JOSHUA 16:1-18:28
HALF-TRIBES WITH PARTIAL-VICTORY: Manasseh and Ephraim did not drive out all the Canaanites, choosing to exact tribute and work some as slaves. They thought they were strong enough to keep this indwelling problem under control. In fact, they asked Joshua for MORE ALLOTMENT because of their own greatness. Joshua's answer was "If you are so great, then go kill a few giants! Then you can have their Land. DRAWING BACK BRINGS FAILURE: You can't blame anyone but yourself if you have a small allotment from God. Joshua told those seven tribes that they failed because they drew back in passivity and apathy and relaxed their guard. Joshua sent them out to survey the Land, and then he divided it. There were giants all over the place! "Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul." Heb 10:38-39
RESPONSE: The "works of the flesh" (Gal 5:16-21) must not be tolerated, once they are exposed. This is why God "drives" them out into the open - so we will deal with it and get rid of it. Remember, the tribal names in Canaan meant things like "fear, pride, rebellion, independence, self-righteous, etc." To think you can control the flesh (Jam 3:8) is foolish, but we've all done it! The flesh can't be controlled. It must be crucified (Gal 5:24). It sounds like God is intolerant, but the truth is that God loves us and wants to eliminate the things that would eventually destroy us. Those pockets of enemy tribes that were tolerated in Canaan became thorns that vexed Israel and caused defeat over and over again.
LUKE 19:1-27
SEEKING & SAVING ON THE ROAD TO JERUSALEM: Jesus stopped for the night, (and maybe even another whole day) to spend time with a hated, thieving, rich tax collector named Zaccheus. The Pharisaic comment was, "He was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner!" Zaccheus was another one of the outcasts who were "pressing" into the Kingdom of God, while the Pharisees lurked outside criticizing everything. The Pharisees represent all the religious people who worship substitutes for the real deal. They LOOK religious, but they don't know God. In fact, when they see God in action, they can't handle it. They don't want anyone telling them what to do or what to believe. They try to be "politically correct" and are spiritually disoriented in the process.
USE IT OR LOSE IT: "Occupy till I come" means "to pursue with vigor", "to do business that shows a profit". Everyone is still looking for a physical kingdom takeover by Jesus. Instead He told them to take over His present ministry! That He was going to a "far country" and expected them to show a profit with what He turned over to them. That there would be an accounting at the end, including for the Pharisees themselves. Those who have dealt falsely (believed lies about God and think He did not deal fairly with them) will no longer be trusted and will lose what little they have. Those that will not have Christ to reign over them shall be dealt with as His enemies.
RESPONSE: God has given us His "goods" (Mat 25:14). He has given us spiritual gifts, the Holy Spirit, His dunamis, His Voice, His Word, His might, His favor - He expects a return on His investment in us! We are not to squander what He gives us. Some of us have actually gained other gifts as we mature, probably because someone out there wasn't using theirs! Jesus stepped out of His shoes through resurrection, and now we are to fill them! How many of us will that take!?? Big shoes! Big opportunities! Big God! Isn't it exciting to be a Christian?
PSALM 87:1-7
WHAT EXCITES GOD? Mt. Zion, the "Church-within-the-church", made up of every kindred, tongue, people and nation at worship.
WHAT IS MT. ZION? (Heb 12:22-24; Psa 48:1-3) City of the Living God, Holy Mountain, City of David, Mountain of Holiness, City of the Great King, where the Presence of God is. (Eph 2:6) "heavenly places in Christ Jesus". (Psa 132:13-18) chosen and desired by God. It is God's Seat of Authority. Zion is made glorious by worship. (Isa 60:14) We are Zion. Zion is the "birthplace" of those who are "born again".
"ALL MY FOUNTAINS ARE IN YOU" All that gives me life and satisfaction and fulfillment are in God.
RESPONSE: I'm not from Minnesota, I'm from Zion! My past is gone! The "gates of Zion" give me access to God's Presence. (prayer in the Name of Jesus) Next time I step through the veil in prayer - step through the gates, I must pause a moment to take it all in. I'm not alone in there! I am part of something huge! "The singers and the instrumentalists" are already there. All that fulfills me is there. I will stay until my hunger is satisfied.
PROVERBS 13:11
I think the phrase is "easy come, easy go."
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