The Book of Joshua 12-24 daily devotionals by Kevin E. Jesmer 2012

 

Saturday, September 1

 

EVERY VICTORY IS IMPORTANT TO GOD

 

Joshua 12:1-14:5

Key Verse 12:1

 

l.          Every spiritual victory is important (12:1- 24)

Chapter 12 is a list of kings and nations conquered by Joshua. Each of the 31 victories are individually recorded instead of making a blanket statement to cover all of them. Each victory is important to God, no matter how big or how small. God takes special note of each one.

 

1. Not time to retire but to re-tire. (13:1-32)

Joshua was old, a man in his 80’s. He could have retired and disappeared. But still God had important victories for him to partake in.

 

3.     Levi, small but not forgotten (14:1-5)

The land was divided among the tribes, but the tribe of Levi was given only cities and pasture land. It was not because they were not important. It was because they were dedicated to serving the God. They could be mobile in order to be flexible.

 

Prayer: “Lord, sometimes I feel insignificant in this huge world. But always remind me that, as I follow you, every spiritual victory is noticed by you and counts.”

 

One Word: Take note of the victories from God

 

 

 

Sunday, September 2

 

CALEB RECEIVES HIS INHERITANCE

 

Joshua 14:6-15

Key verse 14:12

 

1. Caleb remained faithful  (14:6-12)

Caleb was one of the original spies. He was a great man and a man of great influence. Caleb was the next in line to Joshua for obvious reasons. Because of his faith, God promised him a personal inheritance. His faith was unwavering. He trusted the Lord and was willing to continue the fight. His testimony is about God. He was claiming the promise of God. God gave him the blessing. Such faith overcomes the world.

2 . Caleb maintained his faith in God (13-15)          The Anakites were a race of giants who inherited parts of the land before Joshua’s conquest. Now that the land was Caleb’s, it still had the same giants present. That did not change. Neither did Caleb’s heart. Caleb was not afraid. He was as sure now, as he was back then, that the Lord would give him the good land.

Prayer: “Lord, it is not easy to maintain our faith in your promises throughout our life time. But grant me the faith of Caleb and help me to be faithful.”

 

One Word: I still believe!

 

 

 

 

 

Monday, September 3

 

A WOMAN CLAIMS HER INHERITANCE

 

Joshua 15:1-63

Key Verse 15:19

 

1.   The conquering spirit of one woman (1- 19)

Acsah was Caleb’s daughter. She was given to Othniel in marriage for his conquering of a city. She had bold faith to asked Caleb for springs of water because her land was in the south and was very arid. Her father gave her the springs of water which would water the land, making it very fertile. In those days women had no voice. Women did not go out to conquer lands. Achsa helped her husband who hadn’t asked. She had a conquering spirit; she fought and won. She got what she wanted for her husband’s people. God wants his people to claim what is theirs and even more.

 

2. The allotment for Judah (20-63)

Judah had the largest portion of the land (over 100 miles) In fact, the portion was so large that Simeon had his portion within the portion of Judah, but it only took up a small portion of the entire area.

God really blessed the repentance and the faith of their original ancestor, Judah himself.

 

Prayer: “Lord, thank you that you respect women. Please raise up women who have the spirit of conquest in their hearts.”

 

One Word: Possess a conquering spirit

 

 

Tuesday, September 4

CLEAR IT AND ITS FURTHEST LIMITS

Joshua 16:1-17:18                                                Key verse 17:17-18

1.    The allotments where given fairly (16:1-17:11)               Joseph did not have a tribe named after him because, as the oldest son of Rachel, he received a double portion of the inheritance which was given to his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Jacob considered these boys like his own sons. (Gen 48:5) Also, women did not traditionally inherit property. But when five daughters asked for an inheritance, Joshua upheld fairness and law and gave them allotments. (Num 27:1-11) Our God is just and fair. We can entrust our lives to him.

2.  There’s the land – you must claim it (17:14-18)     Two tribes were to go back across the Jordan to clear their land. But now they were complaining, saying that their land was too small. This was not true. They wanted more but were not willing to fight for it. Joshua basically said, “If you want more…then work for it,” asking them to prove their sincerity by clearing the unclaimed forested areas. They agreed.

Prayer: ”Lord, thank you for your fairness and your justice. I entrust my life to you as I clear the portion you have given me.”

 

One Word: Clear the inheritance God has given

 

 

Wednesday, September 5

 

HOW LONG WILL YOU WAIT?

 

Joshua 18:1-19:51

Key Verse 18:2,3

1. Do not wait any longer. (18:1-10)                     Seven tribes had not yet been assigned their land. Joshua cast lots to determine which allotments they would receive. After receiving their land, instead of obeying God’s command to destroy the remaining Canaanites, these tribes pressed the “easy” button. They feared the high cost of warfare. Joshua asked why they were putting off the job of possessing the land. Often we delay doing what we know we must do. Continually putting things off reveals lack of stewardship and even disobedience to God.

2. Stewards of their own inheritance (18:11-19:53)      Well defined boundaries were created which represented the promised inheritances for each tribe since the time of Jacob. The boundaries also reduced territorial and resource conflicts. Local loyalty and unity would strengthen each tribe and help them to develop and mature. But mostly, in this way, each tribe could practice ownership. We must grow and mature where God led us by taking responsibility and stewardship.

Prayer: “Lord Jesus, I procrastinate so often in doing the things I know you want me to do. Help me to have decisive faith.”

 

One Word:  Take stewardship of your land.

 

Thursday, September 6

 

THE FOUNDATION OF GOD’S SOCIETY

 

Joshua 20:1-9

Key verse 20:6

 

1.  Our God is a God of justice (1-6)

The Israelites designated cities of refuge. They prevented injustice in cases of revenge. If someone accidently killed another, they could flee to this city where they would be safe until a fair trial. The Levites ensured that God’s principles of justice and fairness. They were to be intolerant towards sin but impartial to the accused. After the trial the accused could be set free or be handed over to the avengers depending on the verdict. These cities reflect the merging of God’s law with mercy.

 

2.  These cities reflect our Savior, Jesus. (7-9)

The names of cities reflect Jesus: Holiness, Strength, Fellowship, Safety, Uplifting, and Happiness. The High priest is a type of Christ, for when the high priest died the person was free and would be protected by the law. When Jesus died on the cross, believers are set free to live a new life, free from condemnation. The six cities were spaced so that a person would never be far from one. Jesus is not far from all of us.

 

Prayer: “Lord, thank you for your mercy and protection. Help me to take refuge in my Savior, Jesus.”

 

One Word: Jesus, you are my “city of refuge”

Friday, September 7

 

THE LEVITES ARE GIVEN AN INHERITANCE

 

Joshua 21:1-45

Key Verse 21:3

1. God helps us to be a blessing (1-42)                     The Levites were to minister before God, so they were given cities. The Lord provided for the tribe of Levi, even though their forefather, Levi, was cursed due to the slaughter at Shechem. (Gen 34)  God’s law and grace are revealed. Judgment scattered them in Israel, but grace made them a kingdom of priests and gave them 48 cities with their own pastures. God is a God of justice who cares about his people and changes their situations into blessing.

2.   God is faithful to fulfill his promises (43-45)            God proved faithful in fulfilling every promise he had given. It may have taken years, but every one was fulfilled. His promises will be fulfilled according to his timetable, but we know that his word is true. The more we experience God’s promises being fulfilled, the easier it is to hope for the fulfillment of those yet to come. Sometimes we are impatient, wanting God to act in a certain way, which is usually “now”. Instead, we should faithfully follow Jesus and trust him for the future.

Prayer: “Lord, thank you for helping me to be a blessing, even though I don’t deserve it. Help me to fulfill my role as one of the priests in your kingdom.”

 

One Word: God is faithful.

Saturday, September 8

 

RETURN TO YOUR HOMES

 

Joshua 22:1-9

Key Verse 22:4

1.  The eastern tribes were sent home (1-4)     Before the conquest began, the eastern tribes were given land on the east side of the Jordan River. But before they could settle down, they first promised to help the other tribes conquer the land on the west side. They patiently and diligently carried out their duties. Joshua commended them for their faithfulness. At the end of the duties, they were allowed to return to their families and build their own cities. Commitment and faithfulness are a vital part of God’s work. But it is never easy. We are tempted to quit early even before God’s work is done.

2.  Blessings are tied to spiritual responsibility (5-9)      Joshua briefly delivered a message that Moses gave the people in Deuteronomy: to love God, to walk in his ways and obey his commands. All they do is based on the love of God. The Israelites had completed their responsibility and were about to receive more grace. But Joshua reminded them of their spiritual responsibility that goes along with grace.

Prayer: “Lord, daily I am tempted to not follow through and complete the missions you have set before. Grant me a “finishing” spirit as I follow you.”

 

One Word: Love God, walk in his ways and obey.

Sunday, September 9

 

A WITNESS BETWEEN US: THE LORD IS GOD

 

Joshua 22:10-34

Key Verse 22:27

 

1.  Check out the facts first (10-20)

When the eastern tribes built an altar at the Jordan, the rest of the tribes feared they were starting their own religion and rebelling against the Lord. But before beginning an all out war, Phinehas led a delegation to learn the truth. He was prepared to negotiate rather than fight. When he learned that the altar was for a memorial rather than for pagan sacrifice, war was averted and unity restored. We should employ a similar approach to conflict resolution. Never assume the worst. Check out the facts and hear the whole story.

2. Remember God’s grace (21-34)                                      The eastern tribes wanted some visible sign of unity between the people on both sides of the Jordan. The altar was not to worship on, but to remind future generations that they worshipped the same God. They felt that the need to remind their descendants of their forefathers’ faith. It is imperative that we pass on our faith in Jesus and the Gospel to future generations.

Prayer: “Lord, I am so quick to condemn and not give the other person the benefit of the doubt. Help me to seek and hold onto the facts always.”

 

One Word:  Teach the next generation Gospel faith.

 

Monday, September 10

 

JOSHUA’S FAREWELL SPEECH

 

Joshua 23:1-16

Key Verse 23:8

 

1.  The Lord your God who fought for you (1-11)

Joshua called all the Israelite leaders to hear his final words. He knew the nation’s weak points and gave them commands to help them where they were the most likely to fall away.  He begins with reminding them of the obvious grace of God. God had delivered his people and they must never forget it. He planted faith in God’s continued presence in their lives. He challenged the people to make a conscious choice to be strong, courageous and always serve God. When they hold fast to the Lord, loving him, continued victory is promised.

 

2.  A dire warning (12-16)

Joshua pleaded with his people to be holy and not succumb to the pagan nations’ allure or worship their gods. They were not to intermarry with them. If they gave in then they would suffer a lot and perish from the land. Joshua knew the importance of our associations and relationships in the world.  Like Joshua we must conceded that we have weaknesses and hold fast to the Lord, Jesus. Then we can overcome temptations.

 

Prayer: “Lord, you know my weak points. Show me my need for a Savior and your word. Help me to hold fast to Jesus, walking in your strength.”

 

One Word: Hold fast to the Lord

 

Tuesday, September 11

 

REMEMBER GOD’S GRACE AND THANK GOD!

 

Joshua 24:1-13

Key Verse 24:2,3

1.   God’s history of deliverance (1-11)                                        Joshua issued a second summons. God had a message for his people and so he talked about the history of salvation, redemption and deliverance. He began with Abraham. Abraham worshipped idols. But God called him to be a man of faith. He talked about the deliverance of his people from slavery in Egypt and points to how nations were driven before them. As long as Israel served the Lord, the Lord fought for them.

2.  They were blessed by God (13)                      God gave them land for which they did not toil. They received cities that they did not build and ate its fruit and olives. What a great image of what Jesus has done for us. We are given a salvation bought for us by his blood. We are brought into a kingdom open wide through his own suffering, death and resurrection. We enjoy fruits that we did not procure but were given to us by God to enjoy and cultivate and glorify Jesus through. All we can do is thank God and live for the glory of God.

 

Prayer: “Lord, how blessed I am. I am who I am all because of you who have led me thus far. Thank you Lord, and help me to be a good steward”

 

One Word: Thank God and live for God’s glory.

Wednesday, September 12

 

CHOOSE WHOM YOU WILL SERVE

 

Joshua 24:14-33

Key Verse 24:14,15

 

1.   A decision to serve the Lord (14-28)

God does a lot for us, but there comes a time when we must make a choice. Joshua gave his own household testimony. He was saying, “I made a choice. This is why I can stand before you without being polluted by the world.” Joshua influenced the people to make a right decision and make a conscious choice to always serve God. When a person stands with God then their conviction is real. They have a tremendous affect. God has set before us life and death. People need to choose. Do you think your decisions will make a difference?

2. Buried in the Promised Land (29-33)                          When Joshua died, an era of God’s history was over. He was buried at Timnah, but his faith lived on. Those who die with faith will live on in heaven, but their legacy also lives on in this world. Joseph’s faith remained a witness among them through his bones which they had carried for 400 years and now buried. Eliezer was also buried in his son’s inheritance. The faith of these three men still shines.

Prayer: “Lord, thank you for leading me to this hour of decision. I now dedicate me and my whole family to serve you.”

 

One Word: Have faith that will change the world.