Always Something to Do

Daily Reading: Joshua 13

Scripture Focus: Now Joshua was old and advanced in years, and the Lord said to him, “You are old and advanced in years, and there remains yet very much land to possess." (Joshua 13.1)

Devotional Thought: There is always something for the servant of God to do. The modern concept of retiring is not found in the Bible. A refocusing may come, however. Joshua underwent a refocusing. Having led the people in conquest, now Joshua began the job of allotting the territory. God told Joshua that though he was old, there was still very much to do. He went from being a leader of battles to a lister of boundaries.

There is always something for the servant of God to do.

• When Moses turned 82, he went from being an emancipator of slaves to a shepherd leading his 'sheep' through the wilderness.

• When David was in his 70's, he went from being a fighting commander-in-chief to the fund-raising architect of the temple.

• Late in life, Paul's circumstances dictated that he switch from being an itinerate preacher, planting churches, to a theologian, writing letters.

There is always something for the servant of God to do. Refocusing doesn't have to wait until late in life, either.

• Moses experienced it at age 40, when he became a nomad, leaving the courts of Pharaoh.

• David experienced it as a young man, when he was anointed king by Samuel, leaving the flocks of his father.

• Paul experienced it as a young rabbi, meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus.
  

There is always something for the servant of God to do. Perhaps God is calling you now to a new work, a new ministry. Are you willing to leave the comfortable, the familiar, the easy to pursue the call of God?

Prayer: Lord, the scripture says that you are transforming us 'from glory to glory.' Help me to refocus when you call, to remain with my hand on the plow, and to refuse to stop working for the Lord. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 39.1-6

1 I said, “I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle, so long as the wicked are in my presence.” 2 I was mute and silent; I held my peace to no avail, and my distress grew worse. 3 My heart became hot within me. As I mused, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue:

4 “O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! 5 Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah 6 Surely a man goes about as a shadow! Surely for nothing they are in turmoil; man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!