Joshua 3: Israel On The Move!

The time has come at last!  Israel sets out from Shittim and makes camp on the banks of the Jordan.  Now they are finally ready to receive their inheritance.  With Joshua in command and the priests going on before carrying the Ark, God has yet one more miracle up his sleeve.  When the priests get their feet wet in the Jordan, the river stops flowing upstream so that the nation may walk over on dry land (vs. 14-17).  The people all pass by the Ark in the middle of the dried-up Jordan, giving them a sure sign that the Lord is with them.

Joshua 2: When Your Reputation Precedes You

I have always maintained that the Bible is not a book that anyone would think to sit down and write.  There are too many twists and surprises which give it a stamp of authenticity.  So it is with the ironic tale of Rahab, the heroine prostitute!

Joshua 1: Strong And Courageous

Transitions can be tricky.  Whether it's the quadrennial Inauguration Day in the United States where one leader of the free world is succeeding another, or whether a company, church or team is simply receiving a new CEO, pastor or coach, people watch the smoothness of the hand-off for clues to the future success of the organization.  Fortunately, everyone seemed to understand and support Joshua as he took on the incredibly challenging role of the leader of Israel, following Moses and charged to take the people into battle across the Jordan.

Deuteronomy 34: The End Of Moses?

Moses occupies a central place in the pantheon of biblical heroes, and is indisputably one of the main characters within Judaism.  His scriptural epitaph reads, "Never since has there arisen a prophet in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face.  He was unequaled for all the signs and wonders that the Lord sent him to perform in the land of Egypt, against Pharaoh and all his servants and his entire land, and for all the mighty deeds and all the terrifying displays of power that Moses performed in the sight of all Israel" (vs. 10-12).  Moses certainly left an impression, along with awfully big sandals for Joshua to fill.

Deuteronomy 33: Last Words

Moses' last public words are recounted in Deuteronomy 33.  Rather than angry invective about the people's conduct or dire warnings about their future, his valediction is sincere, benevolent and full of hope.  In my mind's eye, I picture Moses preparing to ascend Mount Nebo on what he knows will be his final journey.  As he leaves, he pauses before the elders of the tribes of Israel and offers a warm blessing upon (almost) each one.

Psalm 80: Life In The Vine

The Old and the New Testaments are both rich in the use of metaphor and parable.  Vines and vineyards appear frequently in these figures of speech.  Psalm 80 features an extended metaphor of Israel as God's vine.

Deuteronomy 32: Swan Song

From Wikipedia: "The swan song is a metaphorical phrase for a final gesture, effort, or performance given just before death or retirement."  The idea is that swans sing their most beautiful song in the moments leading up to their death.  Moses' exhortation to Israel in Deuteronomy 32 qualifies in every respect as his swan song.