http://legacyumc.org/blog/index.php var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? "https://ssl." : "http://www."); document.write(unescape("%3Cscript src='" + gaJsHost + "google-analytics.com/ga.js' type='text/javascript'%3E%3C/script%3E")); ]]> http://legacyumc.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry130425-083643 So the Lord gave to Israel all the land he had sworn to give their ancestors, and they took possession of it and settled there. And the Lord gave them rest on every side, just as he had solemnly promised their ancestors. None of their enemies could stand against them, for the Lord helped them conquer all their enemies. Not a single one of all the good promises the Lord had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true. Joshua 21: 43-45
At the conclusion of another long chapter of allotments - this time, the cities and pastures that were to be designated for the various members of the clans of Levites. This paragraph seems like a conclusion of sorts, and makes us think (hope) this long book of killing and dividing the land might be coming to a close. We'll see. But today I was struck with the last verse: Not a single one of all the good promises the Lord had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true.
Well, good for them! But I wondered if the same is true today, true for me, us? Are all the promises of God - good - and does God fulfill all the promises He's made? Does everything He speak come true? I have to say yes - a resounding yes! I believe that God does indeed make good promises to us, His human creatures. I also believe that God is ultimately faithful, and does not leave any promise unfulfilled; everything God speaks ultimately comes true. We don't always see it, we often misinterpret it, and frankly, we just flatly don't know or care enough to really get it. We have so skewed what God has promised to fit with our selfishly defined and predetermined understanding of what God does, and how God is supposed to act, according to our preconceptions, that we fail to see the fulfillment of all God's promises
For example, we have come to believe that God has promised only to bless us, and give us good things and experiences in this life - so when something bad or negative happens to us, we automatically interpret that it's source is other than God, or that God has failed to keep His promise. What we miss is how we've messed up our understanding of God's promise to bless us. Sometimes those blessings come in ways that we can't imagine or accept. Sometimes those blessings aren't realized for years or decades. Sometimes those blessings aren't blessings at all, but warnings or corrections, or discipline. It is not that God's promises aren't all good; it's not that God has failed to fulfill his promise; it's that we have messed up what God's good promises really mean - and instead of doubting our misunderstanding, we take the easier path - we blame God for being less than we expected Him to be, or fault Him for failing to do what we'd predetermined He should do. We devalue who God is, by our own self-absorbed misunderstanding.
Please hear me: this is no attempt to "get God off the hook", for what we perceive to be a lack of concern or care for His creation - it is an honest attempt to remind us that our understanding of ALL THINGS GOD - has been compromised by our sinful humanness. Let's just acknowledge that, and admit we don't get it all, and agree to live and trust that God is Good, therefore His promises are all good. God is powerful, therefore He will fulfill all those promises in His Good time. We have some limitations - and we'll have to just live with them, but God is good, all the time; all the time, God is good! "True that", as the youngsters say today!
]]> http://legacyumc.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry130417-091935 The Lord said to Joshua, “Now tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed Moses.  Anyone who kills another person accidentally and unintentionally can run to one of these cities; they will be places of refuge from relatives seeking revenge for the person who was killed. Joshua 20:1-3
The first word of grace since the beginning of Joshua. Yeah!! Following chapters of merciless killing of seemingly innocent people - finally...a word of grace. Following chapters of allotments and divisions of property - finally...a command, that there be designated cities for people who unintentionally or accidentally kill another person. All the accidental killer has to do is run to one of these cities, plead his/her case before the judicial authorities, and if found not guilty; they must then live in that city until the reigning High Priest dies. Seems like a fairly "grace-full" option, in the middle of this book of rampant, almost ritual killing of innocent non-Hebrew people.
As I read this today, I thought ' "Where are the cities of Refugee today?" In the wake of the tragic terrorist attack in Boston this week, (and I know the perpetrator(s) are certainly not innocent of any accidental killing) - where do the unintentional killer (or other wayward sinners) run to for refugee today? Where do I go for refugee?
I suppose the easy and expected answer is "Jesus". Yes, we who are sinners (that'd be all of us) can find refugee no where else but in the grace-full arms of Jesus - but do we also need a physical place to run to? I think so, and I believe the church might be (should be) the modern version of Cities of Refugee. I know that many churches have been just the opposite - even killing their own wounded (abandoning the pregnant youth group teenager, rejecting the divorced mother, turning away the addicts, ignoring the struggling, despising the doubters), but I'm thankful today for the many churches that are getting it right - being honest, healthy cities of refugee. I know many are getting it wrong, but this city, this country, this world are filled with faith-communities that practice grace rather than condemnation, and love rather than law. I'm thankful to be part of such a church. God, please help us (me) to always have open arms to the unintentional (and willful) sinner running in our direction!
]]> http://legacyumc.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry130405-103121 These are the allotments Moses had made while he was on the plains of Moab, across the Jordan River, east of Jericho. 33 But Moses gave no allotment of land to the tribe of Levi, for the Lord, the God of Israel, had promised that he himself would be their allotment. Joshua 13: 32-33

The 13th chapter is the first of 7 chapters almost entirely dedicated to the division of land for the tribes of Israel. The conquering is largely over, the settlement of the land is next. Joshua employs numerous means to allocate the parcels of land to each of the tribes, and this allotting continues through the 19th chapter. There are a number of cute stories about Caleb making a special request to be given special favors in determining his portion, about Othniel begging for a water spring along with her tract of land, and of Joshua casting "sacred stones" (dice) to determine who gets the last 7 pieces of property. Besides those snippets of cuteness - there isn't much of spiritual significance, in my opinion.
But this allotment of land leaves out one tribe; Levi. The Levites are the designated tribe to serve God and the people as priests, and they receive no land, because The Lord, the God of Israel, had promised that he himself would be their allotment. On the surface this must have seemed like an insult to the Levites; not only did they not get any parcel of land with which they might make a living, or insure their children an inheritance; they were apparently bound for life to serving the people, and serving God. Their livelihood depended solely on the graciousness of God, and the generosity of the people. At face value, I wonder if they felt like they got the raw end of the deal?
I also wonder if we do too? We have become experts in the field of "wanting" our many "allotments". We have filled our lives with toys, and goodies, unnecessities, and stuff. We have learned to value our selves and others based largely on the amounts of our possessions and money. We have even come to define who we are based on what we do to earn a living to provide us more things. I believe we have tragically traded "God being our allotment", for a bunch of often unfulfilling stuff. I want to return today to living as if God were my only allotment - not relying on my job, my money, my retirement, my toys - even my friends and family - but God alone is my allotment. I'm guessing if I can in even a small way succeed at this task - I'll find myself much more content. ]]> http://legacyumc.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry130403-101816 You might notice I skipped the 12th chapter; it is filled (as are the next few chapters) of listings of conquered kings, division of lands to the Israelite tribes, and setting of new boundaries in the Promised Land. I'm not saying those items are unimportant - they were probably just a lot more important and spiritually meaningful to the inhabitant recipients, than they appear to be to me. Sorry. I did however find some inspiration from the first verse of chapter 13:
When Joshua was an old man, the Lord said to him, “You are growing old, and much land remains to be conquered. Joshua 13:1
It is possible that the Lent / Easter anti-climax has left me tired, or my ever increasing age appears to be speeding up, or my battle-weary mind/spirit needs refreshing; but this verse was a great reminder for me today. I, like Joshua, 'feel' like an old man most days. I am reminded (by God - and my noncompliant body) that I can no longer do as many things (well) as I used to. Though I often lament that fact, and pine for younger days; in more sane moments I thank God for the exchange of energy for wisdom that occasionally visits me. My experiences may have left me weary - but hopefully they have also made me (at least somewhat) wiser.
But it was that last part of the verse that really jumped out at me today: and much land remains to be conquered. I believe (hope) that is true for me today as it was for Joshua. I see and am compelled forward, not just by the calling that burns within me, but the vision of what lies ahead. I have long ago abandoned the thought of greatness, long ago departed from thinking my success was in any way dependent upon me, and long since given up thinking that I am continually going to get better (at golf, and many other unreasonable illusions). But, I am encouraged that God would remind Joshua of the fact that much land remains to be conquered. I am compelled, even energized, by the fact that much work needs to be done, and in some small way God has enlisted me to help Him do it. There are people in my circle of influence that need Jesus, there are people in this community that need Jesus, there are people in this world that still need Jesus - and though my life is just one - I want to spend it, inviting all people to come to know the love and joy I've found in this long adventure of following the one who gave ( and continues to renew ) new life within me. That hope gives some impetus to get up and get going today. Man, I need that! Thank you God. ]]> http://legacyumc.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry130326-100610 So Joshua took control of the entire land, just as the Lord had instructed Moses. He gave it to the people of Israel as their special possession, dividing the land among the tribes. So the land finally had rest from war. Joshua 11:23

Finally, finally, maybe the killing is over. Hopefully now that the Promised Land has been purged, we can get on with some more meaningful and practical applications for our lives in this day.
The entire 11th chapter is taken up with more killing and slaughter, the 12th is taken up with naming and listing all the kings and their conquered countries. Not much spiritual stuff to mine.
I guess I am intrigued with how Joshua did what he did? How did he obey God so faithfully, when what God asked, expected, and commanded...seems so far from what we know about who God is? How can Joshua kill the thousands of God's very own creatures, and seemingly not bat an eye? Did Joshua feel any remorse or sadness - or did the end reward completely justify the bloody means? Did the prospect of rightfully claiming what had been stolen from Israel (the Promised Land) so many years ago, inspire Joshua to just plow through the killing fields unaffected by the suffering he surely inflicted? We'll never know.
All I can take from this today is that sometimes obedience has a cost. Following Jesus is not always hard - not always easy either - and sometimes being obedient has a cost. When standing up for your personal convictions (which hopefully are built on Godly principles), flys in the face of modern convention or even your family or friends - thats hard to do, and might prove costly. When doing the wrong thing seems easier, and nobody is watching - you do the right thing anyway - that is sometimes difficult. When you risk something dear, some possession, some money, some time, some loss of reputation; for something that others deem unworthy - but you do it because you know its right - that can prove a large price to pay. Following Jesus is not always easy, not always hard - but sometimes doing what God desires can prove costly. I hope that today I can do the hard, right, thing. Help me God. ]]> http://legacyumc.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry130325-105917 So the sun stood still and the moon stayed in place until the nation of Israel had defeated its enemies. Joshua 10:13
I'm really wondering today why I chose (or God 'inspired' me) to spend time reading and reflecting on the book of Joshua. We like the 'story' of Joshua; succeeding the great Moses, ending the wandering in the wilderness, assuming their rightful place in the "Promised Land". We like how the story begins, and ends - with the entrance into the "Promised Land", and the establishment of the nation of Israel in a new, faithful, committed relationship with God again. But we don't much like what it took to get from the 'entrance' to the 'establishment'. There is a whole lot of killing going on. This 10th chapter is the worst (so far); it is the continuous and graphic recitation of Joshua and Israel overcoming, one town/army/enemy/adversary after another. With each comes the sordid accounting that mentions all the inhabitants, all the people (presumably the children also) who are annihilated. The kings/leaders of these various southern city's get the worst of it - the humiliating torture of being impaled on a pole outside each city for all to see - until they are dead, then piled and covered with rocks - which are there to this day.
I don't like this chapter. I struggle with how and why God would destroy so many of His creation. Especially egregious seems today's eradication; as God makes the sun stand still in the daylight sky; seemingly to enable more slaughter - it just seems so gory, unloving, and harsh. I'm glad God got over this means and method for dealing with the unfaithful among his creatures (me).
But I can find a lesson here, if I stretch this message to me personally. I get the "big picture" of Joshua's conquest and cleansing of the nation which would once again be Israel's home. I get the removal of any and all unfaithful factions from their midst. I get the divine insistence that all evil be removed. I get that what this chapter presents on a grand, national scale; might help me when applied on a more personal one - my dealing with the sinful nature that squats illegitimately in the recesses of my mind, heart, soul, and even body. I get that the eradication of sin and wickedness from my life is not a pretty site; but an ongoing battle. I get the point that wherever sin, evil and unfaithfulness reside - there must be - God would at least like there to be - a complete eradication of all such aliens. Not so alien to me, but alien to God and what God desires for me. Though I've never seen the sun stand still in my long struggles to overcome temptations and sins; I have known God to extend great grace to my less than heartfelt struggles to eradicate sin and overcome the unfaithfulness that lurks like an unwelcome houseguest. God, help me today, do all I can, and trust all You ARE; to eliminate all the unbecoming sins I so easily entertain; and live more for you. ]]> http://legacyumc.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry130323-113400 So the Israelites examined their food, but they did not consult The Lord. Joshua 9:14
This is an interesting chapter about how the leaders of the nation's Israel was about to overthrow; banded together; not to fight, but to create this deceptive diversion and spare the lives of their people. It worked - all because of this verse! You see, Israel was charged by God to overthrow all the foreigners in Israel on their way to occupying their promised home land. The word got to these leaders how Israel had overthrown and killed all the people in Jericho, and Ai, and this reputation made them desperate, so they developed this ruse. Joshua and the leaders of Israel believed their made up story of traveling so far, and wishing for peace, and would they sign a covenant to spare their lives. Israel and Joshua, examined their bread - but did not consult with The Lord!
What a picture perfect metaphor of of much of my life, and our world today. We have all kinds of deceptions, temptations, decisions, conflicts, and troubles that come our way - and instead of consulting The Lord - we spend inordinate and improper efforts examining all the periphery issues - while we ignore the simple, most direct, and most helpful instruction - "why don't you/we just consult The Lord?"
For example; the ND legislature is haggling right now over Abortion legislation, and one of the primary arguments against enacting this legislation is that it may cost millions of dollars to legally defend this position in the certain court challenges that will follow. So we fret and weigh if that is a good idea (examining the bread); while were we to simply consult The Lord - I think the picture, and the decision would clearly emerge! I believe The Lord might value even one spared life, over all the millions it might cost to save him/her! Just my opinion.
Not to make this an abortion rant; but this principle can be applied multiple ways. My wife and I have come under attack this week from a disgruntled friend who has scandalously smeared us among a number of other friends and members of our church. It is our human nature to want to defend ourselves, return revenge, or withdraw altogether (examining the bread) - when what we should (and are trying to do) is consult The Lord, leave it in His hands, turn the other cheek, take the high road, etc. But it is hard. It is much easier to spend all our time planning and hoping, maybe even trying to direct and determine how this will work out (examining the bread) instead of just praying that the truth will be known, God's will will be done, (consulting The Lord). So...
God, help me today make my first response to whatever comes my way - Consulting with YOU!!! Before I take it upon myself to defend myself, or extract my revenge, or even plan my escape - help me to consult you, trust you, follow you. You are faithful and I am so human stupid - why would I trust my examination, when the creator of the world awaits my consultation. ]]> http://legacyumc.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry130318-110459 Joshua then read to them all the blessings and curses Moses had written in the Book of Instruction.  Every word of every command that Moses had ever given was read to the entire assembly of Israel, including the women and children and the foreigners who lived among them. Joshua 8: 34-35
I have had a hard time finding some nugget of applicable truth in this 8th chapter. Following the debacle of Achan disobeying God's instructions about not keeping any of the plunder from Israel's successful attack and overthrow of Jericho; God now changes the instructions as Israel attempts to overthrow the city of Ai. Remember in the 7th chapter Israel and Joshua presumed upon the blessing of God, and underestimated the power of the army of Ai, were defeated and lost 35 soldiers from Israel's army. This time around, God uses a bit of deception to accomplish His "will". The Israelite army is to send part of their soldiers into the valley as decoys. When Ai's army comes out to attack, the rest of Israel's army will ambush them, and destroy them. While this battle rages, Joshua, and the rest of the Israelites will run into Ai and set it on fire, burning all that remain, except the livestock and treasures. Presumably the women and children were all killed as the men/soldiers were killed outside the city. Only the king of Ai is spared, and that not for long. At the end of this horrific day, he is impaled on a spear, left to die an agonizing and public death, and just before sundown he is taken down and buried under a huge pile of stones.
As I mentioned in a previous blog, I struggle with the killing of innocents, whether children, women or even soldiers who are drafted into a service they may not have chosen; all to appease the God of Israel, and fulfill His plan to purge the land from all perversions and rivals. It just seems arbitrary, unjust, vengeful, and frankly not very loving. I know this was a different time and place, and I don't know how evil were these squatters in God's Holy Land - but it just seems - hard.
The verses included in the beginning speak of another altar built outside the former city of Ai, and the nation of Israel assembled to hear ALL of Moses' commands read again. Apparently, Joshua (and God) don't want these Israelites to forget why they were doing this, and what this cleansing really means. It was almost like this was a recommittal to the plan - after only a short many days since its beginning. The Israelites disobeyed God (Achan) and paid a price, they disobeyed God thinking only 3000 soldiers were necessary to take Ai, and they lost 35 soldiers. Now, they obey God, and see amazing victory, and maybe God says - "are you getting it now? Do as I tell you and you will be fine - disobey, and there is a terrible price to pay."
I know that my life has been marked by an innumerable number of "fits and starts and recommittals"; I can clearly understand the necessity of "starting again" if even after such a short time. So, today, God, please accept my prayer of confession for the times I fail to obey, and the times I willfully disobey, and please, please, accept my prayer of re-commitment to follow and do your will to the best of my ability. ]]> http://legacyumc.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry130306-101627 Achan replied, “It is true! I have sinned against the Lord, the God of Israel. Among the plunder I saw a beautiful robe from Babylon, 200 silver coins, and a bar of gold weighing more than a pound. I wanted them so much that I took them...
Then Joshua and all the Israelites took Achan, the silver, the robe, the bar of gold, his sons, daughters, cattle, donkeys, sheep, goats, tent, and everything he had, and they brought them to the valley of Achor. Then Joshua said to Achan, “Why have you brought trouble on us? The Lord will now bring trouble on you.” And all the Israelites stoned Achan and his family and burned their bodies. They piled a great heap of stones over Achan, which remains to this day. That is why the place has been called the Valley of Trouble ever since. So the Lord was no longer angry. Joshua 7:20-21,25-26
Following the amazing overthrow of the fortified city of Jericho, with only a few trumpet blasts, and a bunch of shouting; the Israelites laid waste to the city and her inhabitants. They had been given specific instructions to destroy all the contents of the city. The Hebrew word for destroy can also be "set them apart for sacrifice". The plunder of this city was to be destroyed or kept for a sacrifice to God - it was not to be taken by any individual. Achan didn't get the message.
He stole some of the beautiful things he found, and hid them under the ground, under his tent. Not unlike so much of the ill-gotten bootie we attempt to accumulate; it often ends up underground, or in the vault somewhere; hardly able to be enjoyed or appreciated.
Israel underestimates their next enemy, and are soundly defeated, largely because God is not happy about the doings of Achan. Joshua falls on his face, and after a lengthy process, God reveals the perpetrator: Achan. He is confronted and promptly confesses all he has done. His riches are retreived, and you'd think that a slap on the wrist might suffice - but no - he and all his family are stoned to death, and their bodies burnt. Seems harsh.
There is not much grace in the Old Testament. That troubles us who have become so acquainted with Jesus and his New Testament (and beyond) outpourings of grace. We hardly ever feel the full effects of our sin, unless some legal action is applied. We hardly ever know the full weight of what our sins cost, because Jesus has paid the price. Instead, we get grace, and on we go. To hear of Achan, who makes what to us sounds like a pretty good confession, and then is still stoned and burned, seems unfair. Just remember it was a different time, place and circumstance. God was trying to get these Israelites off on the right foot in this new attempt to regain their rightful Promised Land place. God had to lay down the law, to make an example if you will, and Achan pays the awful price. We might wish it otherwise, but I afraid we have to live with: "God knows better."
We also have to live with the fact that because of Jesus, we get what we don't deserve. I heard it said this way once: "Justice is getting what we deserve; Mercy is not getting what we deserve; Grace is getting what we don't deserve!" That pretty much sums up how blest I feel to live in this New Covenant age. I much prefer Grace to either Justice or Mercy, but I'm still sad for Achan and his family. God help me not presume upon your Grace today - and by the way - thank you for Jesus! ]]> http://legacyumc.org/blog/index.php?entry=entry130304-100444 When the people heard the sound of the rams’ horns, they shouted as loud as they could. Suddenly, the walls of Jericho collapsed, and the Israelites charged straight into the town and captured it. Joshua 6:20
This chapter is a study in obedience. Joshua stands next to the fortified city with all the Hebrew people. He and they know that this city stands between them and their progressive march to retake their Promised Land. One would expect preparations for war and a great battle to ensue. What happens instead, are these strange instructions to place a certain number of soldiers ahead of the ark of the Covenant, a number of Ram's Horn wielding priests, then all the people silently marching around the city for 6 consecutive days. Finally, on the 7th day they are to march around 7 times, and on the last lap, Joshua would tell the people to shout, and they did, and the walls all fall down. Sounds like a combination of Sesame Street counting numbers, and Humpty Dumpty!
I'm not going to get into the "miracle" part of this story, not because that might not be interesting, but because I believe the point of this story, (like so many in Israel's ongoing adventures) is all about obedience. Would these people do exactly as God had directed Joshua to direct these people. Remember these are the direct descendants of the stiff-necked grumblers who spent 40 years of disobedience and complaining in the wilderness. Would Joshua's instructions be meticulously carried out? Yes, it seems they were, and the city is given to them without so much as a skirmish.
I am given some certain and specific instructions today, and everyday. Will I obey? Will I do as I am told and win some unusual victory, in some strange way? Or will I rant and rave, grumble and complain about my life not being easier, or this way that seems hard or strange, this requirement that seems unnecessary, this 'test' which seems unfair, this request that appears unkind? I'm afraid I know the answer - because I'm afraid I know me. I want things to be sensible, safe, and...well...frankly, easy! God just says, "Do this" or "Don't do That"; and I want to justify my disobedience by claiming the request or requirement was to unusual. I'm a knuckle head. God help me just say yes, continue marching, and Shout when you say Shout. Enough of this other nonsense. ]]>