God Sightings Week 16, April 18th-25th

Old Testament: Joshua 15:1 – Judges 2:9 

 
• One of the overarching themes that we see presented in these sections – and into Judges as well – is the trouble that the Israelites encountered due to not fully driving out the inhabitants of the land. On careful reading of the text you’ll find several places where they slightly exaggerated how well they had followed the Lord’s instructions – we all tend to think we’ve done much better at following than we probably have! Later on you find them dealing with the results of not obeying as fully as they had said. For example, in Joshua 21:43 we have, “Thus the LORD gave to Israel all the land that he swore to their ancestors that he would give them; and having taken possession of it, they settled there. And the LORD gave them rest on every side just as he had sworn to their ancestors; not one of all their enemies had withstood them, for the LORD had given all their enemies into their hands.” However, having read the previous chapters,15:63, 16:10, and further into Judges we see that several people groups could not be driven out. Therefore, they put them under their subjection and made them slaves. I find this an interesting parallel to our own lives. Oftentimes we like to congratulate ourselves on all that we have accomplished, when in fact, we didn’t really do as much as we thought, or should have. Where in your life are exaggerating your instructions and goals? Are you really doing as well as you tell yourself, or as well as you tell others, or as well as you tell God? 

New Testament: Luke 18:18 – Luke 22:13 

 
• In Luke 18:18 – 25 we find the great story of the rich young ruler who was told to give up his possessions and follow Jesus. Many people, I believe, misinterpret this verse into saying that Jesus wants us all poor. However, it’s a story about one particular person, not a directive given to everyone. The point is, Jesus knows the one thing that is keeping us from going on with Him. And it’s something different for each of us. We all have that “one thing” that is hindering us from growing in our spirituality, and it’s up to us to deal with it when confronted with it. Don’t be afraid to be honest and deal with it. When the Lord shows you something that is really hindering your walk, don’t walk away like this man did. Deal with it and go on.