Your reading this week progresses quickly through the remainder of the historical account of the Book of Joshua and on into the history of the cycles of the Judges in Israel. The New Testament reading moves well into the fourth and final gospel of John.
In Joshua, the allotment among the tribes of Israel of land in Canaan continues. We are reminded of God’s mercy in the creation within that land of cities of refuge, places where those accused of crimes involving manslaughter may find protection from retributive justice. The book concludes with charges to faithful living and a renewal of the covenant “a long time” after the conquest is completed. When Joshua was old, he gathered the people, exhorting them to be careful and not to turn back from following God. The story of the people of Israel continues in the Book of Judges with its accounts of the cycles of the judges who guided the people and kept them accountable to God. You will read about Deborah the prophetess, as well as Barak, Gideon, and Jephthah.
John recounts Jesus’ early ministry in Jerusalem, beginning with the healing of the lame man by the pool at Bethzatha, where invalids gathered. Jesus promises, “Anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life.” As Jesus continues his work, many people will be healed and the dead will be raised. Signs of the Messiah keep appearing—the multiplication of the bread to feed a crowd of thousands, Jesus walking on the sea. In his intercession for the woman accused of adultery, Jesus declares that only the sinless may stone her. Judgment belongs to God, and God is merciful to all sinners. Our reading for the week concludes with Jesus’ description of himself as the good shepherd. This is a fitting passage for out meditation and prayers in the final weeks of Eastertide. Jesus has prepared a place for us; he and the Father protect and guide us in our ministry in the world; all our needs are provided; we are strengthened by the Holy Spirit.
My prayer for you this week in your Bible Challenge is that you may find strength and comfort and courage for your discipleship through reading God’s Word.
In Joshua, the allotment among the tribes of Israel of land in Canaan continues. We are reminded of God’s mercy in the creation within that land of cities of refuge, places where those accused of crimes involving manslaughter may find protection from retributive justice. The book concludes with charges to faithful living and a renewal of the covenant “a long time” after the conquest is completed. When Joshua was old, he gathered the people, exhorting them to be careful and not to turn back from following God. The story of the people of Israel continues in the Book of Judges with its accounts of the cycles of the judges who guided the people and kept them accountable to God. You will read about Deborah the prophetess, as well as Barak, Gideon, and Jephthah.
John recounts Jesus’ early ministry in Jerusalem, beginning with the healing of the lame man by the pool at Bethzatha, where invalids gathered. Jesus promises, “Anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life.” As Jesus continues his work, many people will be healed and the dead will be raised. Signs of the Messiah keep appearing—the multiplication of the bread to feed a crowd of thousands, Jesus walking on the sea. In his intercession for the woman accused of adultery, Jesus declares that only the sinless may stone her. Judgment belongs to God, and God is merciful to all sinners. Our reading for the week concludes with Jesus’ description of himself as the good shepherd. This is a fitting passage for out meditation and prayers in the final weeks of Eastertide. Jesus has prepared a place for us; he and the Father protect and guide us in our ministry in the world; all our needs are provided; we are strengthened by the Holy Spirit.
My prayer for you this week in your Bible Challenge is that you may find strength and comfort and courage for your discipleship through reading God’s Word.
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