transfiguration.
The grace of the Lord was with him, having sustained him during his remarkable life: “Although Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died, his eye was not dim, nor his vigor abated.” (Deut. 34:7)
The Book of Deuteronomy closes with a fitting tribute to this servant of God, whom the people of Israel will mourn for thirty days.
Deut. 34:10-12 Since then no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, [11] for all the signs and wonders which the Lord sent him to perform in the land of Egypt against Pharaoh, all his servants, and all his land, [12] and for all the mighty power and for all the great terror which Moses performed in the sight of all Israel.
These words held true during the days of the one who wrote them. They would hold true until the coming of the One whom Moses predicted:.
Deut. 18:15 "The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your countrymen, you shall listen to him.
Hebrews 3:3 (NIV) 3 Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself.
He would share a name derived from the same word as that of Moses successor-Yoshua, Yeshua. “God to the rescue; our salvation”.
THE FOCUS NOW SHIFTS TO JOSHUA
Joshua is publically commissioned in Numbers 27:23 as the new leader, filled with the spirit of wisdom (Deut 34:9). The people pledge to give Him their obedience (Joshua 1:16-18).
THE BOOK OF JOSHUA
Joshua 1:1-2 Now it came about after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' servant, saying, [2] "Moses My servant is dead; now therefore arise, cross this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel.
John Wesley once wrote, “God buries His workmen, but carries on His work.”
The good news is that the Lord speaks to Joshua, reassuring him with many promises, the most important being His very presence.
Joshua 1:5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
We are given a similar promise that should put our hearts at rest: “for He has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5b)
The work Moses had done was essential preparation for the work that Joshua would do. The Law brings the knowledge of sin and our need for the atonement for our sin. What the Law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh God, our Greater Joshua does.
In Joshua 3, Joshua does what Moses could not do- enter into the Promised Land.
Each workman takes up a work, grateful for those who have pioneered the way. When our work is finished, there will be more work to do.
The Book of Joshua is concerned with the work of the Conquest of Canaan (Chapters 1-12) and its settlement (13- ). We see Joshua as the leader in warfare and government.
The Book of Joshua anticipates the New Testament Book of Ephesians. Joshua leads the redeemed people of God to possess their possessions, taking their allotted inheritance in Canaan. In the Book of Ephesians the believer is called to lay hold of their inheritance in Christ. They too will be instructed in spiritual warfare and government, walking worthy of their calling.
The Book of Joshua covers a period of approximately 50 years
The God of the Old Testament is the same as the God of the New Testament. It may be hard for us to grasp, but it is true nonetheless. The Lord Jesus, the Prince of Peace, who came to make peace, reconciling us to God by the sacrifice of Himself on the cross, and give us His personal peace, establishing His rule in our hearts by the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, is a God of war.
Psalm 24:8
Who is the King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
The Lord mighty in battle.
Rev. 19:11-21 [11] And I saw heaven opened; and behold, a white horse, and He who sat upon it is called Faithful and True; and in righteousness He judges and wages war. [12] And His eyes are a flame of fire, and upon His head are many diadems; and He has a name written upon Him which no one knows except Himself. [13] And He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood; and His name is called The Word of God. [14] And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. [15] And from His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may smite the nations; and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. [16] And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."
It is sometimes hard for people to apprehend this attribute of Jesus.
“In righteousness He judges and wages war.”
We are blinded by our own sin, failing to see that our sin incurs God’s anger.
Jesus said this,
"He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." (John 3:36)
Paul tells us that we are born spiritually dead, and subject to the spirit that works in the sons of disobedience and WERE BY NATURE “children of wrath” (Eph 2:1-3).
God is at war with sin. In righteousness He judges sin at the cross of Christ. It is only when we meet the Lord there , that His warfare can be accomplished and we can find peace.
Jesus came to give us peace, but at the cost of His life blood. He destroyed the work of the devil and secured victory over the enemy of death.
He calls us to stand in what He has won for us. The battle is the Lord’s.
Ephes. 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. [11] Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. [12] For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
If God is not a god of war, He cannot be a god of love. It is His eternal undying love that provokes Him to make war against all that would prevent His own from being restored to their true inheritance in Him.
RAHAB- WHEN YOUR LIFE HANGS BY A THREAD (JOSHUA 2)
Jericho represents the first-fruit of victory. It was the first city to be taken. Everything in it was to be devoted to judgment. Jericho represents the self-life of the human soul. It is under the ban of the cross. We must be willing to let all that is of the old life in Adam go. If we attempt to save it, we will lose it. If we lose it, surrender it to the cross, we shall find our true life in Christ.
The spies go in. Rahab, the harlot hides them and protects them from the agents of Jericho’s king. She confesses faith in the God of Israel:
“for the Lord your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.” (Josh 2:11)
The testimony of the greatness of their God had caused fear to come upon the people of Jericho.
The two spies in Jericho have a similar task to the Word and the Spirit.
Rahab, once she receives the spies, pleads for her household’s salvation from the judgment that is due to come upon her city. The spies agree if a cord of scarlet thread is hung from her window. Rahab responds in faith.
Four things are said about the cord:
1. It was scarlet in color.
This reminds us of sin (Isaiah 1:18- though your sins be like scarlet- obvious and recognizable, such as in Rahab’s trade). Sin must be acknowledged.
Scarlet also reminds us of the blood of the atoning sacrifice. Scarlet points towards the greater salvation provided by the sinless life of Jesus Christ offered as the atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 John 2:2)
Leviticus 17:11 (NASB) 11 ~'For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood by reason of the life that makes atonement.'
The spies bound themselves to the promise that those who stayed in the house that had the mark of scarlet were to be safe from harm, as were firstborn sons when the angel of death passed over on that fateful day in Egypt (Exodus 12:13). Otherwise they themselves would take upon themselves the guilt of their shed blood.
2. It was made of thread (chut) (Joshua 2:18).
Rahab had let the spies down from her window by “a rope” (Chebel) as the means of their escape from Jericho. This scarlet thread was not something that would be considered as a sufficient means of escape to the natural mind. The natural mind understands nothing of the things of God, and does not regard the blood of Christ as a sufficient means for our salvation.
3. It was a cord (tiqvah, 2:18).
That cord would be the object of her faith. It represents the saving work of Christ. Cords had been the means of deliverance to others (Jer. 38:6,11) including the spies, if the rope had been made of these thread cords (2:15). Rahab was to trust the cord as the spies had trusted the ability of the rope as a means of deliverance.
4. It was to be placed in the window. The cord was to be displayed for the purpose of identification. The cord would be visible to the spies on the outside. It was a sign of the covenant commitment they had made.
JOSHUA 3
The children of Israel were to purify themselves for three days and then cross the Jordan.
The crossing of the Jordan prefigures our own deliverance through identification with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection. The Jordan speaks of the natural man. The river travels some 200 miles from its source in Mt Hermon twisting and winding as if attempting to avoid its destination in death- the Dead Sea. We know that Jesus’ baptism by John at the Jordan prefigured his identification with Adam’s race (the natural man) in death, burial and resurrection.
The ark of the covenant, which we have seen is a constant type of Christ, must lead the way and be kept in full view, with 2000 cubits distance. It must be born on two staves of wood by the Kohathites who are to stand in the middle of the river allowing for the children of Israel to cross over on dry ground (3:17)
It is only on the basis of the finished work of redemption (figured by the ark) that God’ elect can cross over.
JOSHUA 4 – TWELVE STONES TELL THE STORY
Joshua 4:1 (KJV) 1 And it came to pass, when all the people were clean passed over Jordan…
When all the nation of Israel had crossed over on dry ground, Joshua commanded that one man from each of the twelve tribes were to get a stone from the midst of the Jordan (now that it was suddenly made dry) and make a memorial on the Promised Land side of the river. Even though 2 and a half tribes would choose to settle on the close side of the Jordan, all twelve stones are to be reckoned as having crossed over and positioned at Gilgal in the Promised Land. This is a wonderful picture of Positional Truth. Even if we fail to settle into the Promised Land, God reckons on us having passed “clean over Jordan”.
Joshua 4:21-24
And he spake unto the children of Israel, saying, When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones? [22] Then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land. [23] For the Lord your God dried up the waters of Jordan from before you, until ye were passed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red sea, which he dried up from before us, until we were gone over: [24] That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the Lord your God for ever.
Pastor David
So, naturally, we proclaim Christ! We warn everyone we meet, and we teach everyone we can, all that we know about him, so that, if possible, we may bring every man up to his full maturity in Christ. (Colossians 1:28, J.B. Phillips paraphrase)
New Life Community Church, Concord, MA 10742
Meeting Sundays at 10:30 AM at the Emerson Umbrella for the Arts, 40 Stow Street, Concord MA
Mailing Address: Post Office Box Five, Concord, MA 01742
Church Offices: 35 Bypass Rd. Lincoln, MA 01773 978-369-0061
Home Office: 978-371-3176
New Life Fine Arts
"Theater you can believe in."
