July 3rd

Joshua 5     Isaiah 65     Psalms 132-134     (Click on the Reference to go to the passage)

A new start, a new beginning:

Israel has at last entered Canaan; a new start is marked by three signs. First, a physical sign, all males are circumcised (a reference back to Gen 17:8 where the promise of land is given to Abraham and marked by circumcision). Secondly, it is marked by a change in diet, the manna, which they had been relying on (Joshua 5:12), stopped overnight, as they could now eat locally grown barley grain. Thirdly, Joshua had a vision, a divine commission for the task ahead.

How can we mark a new start in our life? We could mark it right now by living in unity with our Christian brothers, Psalm 133:1 and praising the Lord by lifting up our hands, Psalm 134:2. We also look forward to the new heaven and new earth described today by Isaiah, Isaiah 65:17.  The valley of Achor in Isaiah 65:10 is so named in Joshua 7:4 as a place of trouble but it will be a place of hope.

Think about what signs you can show today that you have entered a new life in Christ. What diet does your mind and body feed on? Do we bear outwardly the name of Christ? Do we look forward to that new heaven and earth? Finally how can we live in unity with our fellow Christians?

(crèche helper)

July 2nd

Joshua 4     Isaiah 64     Psalms 129-131     (Click on the Reference to go to the passage)

Remember, remember what God has done for us.

Imagine a whole nation, over half a million people crossing safely over the River Jordan. The Lord tells Joshua to set up a stone memorial so they take 12 boulders from the river bed and set up a memorial, like a cairn in Scotland on mountain tops. This is to remind them of God’s faithfulness in bringing Israel across the Jordan to the Promised Land.

It is interesting that already in Joshua 4:6 the reason was to be a sign, not just for the people but for their children and future generations. Do we have any physical signs, a picture, poem, painting or special place? Where we can be reminded of what God has done. Some people keep a journal, then you can reread of what God has done.

It might be a reminder of forgiveness given, Psalm 130:4, of waiting for the Lord, of his unfailing love, verse 7. In Isa 64:8 we are reminded we are like clay, but God is the potter who shapes and moulds us.

Look again at Joshua 4:24, may we be able to point out God’s deeds to others “He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God.” What will your memorial to him be?

(crèche helper)