(240) 28 August : Proverbs 16v9 / Joshua 3-6 / Psalm 56v8-13

BEGIN WITH PRAYER

"Lord open my eyes and my heart."

Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, your family, your church and the world.

Wisdom to chew on

Proverbs 16:9

Understanding to grow in

Just as Jesus brings us through baptism into our new life and the coming new creation. the LORD leads the way into the land with the ark that symbolises his presence, bringing the people through water as through the red sea. Like Noah and family entering a new world after the flood, Israel are to be a sort of new humanity in a new world too. And like the miracles in the Exodus, this parting of the sea is intended to cause the watching nations to see God's power and Israel to fear him. They should do the same for us, eliciting commitment from each generation as they did this one. And God's power is particularly seen in Jericho falling without a sword being weilded. It is because of the particular wickedness of the Canaanite peoples that all were to be destroyed (Gen 15v16). This is horrific. But it is an act of judgment foreshadowing the greater judgment when all peoples will be rightly punished for their sin. Only when those who stand against God are removed through judgment, can his people enjoy their salvation without threat of hostility or corruption. As you read note how God's power is displayed.
Joshua 3-6

Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:

1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.

2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.

Devotion to offer up

You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.

Psalm 56:8-13

·       For introductions to the various Bible books click here.

·       To consult Matthew Henry’s concise commentary click here