Joshua 11-12; Holy War

So God fulfilled his promises. Israel was given the land that he had promised to Abraham centuries before. Yet some might argue that nothing was given. Some would argue that Joshua took it; there was no giving involved.

The big picture is that of a small nation (Deuteronomy 7:7) with no country or fighting tradition that had survived a nomadic life in the desert for a generation. They crossed a river at flood stage that normally protected eastern Palestine from invasion. They then sacked fortified and unfortified cities, conquered alliances and were victorious in the mountains or plains against infantry, cavalry and chariots. Some might attribute that to great human effort but through the eyes of faith it appears that more was involved. Crossing a flooded river without getting wet and marching around a city till the walls fall down point to supernatural involvement.

In my house church we have been discussing holiness. A major question has arisen regarding whether holiness is given by God's grace or attained by human effort? I think Joshua could add a lot to the discussion. The land was given and attained. Yet all the efforts of the army would have been futile against so many obstacles and enemies. Israel did not stand a chance alone. God, however, is credited with giving the land, handing over enemies and guiding the Jews throughout the entire invasion. In 11:20 it says that the Lord destroyed the enemies even though 11:21 says that Joshua did. 11:15 (and many others) tie the two together saying that Joshua did just what the Lord commanded.

So bottom line time. No matter how hard I try, I will never attain holiness. If I follow God's directions and walk in his ways, then he facilitates it. He saw Israel as possessing the land years before they did. He sees his followers as holy years before we can see it. He talked as if the Jews were already owners of the land before they fought for it. He talks as if we are already holy even before we struggle to become it. That God gave Israel the promised land did not mean they did nothing. That he calls us holy does not mean we are free from spiritual or moral effort. The land was given and attained; likewise holiness is given and attained.

Romans 9:1-18; Shaped by Mercy

Two thoughts seem to wrestle in my mind for preeminence when I read this section.

First, the question comes to me of "do I care this deeply for the people around me?" Paul was willing to be cursed so that others might know Christ. Do I feel the same? Do I have this depth of mercy and concern for others, especially others that I do not know personally? I stand convicted before the text.

Second, I'm back to the issue of working again. My right to stand justified before God and claim sonship is not based upon my effort or desire; my "being fit enough" to stand before God is totally a gift from him. What right do I have to pride? What right do I have to think that I have achieved anything?

So between those two thoughts, I start this day humbled. I am very blessed to be who I am and that should shape me into a man of mercy.

Luke 13:22-30; Narrow Way

He could have answered the question with a yes or no; but he chose to tell a story. He communicated far more than they were expecting. The answer is was launched with the words "make every effort". Above all else, he communicated the need for intentionality and not relying upon nationality, status or other passive factors in life. Just being a North American does not insure eternal bliss.

He then continued and added the wrinkle of finality. Once the door is closed, no one else will get in. All excuses, explanations and expectations will be for naught.

Then, as usual for Jesus, he adds a twist to the end. Not only will the door be closed to many who do not expect it, but it will be open for many that the "in crowd" did not anticipate.

So what sort of effort will I make today?