Joshua 9, Psalms 140–141, Jeremiah 3, Matthew 17

DateVersionReading Plan
@July 7, 2024ESV (2016)M’Cheyne Plan 2024

Joshua 9

Joshua 9:12–13 (ESV) 12 Here is our bread. It was still warm when we took it from our houses as our food for the journey on the day we set out to come to you, but now, behold, it is dry and crumbly. 13 These wineskins were new when we filled them, and behold, they have burst. And these garments and sandals of ours are worn out from the very long journey.”

When the inhabitants of Gibeon had heard of what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, they did not join the coalition of kings to fight against Israel but instead sought to deceive Joshua, convincing him that they were from a distant country. Wearing tattered garments along with presenting the crumbly bread and the dry wineskins demonstrate a sizable effort and thoroughness of their ruse. While it does not say in Scripture, there are indications of significant premeditation among the Gibeonites, putting everything together and holding back a certain span of time in order that the bread would be crumbly and wineskins aged by the time they reached Joshua. In this we see the wicked heart of sinful man and the lengths of treachery he will employ for self-preservation.

Psalms 140–141

Psalm 140:12–13 (ESV) 12 I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and will execute justice for the needy. 13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name; the upright shall dwell in your presence.

David opens this psalm in a plea to the LORD for deliverance and ends it with proclaiming his assurance of God’s faithfulness to the righteous. It is a wonderful model of prayer for us, coming to Him for everything we need and concluding with gratitude and acknowledgement of His goodness. May this be for us, that all His children bring every concern before the throne of grace, giving thanks to His name with our eyes cast on the future dwelling in His presence.

Jeremiah 3

Jeremiah 3:12–14 (ESV) 12 Go, and proclaim these words toward the north, and say,

“ ‘Return, faithless Israel, declares the LORD. I will not look on you in anger, for I am merciful, declares the LORD; I will not be angry forever. 13 Only acknowledge your guilt, that you rebelled against the LORD your God and scattered your favors among foreigners under every green tree, and that you have not obeyed my voice, declares the LORD. 14 Return, O faithless children, declares the LORD; for I am your master; I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion.

So much of God’s grace and unfailing love is expressed in these verses. God through Jeremiah called for repentance and a reversal of their rebellion and idolatry. He beckoned their return because He is the true Master. What wonderful words these are to speak to our own wayward hearts as well as those far from God. Our God is faithful and longsuffering, gracious in His desire that we acknowledge our guilt, turn from our wicked ways and toward our beloved Creator.

Matthew 17

Matthew 17:20 (ESV) 20 He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”

I found these verses particularly convicting this morning. Dread about my job and relationships reveal a clear lack of faith and trust in the Lord. Heavenly Father, help my unbelief. Help me to see your goodness, dominion and Lordship over all things. Help me to see that there is nothing to fear because you are with me.

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