Pastor Bob DuPar
April 20, 2008

Journal Entry


Scripture

Joshua 21:1-22:20; Luke 20:1-26; Psalm 89:1-13; Proverbs 13:15-16.

Observation

I wonder if Israel realized the blessing of Joshua 21:44 that God “gave them rest on every side, just as He had sworn to their forefathers. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the Lord handed all their enemies over to them. Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.” How many times they took this peace, this rest for granted. How many times we do the same.

Joshua 22:20 is a good reminder that sin affects everyone: “Did not wrath come upon the whole community of Israel? Achan was not the only one who died for his sin.” Our sin touches the lives of others. How often sins that are perceived to be private turn out to have very public consequences.

I love the phrasing of Luke 20:17 & 23: “Jesus looked directly at them. …He saw through their duplicity.” And the outcome in verse 26: “They were unable to trap Him in what He had said there in public. And astonished by His answer, they became silent.”

Application

May it not take times of turmoil and war to remind us to be diligent to preserve the things that make for peace. May our obedience (my obedience) not be in reaction to negative consequences but rather a lifestyle, a conscious choice and desire to experience God’s best for us. May we silence critics by displaying Godly wisdom in all of our interactions with people and by not allowing ourselves to be drawn into arguments or traps.

Prayer

“God, help me to live a life that leads to peace and blessing. May I use Your wisdom in each choice that I make and may I realize the importance of my choices in shaping my life.”