The Bible in 90 Days (Week Three)

Text Overview
This week we read from the end of Deuteronomy through Joshua, Judges, and into 1 Samuel. From the time the Israelites left Egypt until now they have been isolated in the desert, away from all the other nations. A whole new generation has grown up and rebellion due to a sinful nature has already started to show itself. If you add the time these people spent in captivity, one could easily see that a life of dependence and submission has been the norm for a long period of time. With rebellion eventually comes aggression. Conflict is an inevitable consequence that must be dealt with. Mankind needs to learn how to keep these emotions under control. In the outside nations war has developed into a normal routine. On the other hand, fear of aggression caused the bad report that made a 40 year sojourn the case for the children of Israel. God gives instruction as well as warning concerning war. (See Deut. 20) To prepare His people, God changes the focus of their training; a new kind of leader is introduced. Israel is given judges who have power along with authority to add to their leadership ability. These sections give illustration as to the up side and down side of human nature when man steps into this arena. They also lay the groundwork of events that lead up to the introduction of the king.

Taking Possession of the Land

The Question of War… Why?

When you take a close look at the surrounding nations you find a people that are not following the righteousness of God. Instead their practice is to do whatever they choose; their choice involves violence. Pharaoh, in reconsidering his choice concerning the slave force of Egypt, gathered his army to bring Israel back. Abraham, generations before the captivity in Egypt, engaged in war on behalf of his people and those he was in allegiance with. Like it or not the children of Israel were surrounded by cultures prone to selfish ways with no regard for human life or persons outside of their clans. Having been sheltered this new generation was ill equipped for the experience they would have to face. The other consideration is the fear; an emotion that can render you ineffective… paralyzed in a time where action is necessary. Crossing the Jordan to take possession of the land marks a new phase in the development of a nation being gathered unto God. The world may have been introduced to war as a result of sin, but through Israel, God has given us a method for dealing with war that is in line with His Will.

Courage, Aggression, Compassion, and Abuse; what do you apply and when?

Joshua, chosen by God to succeed Moses, is charged to be courageous by Moses in the view of all the people. (Deut. 31:7) Later he is again given instruction by God Himself. (Jos. 1) Courage has been defined by many in many a different way. Some think of it as being brave or showing the lack of fear. These are worldly definitions which fall short of providing insight as to how to develop courage in a Godly manner.

Simply put, courage is the ability to trust God at His Word even when your understanding gives you no reason to do so.

The command given Joshua gives God’s definition and explains why it is the best one to follow. The emphasis is on the instructions given in His laws and combining them with the trust that He is with you wherever you go. These are the command orders that establish courage. It allows belief in Him with faith; a familiar theme that you will find repeated over and over throughout the Bible.

Aggression is a tricky thing, something that requires control and temperament. Each act of aggression is undertaken with the direction and instruction of Our Father. At Jericho the first city across the Jordan, God establishes the pattern of procedure. The messenger of the Lord met Joshua and announced that He (God) was the commander of the army. (Jos. 5:13-15) Notice how when He was asked as to which side He was for, the reply was neither. Aggression has a tendency to take sides. This reduces the ability to lend compassion and increases abuse. The placement of God’s righteous authority at the forefront of aggressive acts insures the following of His Will. Remember to be holy for He is holy. Take a look at how aggression is tempered when the directions of the Lord are taken into account. (See Jos.22:10-34)

Corruption

A form of abuse that always seems to attach itself to authority is that of corruption or the abuse of that which you have been charged to do. Achan”s sin is one example of this early on but unfortunately it is not the only one. Joshua feared corruption and voiced his fear to the children of Israel. His address before the new generation carried strong warning as well as sound advice. As he pointed out, it boils down to that which is desirable in your own mind. (Jos. 24:15, 19-27) As he had warned this new generation that had not seen the wonders of the Lord, turned from His ways and practiced evil. Because Israel started to take their lead from the people and their practices which were around them, God brought forth judges from the people He had chosen.

Deborah, Gideon, and Sampson; how did they lead?

Deborah was a prophetess, leader, and judge according to the Will of God. It’s interesting that a woman is counted among the leaders of men when many are of the belief that this is not in accordance with God’s wishes. Scripture makes note of her firm position and has Barak refusing to follow her directions from the Lord, unless his own personal conditions are met. “If you go with me, I will go; but if you don’t go with me, I won’t go.” (Judges 4:8) Which of the two do you see as faithful? 

Gideon had been given instructions and had seen right before him fire from the rock, the power of the Lord; you would think this would be enough. However he still held fear of his family and townsmen concerning directions for the altar made to Baal. Later, he insisted on proof after proof with the fleece to confirm God’s effectiveness before he could exercise his faith. (Judges 6) How often do we question God’s Will in the light of what we face in the world around us? 

Sampson, the first to be a Nazirite set apart from birth for God, allowed his pride and arrogance to bring trouble upon him. In spite of his disobedience the Lord still used him to affect His plan. In the end God heard his prayer and allowed him the strength to commit suicide, taking all in the temple of Dagon with him. (Judges 16) If God assisted Sampson with suicide is the act itself a sin, or is it the conditions of the heart that make it a sin? 

In each of the stories outlined many examples of courage, aggression, abuse, and corruption can be found; not only in the leaders but also in the ranks of the people. One very good example of courage, as defined above, is found in the story of Ruth. Look at her reply to Naomi as recorded in the accounts of these two women. (Ruth 1:16-17) Her courage and trust may have accounted for her reward in having a place in the linage of Christ.  

Just as God had predicted and Moses and Joshua had warned; the children of Israel could not remain obedient. Before long we find God’s people turning their aggression on each other. (Judges 20) This plays out on a much larger scale as they pass from the time of judges and form a kingdom.

The First King

As the old saying goes, be careful what you ask for. Because of the influence from the surrounding nations, Israel cried out for a king. (1 Samuel 8) Although God regarded it as a slap in the face, He saw it coming from the beginning. Samuel was charged with making sure the people knew just what they were in for… volunteer slavery; still they insisted. Samuel at the Lord’s direction anointed Saul as the first king of Israel, but not without stiff stipulations. Kingship was not and is not to be taken lightly. Today just as then there is responsibility as well as consequences that go along with the office. It doesn’t matter if we call it President, Prim Minister, or whatever; our leaders must be careful to follow the just ways of righteousness put forth by God. In his Farewell speech Samuel makes it clear that rejecting God for an earthly king was not the best thing that they could have done. (1 Samuel 12) From the conditions laid out, the theme of blessings and curses is repeated with stronger implication. (Deut. 30:19) As we move forward, the reality of this prediction will become painfully clear.  

Psalm 38:17-18 (NIV)

For I am about to fall, and my pain is ever with me. I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin.  

This Week

Brace yourself, this week goes further into the kings of Israel and more of the corruption that is tempted by power. Use your highlighters and mark sections for later review. There is a wealth of lessons in store. I do hope that your reading is opening your mind to new understanding. There are many reasons to study scripture and one does not have to be a Christian to do so. Those who are following along can still invite friends to join; better late than never. Others who are not reading can still give input in areas that are familiar. There is always something to be gained no matter what level you enter from. Please continue your quest to finish in “90 Days”, and be encouraged… you are not alone.

Reminders

The Daily Readings are posted here… BibleGateway

The Alternate Reading plan for this week

June – Fourth Week:

Day 22 – 1 Samuel – 2 – 15

Day 23 – 1 Samuel – 16 – 27

Day 24 – 1 Samuel – 28 –- 2 Samuel - 11

Day 25 – 2 Samuel – 12 – 22

Day 26 – 2 Samuel – 23 –- 1 Kings – 7

Day 27 – 1 Kings - 8 – 17

Day 28 – 1 Kings -18 – 2 Kings - 5

Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV)

Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

Blessings,
Matt.