I knew it was going to be difficult, I have been going through the Bible and reading sections of chapters from the books of Joshua through 2 Kings made it a little easier… marking as I went. It’s a section of battles, violence, extreme idolatry (even burning incense to the brazen serpent on the pole that Moses made in the wilderness). So what’s the point of having this in the Bible?
There were kings in both Judah and Israel that made changes back to God’s way and it seemed good but they didn’t destroy the “high places.” Eventually, Hezekiah obeyed and did a big “cleanup” described in 2 Kings 18:1-8… and received the blessings. Manasseh came after and it was a disaster that Judah really never recovered from; even though God forgave him for the terrible things he did.
Jesus has redeemed you and me from our slavery to sin by His own doing and not ours like the children of Israel from Egypt. His victories in your and my life have been incredible up to and after baptism. Yet there have been more obstacles to overcome and still more victories to be won through the power of Jesus. Joshua led the battle to clear out the Promised land so that Israel could occupy what God had promised; yet each tribe had to drive out the people living in their territories.
After a time, we have settled into Adventism and have become comfortable much like our predecessors in the land of Canaan. There have been times in my experience that I have had “hot-tub spirituality…” relaxing and enjoying life and slacking off a little here and a little there. Compromise after compromise. Before long, I wandered off the Lod’s path for me and not known it. Bible study and witnessing, not so much. Stuck in mediocre living. Eyes on everything but Jesus. A catastrophe hits and I am off the rails and in a ditch of despair. Praise the Lord for those times!
Jeremiah 6:16 and Isaiah chapter 58 cry out to me and you to renew our commitment to God and the Sabbath and with promises that as all of us reach out to others and help them, “…the LORD shall guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought…” (verse 11a) and verse 12, “Those from among you shall build the old waste places; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; and you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, the Restorer of Streets to Dwell In.” (NKJV)
Well, it really has to start here with me in Apartment 4. There’s a work to do. How about with you? Time is short. God wants to be first, last and best in our hearts and lives. Reach out to Him for help and strength and He won’t let you down. You are dearly loved. MB