This week, I'd like to take a break from the book of Joshua and delve into the wonderful and mysterious topic of the Trinity. Since this is a study on the Spirit-filled life, it would be wise to acquaint ourselves better with the person of the Holy Spirit. How can God manifest Himself in three persons and yet be completely One? It is a difficult concept for our finite minds to grasp. But there is something so powerful about being in relationship with God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Most of us know these names, but do we relate to Him in all three aspects of His Personality? Does it matter? Yes! I believe it can add tremendous depth and dimension to our relationship with the God of the Universe.
I recently joined a women's Bible study which is covering the topic of the Holy Spirit. Last week we looked at Genesis 1:26 where God says, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." This passage highlights several important characteristics of God. First, that Father, Son and Spirit were all involved in Creation. Second, that God exists in relationship with Himself. And third, He created man in His image, according to His likeness. God exists in relationship and created us to be in relationship with Him and other people. Think about it....God is dialoging with Himself about the creation of man! For some reason, that blows my mind. There is constant conversation going on in Heaven. Doesn't it make you wonder what else He talks about? :)
One of my favorite teachers, Graham Cooke, offers a helpful picture. In our western mindset, we tend to visualize the Trinity as a triangle with the Father at the top and Jesus and the Spirit opposite each other at the bottom. But this implies a hierarchy which does not accurately represent God's nature. A better picture is that of a round table with three figures sitting around it, equal in relation to each other. This sparks the idea of the Communion table or the place where we dine with the Lord through the Word and prayer. If the Father, Son and Spirit are already there, talking with each other, we are just joining in the fellowship. When we come to His table, we enter into the conversation. God made us in His image to be able to commune with Him, in all aspects of His Personality. Isn't that cool? I can't wrap my mind around it, but my heart is amazed.
Thought Questions: What is your picture of the Trinity? Do you see the Holy Spirit as a Person with knowledge, feeling and will? Or do you treat Him as an impersonal power or force? As my new Bible study leader said last week..."A correct understanding of the Holy Spirit will change your life". (Thanks Jenny!)
Monday, June 8, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Come to the Table
"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies..." Psalm 23:5a
After the Israelites were circumcised at Gilgal, they celebrated Passover for the first time in 40 years (Joshua 5:10). They never celebrated it in the wilderness. But now in the Land of Promise, after the flesh was "rolled away", they finally observe the feast. The Spirit-filled believer will be drawn to the New Testament Passover - the Lord's Table of Communion. When we're in the wilderness we often don't give priority to Communion. Sometimes we need to do a heart-check. Jon Courson says, "When is the last time you sought the Lord, saying "I need to eat and drink of you"? If you make your way to the Lord's Table, even though you, like the children of Israel, might be surrounded by enemies, trials, and problems, you'll find yourself participating in the Spirit-filled life once again."
I also take a broader view on the Lord's Table. When we live in the Promised Land, we are to be in constant communion with God through His Spirit. It's a new way of being with Him. In the presence of our enemies, God prepares a feast for us. What an amazing picture! We would wait for a peaceful moment to have a meal. But God wants us to sit with Him and eat in the midst of the battle. God's not anxious - He's relaxed and confident. He knows the outcome. He knows exactly what we need to meet the challenges ahead. But it's not a drive-through. We have to eat and drink deeply of Him. This is true Communion.
One of my favorite scriptures, Isaiah 55:1-3a says, "Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance. Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live..."
Joshua 5:11-12 says, "Then the manna ceased on the day after they had eaten the produce of the land; and the children of Israel no longer had manna, but they ate the food of the land of Canaan that year." It's interesting that now in the Land of Promise, the manna ceases. Courson notes that when the Israelites were delivered from Egypt and wandered in the wilderness they saw more signs and wonders than any other people group in history. Yet it was unbelief that kept them from entering the Land. As we see many times in the New Testament, seeing miracles doesn't produce faith. It comes from hearing the Word (Romans 10:17). In the Land of Promise we are sustained by the "formidable fruit" rather than the "miraculous manna".
In the Spirit-filled life, we are invited to continually dine with the Lord and feast on His Word. Our faith is steadfast regardless of visible miracles. The fruit of the Spirit in our lives is truly miraculous.
Thought Question: Is there a situation in your life where you feel surrounded "in the presence of your enemies"? Ask God to lead you to His table and show you the amazing "food" He has for you. Try to relax and sense His confidence and control in the situation.
After the Israelites were circumcised at Gilgal, they celebrated Passover for the first time in 40 years (Joshua 5:10). They never celebrated it in the wilderness. But now in the Land of Promise, after the flesh was "rolled away", they finally observe the feast. The Spirit-filled believer will be drawn to the New Testament Passover - the Lord's Table of Communion. When we're in the wilderness we often don't give priority to Communion. Sometimes we need to do a heart-check. Jon Courson says, "When is the last time you sought the Lord, saying "I need to eat and drink of you"? If you make your way to the Lord's Table, even though you, like the children of Israel, might be surrounded by enemies, trials, and problems, you'll find yourself participating in the Spirit-filled life once again."
I also take a broader view on the Lord's Table. When we live in the Promised Land, we are to be in constant communion with God through His Spirit. It's a new way of being with Him. In the presence of our enemies, God prepares a feast for us. What an amazing picture! We would wait for a peaceful moment to have a meal. But God wants us to sit with Him and eat in the midst of the battle. God's not anxious - He's relaxed and confident. He knows the outcome. He knows exactly what we need to meet the challenges ahead. But it's not a drive-through. We have to eat and drink deeply of Him. This is true Communion.
One of my favorite scriptures, Isaiah 55:1-3a says, "Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance. Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live..."
Joshua 5:11-12 says, "Then the manna ceased on the day after they had eaten the produce of the land; and the children of Israel no longer had manna, but they ate the food of the land of Canaan that year." It's interesting that now in the Land of Promise, the manna ceases. Courson notes that when the Israelites were delivered from Egypt and wandered in the wilderness they saw more signs and wonders than any other people group in history. Yet it was unbelief that kept them from entering the Land. As we see many times in the New Testament, seeing miracles doesn't produce faith. It comes from hearing the Word (Romans 10:17). In the Land of Promise we are sustained by the "formidable fruit" rather than the "miraculous manna".
In the Spirit-filled life, we are invited to continually dine with the Lord and feast on His Word. Our faith is steadfast regardless of visible miracles. The fruit of the Spirit in our lives is truly miraculous.
Thought Question: Is there a situation in your life where you feel surrounded "in the presence of your enemies"? Ask God to lead you to His table and show you the amazing "food" He has for you. Try to relax and sense His confidence and control in the situation.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Getting Things Rolling
"For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh..." Philippians 3:3
In Joshua chapter 5, the Israelites are finally on the west side of the Jordan and preparing to possess the Promised Land. The Amorite kings had heard about the miraculous parting of the Jordan river and their "hearts melted" with fear. Seemed like a great time to launch an attack, but God had a different plan. Joshua 5:2 says, "At that time the Lord said to Joshua, "Make flint knives for yourselves, and circumcise the sons of Israel again the second time." Verses 4-6 explain that the second generation of men who were born in the wilderness had never been circumcised. Ok...but now?! On the verge of battle, all their warriors were to undergo this painful procedure? It didn't make sense...why couldn't they have done this on the other side? But Joshua obeyed and they had to stay where they were until the men were healed. The Lord said, "This day I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you." And the name of the place was called "Gilgal", which means "rolling".
Jon Courson says, "Gilgal, or literally, "the place of rolling," was the place where the reproach of Egypt was cut away as the Israelites reinstituted the practice of circumcision that had been abandoned in their wilderness wanderings. The Israelites had been "baptized" in the Jordan River. And Gilgal is a picture, an illustration, of what happens next in the Spirit-filled life. You see, after we put our foot in the Jordan River and say, "Lord, fill me, flood me, and use me," how do we get things "rolling"? I believe the key is circumcision."
What does circumcision represent in New Testament life? The physical act of circumcision was introduced by God in Genesis 17 as a sign of His covenantal relationship with Abraham. But the verb "to circumcise" or to "cut off" is also used in Scripture to describe the "heart" attitude (see Deut 10:16 & Jer 4:4). Physical circumcision is a picture of what God wants to do in our hearts. Cutting away the "fleshly" part purifies, sensitizes and identifies us with Him. It is a private mark, reminding us of our covenant with the Lord.
But practically, what does this mean? I return to Philippians 3:3, "For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh." Circumcision of the heart has to do with worshipping in the Spirit, rejoicing in Jesus and not relying on ourselves. It is a cutting away of anything "fleshly" that causes us to rely on human power rather than God's. We may think we're ready to march into battle, but God wants us to first learn to worship in Spirit and place all our confidence in Him.
Jon Courson offers some interesting commentary. He says, "Who is the true circumcision? Those who worship God in the Spirit. I take this to, at least partially, allude to worshipping God in the Spirit rather than solely with one's understanding. He quotes 1 Cor 14:18-19, "I thank my God that I speak with tongues more than you all; yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding..." Paul is encouraging the private devotional usage of tongues and discouraging the public outbursts. I pray often in tongues. It's an important part of my prayer life because I need to be built up, because I get discouraged, because I don't know how to pray, because I'm limited in my expression. As I pray in the Spirit, I am free to pray from my innermost being."
I too, value the gift of tongues in my devotional prayer life. Often, when I feel the Spirit begin to move strongly in me, this gift wells up from within. It is so freeing to express my heart to God at times without the limitations of my mind. 1 Cor 4:4 says, "He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself..." So tongues is the least of the gifts because it doesn't edify others, but important nonetheless. One thing is certain - when speaking in tongues, my flesh is rendered useless. It is a completely spiritual interaction, which can be very healthy for me.
So perhaps the gift of tongues is one way to "get things rolling" in the Spirit. I am not asserting that you have to speak in tongues to be filled with the Spirit, although this does seem normative in Scripture. Certainly you don't need to experience this gift to be saved. But we shouldn't be critical of a gift because of misuses and abuses in the church. Paul affirms the use of tongues, but states guidelines for corporate use. I believe all the gifts described in Scripture are for today. (I'm trying to figure out how to link a paper on this subject).
In any case, when we move into the the Spirit-filled life, there is a "cutting away" of our flesh that needs to occur. We don't want anything to dull our spiritual senses. We must be purified and sensitized to the voice of God so we can walk with Him in this new realm. I encourage you to take this before the Lord and ask Him what it looks like in your own life.
In Joshua chapter 5, the Israelites are finally on the west side of the Jordan and preparing to possess the Promised Land. The Amorite kings had heard about the miraculous parting of the Jordan river and their "hearts melted" with fear. Seemed like a great time to launch an attack, but God had a different plan. Joshua 5:2 says, "At that time the Lord said to Joshua, "Make flint knives for yourselves, and circumcise the sons of Israel again the second time." Verses 4-6 explain that the second generation of men who were born in the wilderness had never been circumcised. Ok...but now?! On the verge of battle, all their warriors were to undergo this painful procedure? It didn't make sense...why couldn't they have done this on the other side? But Joshua obeyed and they had to stay where they were until the men were healed. The Lord said, "This day I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you." And the name of the place was called "Gilgal", which means "rolling".
Jon Courson says, "Gilgal, or literally, "the place of rolling," was the place where the reproach of Egypt was cut away as the Israelites reinstituted the practice of circumcision that had been abandoned in their wilderness wanderings. The Israelites had been "baptized" in the Jordan River. And Gilgal is a picture, an illustration, of what happens next in the Spirit-filled life. You see, after we put our foot in the Jordan River and say, "Lord, fill me, flood me, and use me," how do we get things "rolling"? I believe the key is circumcision."
What does circumcision represent in New Testament life? The physical act of circumcision was introduced by God in Genesis 17 as a sign of His covenantal relationship with Abraham. But the verb "to circumcise" or to "cut off" is also used in Scripture to describe the "heart" attitude (see Deut 10:16 & Jer 4:4). Physical circumcision is a picture of what God wants to do in our hearts. Cutting away the "fleshly" part purifies, sensitizes and identifies us with Him. It is a private mark, reminding us of our covenant with the Lord.
But practically, what does this mean? I return to Philippians 3:3, "For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh." Circumcision of the heart has to do with worshipping in the Spirit, rejoicing in Jesus and not relying on ourselves. It is a cutting away of anything "fleshly" that causes us to rely on human power rather than God's. We may think we're ready to march into battle, but God wants us to first learn to worship in Spirit and place all our confidence in Him.
Jon Courson offers some interesting commentary. He says, "Who is the true circumcision? Those who worship God in the Spirit. I take this to, at least partially, allude to worshipping God in the Spirit rather than solely with one's understanding. He quotes 1 Cor 14:18-19, "I thank my God that I speak with tongues more than you all; yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding..." Paul is encouraging the private devotional usage of tongues and discouraging the public outbursts. I pray often in tongues. It's an important part of my prayer life because I need to be built up, because I get discouraged, because I don't know how to pray, because I'm limited in my expression. As I pray in the Spirit, I am free to pray from my innermost being."
I too, value the gift of tongues in my devotional prayer life. Often, when I feel the Spirit begin to move strongly in me, this gift wells up from within. It is so freeing to express my heart to God at times without the limitations of my mind. 1 Cor 4:4 says, "He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself..." So tongues is the least of the gifts because it doesn't edify others, but important nonetheless. One thing is certain - when speaking in tongues, my flesh is rendered useless. It is a completely spiritual interaction, which can be very healthy for me.
So perhaps the gift of tongues is one way to "get things rolling" in the Spirit. I am not asserting that you have to speak in tongues to be filled with the Spirit, although this does seem normative in Scripture. Certainly you don't need to experience this gift to be saved. But we shouldn't be critical of a gift because of misuses and abuses in the church. Paul affirms the use of tongues, but states guidelines for corporate use. I believe all the gifts described in Scripture are for today. (I'm trying to figure out how to link a paper on this subject).
In any case, when we move into the the Spirit-filled life, there is a "cutting away" of our flesh that needs to occur. We don't want anything to dull our spiritual senses. We must be purified and sensitized to the voice of God so we can walk with Him in this new realm. I encourage you to take this before the Lord and ask Him what it looks like in your own life.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Signs of Spirit-Life
"By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:35
The Israelites have crossed the Jordan - an illustration of entering the Spirit-filled life. But how do we know that we are filled with the Spirit? Is the manifestation of spiritual gifts the sign? Joshua chapter 4 gives us a beautiful picture of the true signs of Spirit-filled life.
Spiritual gifts are just that...wonderful, supernatural GIFTS from God. They are never more important than the Giver. Our focus should be on Jesus. The Holy Spirit will distribute gifts in the body as He sees fit. The purpose is to glorify God, not us. 1 Corinthians 12:4, 7, 11 says, "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. All these are the work of the same Spirit, and He gives them to each one, just as He determines." God must be the focus of my worship, but I do love to talk about spiritual gifts and see how He has uniquely gifted believers. We are instructed to "follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts..." (1 Corinthians 14:a).
Joshua 4:4-7 says, "So Joshua called together the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites , one from each tribe, and said to them, "Go over before the ark of the LORD your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever."
The Israelites have crossed the Jordan - an illustration of entering the Spirit-filled life. But how do we know that we are filled with the Spirit? Is the manifestation of spiritual gifts the sign? Joshua chapter 4 gives us a beautiful picture of the true signs of Spirit-filled life.
Spiritual gifts are just that...wonderful, supernatural GIFTS from God. They are never more important than the Giver. Our focus should be on Jesus. The Holy Spirit will distribute gifts in the body as He sees fit. The purpose is to glorify God, not us. 1 Corinthians 12:4, 7, 11 says, "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. All these are the work of the same Spirit, and He gives them to each one, just as He determines." God must be the focus of my worship, but I do love to talk about spiritual gifts and see how He has uniquely gifted believers. We are instructed to "follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts..." (1 Corinthians 14:a).
Joshua 4:4-7 says, "So Joshua called together the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites , one from each tribe, and said to them, "Go over before the ark of the LORD your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, 'What do these stones mean?' tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever."
Joshua instructed the men to make a memorial that would serve as a reminder of God's greatness for generations to come. The Israelite fathers (and mothers) would be able to point to those stones and tell their children how God miraculously parted the waters. So too, we need to mark God's work in our lives and teach our children about His ways. It's particularly effective when fathers take the lead. In verses 8-10, Joshua also set up twelve stones in the midst of the Jordan where the priests had stood. Jon Courson points out, "There were two monuments. One was visible. One was out of sight. And that's the way it is with any work of the Spirit. The outward manifestations are only as valid as the inward, hidden work in one's heart."
The visible monument consisted of twelve stones stacked together, representing the twelve tribes fit together in unity. This was the sign that the Israelites had crossed over the Jordan into the Promised Land. 1 Peter 2:5 says, "...you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." Jon Courson offers this insight, "Peter says that, as believers we are living stones fit together in unity. When you come to church not out of obligation but because you want to be linked together with fellow blockheads and stones, your love for them is a sure sign of your being touched deeply by the Spirit. "All men shall know you are My disciples," said Jesus. "By your speaking in tongues? No. By your gift of healing? No. They'll know you are My disciples by your love (John 13:35). Courson also points out that in 1 Corinthians 12 & 14, Paul discusses spiritual gifts and their manifestations. But sandwiched between them is chapter 13 which deals entirely with love because "love is the defining characteristic of one who has had an encounter with the Spirit."The key to knowing we are filled with the Spirit cannot be limited to the expression of gifts. The fruit of the Spirit is love which shows itself in joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Spirit-filled people have a supernatural love for God and people. The monument, or proof of life in the Spirit, is the unity of the body. All gifts are secondary to love.
Love is not something we can do by trying harder. It is a supernatural work of the Spirit. We often keep trying to love, but fail to ask God. Luke 11:13 says God will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him! The cry of Jesus' heart in John 17 was that His disciples would be one. In verse 24 He says "May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."
This is a good reality check for me. So often our focus can turn to the gifts or certain manifestations of the Spirit. But 1 Corinthians 13 says that without love, I am useless. It is harder to love, with true agape, sacrificial love, than it is to seek spiritual gifts. But love is the greatest sign of the Spirit in our lives.
Thought Question: Is there a situation in your life where you're finding it difficult to show agape love? Ask God to fill you with His Spirit and allow His love to flow through you.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Crossing Jordan
"For we walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7
This is it! In Joshua 3:6, the Israelites are finally ready to cross the Jordan into the Promised Land. They have learned the lessons of the wilderness. They are prepared and purified. Not satisfied to wander any longer, they are ready to follow God into new territory. Are you ready to let God take you where you've never been before? Are you ready to trust and follow Him fully? For He is "able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us." Ephesians 3:20
It is worth noting that Jesus Himself was baptized in the Jordan River. Matthew 3:16 says, "When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." When Jesus entered public ministry, He first submitted to the act of water baptism. At that same time, God demonstrated His anointing by sending the Holy Spirit upon Jesus. The name "Jordan" means "descending one". In the Jordan, the Spirit descended on Jesus and empowered Him for ministry. This is the same Spirit that lives in us! God told Joshua in 3:7 that "this day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel so that they may know that as I was with Moses, so I will be with you." Joshua is a picture of Jesus, anointed by God to lead the people into the Promised Land.
Joshua then spoke to the priests and told them to carry the ark of the covenant and go before the people. When they came to the edge of the Jordan, they were to "stand still" in it. In those days the Jordan river was typically 100 feet wide, but fall floods could cause it to be one mile wide and overflowing its banks. Crossing this river in the fall would be no easy task! But Joshua told the people that the crossing of the ark signified that God was with them and would drive out the "ites"of the land (Joshua 3:10). He wanted them to be courageous and have FAITH in their awesome God.
The priests and representatives of the tribes were instructed to put their feet in the river and then the water would divide (Joshua 3:12-13). Jon Courson points out that "forty years previously when the children of Israel crossed the Red Sea, the water parted before they stepped in. But not this time. When it comes to issues of the Spirit, we're to step in by faith. But what if hands are laid upon me and I seek the Lord's power aggressively, yet nothing happens? I'll feel like a big drip, " we say. So we stay on the bank where it's safe and dry - real dry, dusty dry, wilderness dry. Why doesn't God part the water first? I'm convinced it's because the language of eternity is faith. God uses every opportunity to teach us to see and hear with the eyes and ears of faith. "Step out. Step in. Step up in faith," He says. "And watch and see what I'll do."
So the priests stepped in and "...the waters which came down from upstream stood still, and rose in a heap very far away at Adam, the city that is beside Zaretan. So the waters that went down into the Sea of Arabah, the Salt Sea, failed, and were cut off; and the people crossed over opposite Jericho." Joshua 3:15b-16. For the waters to part at the exact time and point where the Israelites were crossing, God stopped the flow 19 miles upstream! Joshua and the people obviously couldn't see that far. God was working beyond their sight. In fact, He had already been working before their feet touched the water, they just couldn't see it until they stepped in. This is what it means to "walk by faith" - listening to God and stepping out in confidence that He is already at work. When the priests stepped in they "stood firm" until all three million people had crossed over. They stood until the work was completed, on behalf of themselves and the rest of the people.
Jon Courson shares the story of D.L. Moody...
"Evangelist D.L. Moody locked himself in a hotel room in New York City for three and a half days, saying, "I'm not coming out until I know the power of the Spirit has come upon me." On the fourth day, God overwhelmed and overpowered Him to such a degree that he knew without a doubt that he was empowered to do the work God had called him to do."
As he reads the book of Joshua, Courson says, "Lord, I don't want to miss out on anything You have ordained for me." Has there been a moment, a time when you stepped in and stood firm until you knew the Holy Spirit had come upon you? If you're not sure, don't miss chapter 4."
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Final Preparations
In Joshua chapter 3, we find the Israelites poised on the edge of the Jordan, ready to cross. How exciting it must have been to finally reach that point after years of wandering in the wilderness and three days of preparation on the banks of the river. That day, Joshua had two final commands for them.
First, "When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests, the Levites, bearing it, then you shall set out from your place and go after it." Joshua 3:3b
The ark signified the presence of God. When they saw the ark begin to move, they were to go after it. Likewise, when our God is on the move, we need to be quick to follow. Question: are we ready to "set out from our place" - our comfort zone - to follow Him? Or do we find it easier to just stay put? Can we sense when He's on the move or are we too caught up in our own lives to pay attention? God won't force or coerce us to make the right choices (something I'm learning about as a parent). He will communicate His desire and set off in that direction hoping we will follow. It's up to us to listen and obey. I don't know about you, but I don't want to get too far behind the presence of God.
After the Israelites were commanded to follow, Joshua issues a strange instruction. "Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure. Do not come near it, that you may know the way by which you must go, for you have not passed this way before." Joshua 3:4
The Israelites were to follow the ark at a distance of approximately 1/2 mile. Jon Courson notes, "It's as if God was saying, "Follow Me, but don't push Me." In past studies, we've been looking at the biblical foundation for being filled with the Spirit. It's not about seeking an experience or getting caught up in emotion. It's about receiving His power for witnessing and living the true Christian life. There are many examples of Spirit-filled believers in Scripture and in our lives today. While it is good to learn from example, it doesn't mean God is going to do exactly the same thing in our lives. He is far more creative than that. Courson puts it well, "People say, "I'm going to have the same experience that he or she or they had." God however, wants to take us where we've never been before. Therefore, it's the wise man or woman who says, "Lord, I want Your anointing. And I'm going to give You space to work it out any way You choose."
First, "When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests, the Levites, bearing it, then you shall set out from your place and go after it." Joshua 3:3b
The ark signified the presence of God. When they saw the ark begin to move, they were to go after it. Likewise, when our God is on the move, we need to be quick to follow. Question: are we ready to "set out from our place" - our comfort zone - to follow Him? Or do we find it easier to just stay put? Can we sense when He's on the move or are we too caught up in our own lives to pay attention? God won't force or coerce us to make the right choices (something I'm learning about as a parent). He will communicate His desire and set off in that direction hoping we will follow. It's up to us to listen and obey. I don't know about you, but I don't want to get too far behind the presence of God.
After the Israelites were commanded to follow, Joshua issues a strange instruction. "Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure. Do not come near it, that you may know the way by which you must go, for you have not passed this way before." Joshua 3:4
The Israelites were to follow the ark at a distance of approximately 1/2 mile. Jon Courson notes, "It's as if God was saying, "Follow Me, but don't push Me." In past studies, we've been looking at the biblical foundation for being filled with the Spirit. It's not about seeking an experience or getting caught up in emotion. It's about receiving His power for witnessing and living the true Christian life. There are many examples of Spirit-filled believers in Scripture and in our lives today. While it is good to learn from example, it doesn't mean God is going to do exactly the same thing in our lives. He is far more creative than that. Courson puts it well, "People say, "I'm going to have the same experience that he or she or they had." God however, wants to take us where we've never been before. Therefore, it's the wise man or woman who says, "Lord, I want Your anointing. And I'm going to give You space to work it out any way You choose."
The second command Joshua gives the people is to "Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you." Joshua 3:5
The word "sanctify" in Hebrew means to "set-apart" or "to prepare" for holy use. The people were to purify themselves so they would be prepared to enter the new land. Courson says, "The same thing is true spiritually. A lot of people are trying to be filled with the Spirit when in reality they need to be emptied of sin. They need to say, "Search my heart, Lord. Show me the things that are restricting the flow of Your Spirit." How true this is. We need to keep short accounts with God and ask these questions on a daily basis. The "restrictions" may not even be sinful things, but anything that takes priority over God is an idol. When we pray like this, He is faithful to show us what is getting in the way and restore the flow of intimacy with Him.
Let's not forget that the people were to sanctify themselves in expectation of the "wonders" the Lord would do among them. Purification doesn't have to be a drag. It is exciting to realize what God can do in us and through us when the Spirit is flowing freely. It's worth the effort to let God deal with our "selves". He has amazing things in store.
Questions: Ask the Lord if you are ready to move into fullness of life in His Spirit or if there is anything that still needs to be worked out in your heart. If there is sin, confess it and receive his forgiveness. Ask Him how HE sees you and receive His power to follow while giving Him space to lead.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
You Shall Be Witnesses
"But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Acts 1:8
In Joshua Chapter 2, before leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, Joshua sent two men to spy out the land. They thought their job was to spy, but really it was to witness. Upon entering Jericho, they hid in the house of a harlot named Rahab - an unlikely sanctuary. But Rahab's heart was ready for God. She told them that the inhabitants of the land were "fainthearted" after hearing about the victories of the Israelites thus far. She confessed her belief and begged for her household to be saved. So they agreed to spare her family if she would let down a scarlet cord from her window as a sign. Since harlots usually painted their windowsills red, the cord would have formed a cross. What a beautiful picture of witnessing and salvation. Rahab is honored in James 2 and Hebrews 11 as an example of faith. Not only that - she is in the lineage of Jesus. God works in such unexpected ways.
The first act of Israelites in the Promised Land was not one of war, but of witnessing. Yes, they would have to fight and conquer sin in the land, but God was revealing His heart for the people there. He knew who was open and ready to receive His truth. It wasn't by chance that the spies came to Rahab's house. It was God's design. So too, we have to understand that the primary purpose of the Holy Spirit's power in our lives is for witnessing. We will be blessed with greater joy and intimacy with God, but there is a bigger picture.
Jon Courson says it well..."The power of the Holy Spirit is like electricity. It won't enter something from which it can't exit. We want the power of the Holy Spirit. The question is, will there be a place for it to go? When we witness, the power of the Spirit surges through us. There is unbelievable joy in sharing the gospel. A lot of believers go from meeting to meeting looking for some "Holy Ghost high" because they're not witnessing. They go to this convention and that seminar - and the high lasts for a week or two. But after that, they're back in the wilderness because the Holy Ghost was given for the sole purpose of empowering us to share with the Rahabs around us the Good News of the gospel. When we say, "Lord, I'm tired of wandering in the wilderness," He baptizes us in the Jordan and empowers us to be His witnesses. When we say, "I want to share the plan of salvation with my secretary. Empower me," or "I want to talk to my buddy about You, Lord. Make me bold," we'll be empowered in ways we could never have imagined. How long has it been since you've shared the gospel, the plan of salvation, the scarlet cord with someone who's not a believer? By faith, receive the power to be a witness. Awaiting you is a land of milk and honey, fruit and abundance. And you get there by going in as a witness. It's time to cross over the Jordan into the Promised Land of the Spirit-filled life. Come join us on our journey."
Personally, I am very challenged by this lesson. Witnessing has never been my strong suit. But it's not about my strength; that's why I need the power of God's Spirit upon me. God's heart is not to condemn us for our failures, but to convict, empower and release us for His name's sake. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed trying to figure out how to witness to people. But if I'm waiting on the Lord and walking with Him throughout the day, it won't be something I have to figure out. I just need to be prayerful and responsive to the opportunities He provides.
I'm reminded of a song lyric which says something to the effect of "I could live for God's kingdom if I weren't wrapped up in mine." That seems to fit here. When I'm wrapped up in "my kingdom" - my desires, agendas, problems, etc., I'm not receiving God's power and aware of what He's doing around me. Lord, purify my heart and give me a single-minded focus on Your kingdom.
In Joshua Chapter 2, before leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, Joshua sent two men to spy out the land. They thought their job was to spy, but really it was to witness. Upon entering Jericho, they hid in the house of a harlot named Rahab - an unlikely sanctuary. But Rahab's heart was ready for God. She told them that the inhabitants of the land were "fainthearted" after hearing about the victories of the Israelites thus far. She confessed her belief and begged for her household to be saved. So they agreed to spare her family if she would let down a scarlet cord from her window as a sign. Since harlots usually painted their windowsills red, the cord would have formed a cross. What a beautiful picture of witnessing and salvation. Rahab is honored in James 2 and Hebrews 11 as an example of faith. Not only that - she is in the lineage of Jesus. God works in such unexpected ways.
The first act of Israelites in the Promised Land was not one of war, but of witnessing. Yes, they would have to fight and conquer sin in the land, but God was revealing His heart for the people there. He knew who was open and ready to receive His truth. It wasn't by chance that the spies came to Rahab's house. It was God's design. So too, we have to understand that the primary purpose of the Holy Spirit's power in our lives is for witnessing. We will be blessed with greater joy and intimacy with God, but there is a bigger picture.
Jon Courson says it well..."The power of the Holy Spirit is like electricity. It won't enter something from which it can't exit. We want the power of the Holy Spirit. The question is, will there be a place for it to go? When we witness, the power of the Spirit surges through us. There is unbelievable joy in sharing the gospel. A lot of believers go from meeting to meeting looking for some "Holy Ghost high" because they're not witnessing. They go to this convention and that seminar - and the high lasts for a week or two. But after that, they're back in the wilderness because the Holy Ghost was given for the sole purpose of empowering us to share with the Rahabs around us the Good News of the gospel. When we say, "Lord, I'm tired of wandering in the wilderness," He baptizes us in the Jordan and empowers us to be His witnesses. When we say, "I want to share the plan of salvation with my secretary. Empower me," or "I want to talk to my buddy about You, Lord. Make me bold," we'll be empowered in ways we could never have imagined. How long has it been since you've shared the gospel, the plan of salvation, the scarlet cord with someone who's not a believer? By faith, receive the power to be a witness. Awaiting you is a land of milk and honey, fruit and abundance. And you get there by going in as a witness. It's time to cross over the Jordan into the Promised Land of the Spirit-filled life. Come join us on our journey."
Personally, I am very challenged by this lesson. Witnessing has never been my strong suit. But it's not about my strength; that's why I need the power of God's Spirit upon me. God's heart is not to condemn us for our failures, but to convict, empower and release us for His name's sake. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed trying to figure out how to witness to people. But if I'm waiting on the Lord and walking with Him throughout the day, it won't be something I have to figure out. I just need to be prayerful and responsive to the opportunities He provides.
I'm reminded of a song lyric which says something to the effect of "I could live for God's kingdom if I weren't wrapped up in mine." That seems to fit here. When I'm wrapped up in "my kingdom" - my desires, agendas, problems, etc., I'm not receiving God's power and aware of what He's doing around me. Lord, purify my heart and give me a single-minded focus on Your kingdom.
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