Daily Reading: Joshua 15
Scripture Focus: This is the boundary around the people of Judah according to their clans. (Joshua 15:12)
Devotional Thought: There is a lot of interest in the borders of America - and whether these borders should serve as boundaries to the movement of people into our nation. What does God say of boundaries?
God is interested in setting our boundaries for us. Boundaries helped Israel avoid conflict (both internal and external!) and will help us to do the same. He has equipped us to know and understand these boundaries through scripture. We can see his commands and expectations for us, and when we abide in the Spirit, these boundaries are pleasant and not burdensome. “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance,” (Ps. 16:6).
Boundaries are merciful. Those ancient boundaries were formed in mercy. The very fact that he gave the Israelites an inheritance, after all of their stiff-necked rebellion, is a testimony to his mercy and grace. In the same way, he shows us his justice and mercy by sending his beloved Son to die for our sins, fulfilling the requirements of justice while showing us tremendous mercy.
Boundaries are a safe refuge. After the Israelites had gained their inheritance, they failed to drive out all of the inhabitants as God had commanded them (v. 63). They called it “good enough” when they had driven most of them out. This “good enough” proved to be a deadly snare. Enticed by their gods, Israel was drawn away from the one true God. In the same way, we may not understand God’s purposes in our lives, but we can trust that his will, his commandments, and his boundaries for us are our safest refuge.
Jenny
Prayer: Lord, we love you and we love your Word. Help us to see your commands for us as life-giving and soul-uplifting, rather than burdensome work. We are so grateful for your guidance, and ask that your Spirit would search our hearts and lead us in the way everlasting. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 40.1-8
1 I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. 2 He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.
4 Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie! 5 You have multiplied, O Lord my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told.
6 In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted, but you have given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required. 7 Then I said, “Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me: 8 I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”
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