The AMI QT Devotionals for today and tomorrow (new) are provided by Pastor Joshua Kim of Church of Southland. Joshua, a graduate of Emory University, Columbia Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and Talbot School of Theology (Th.M.), serves as the pastor of Access group (singles). He is married to Christina. They have a young daughter whom they named Amelia.
Devotional Thought for This Morning
“Courageous” (Pt. 1)
Joshua 1:1-9
Now it came about after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ servant, saying, 2 “Moses My servant is dead; now therefore arise, cross this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel. 3 Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you, just as I spoke to Moses. 4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon, even as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and as far as the Great Sea toward the setting of the sun will be your territory. 5 No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.
A God of History.
Perhaps one of the biggest things to happen in the box office in the last 12 years is the emergence of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. From kids to adults alike, we are fascinated with this universe of superheroes who courageously risk their lives to save the world. Part of the appeal is not only the recognition that this world needs more heroes, but there is in all of us a longing for us to be that courageous.
The passage we’ll be looking at for the next two days recounts the story of the Israelite who have finally arrived at the Jordan River after 40 years of wandering. And as they are preparing to finally enter the Promised Land, Joshua and the people receive these words from the Lord: Be strong and courageous.
But how? The people were facing real, fearful circumstances. If you remember from the narrative, the Promised Land was filled with strong, trained soldiers, fortified cities, and what is understood to be giants (Numbers 13, the Nephilim). The Israelites were children of slaves who knew nothing about combat. In a situation where they were commanded to wipe out the people and take possession of the land, how could they find the courage to do so?
We see how God builds this courage in their hearts. God points to the history He has had with these people. Not just with them, but from the days of Moses. Just as I have been with Moses… and the Israelites knew what had happened because God was with Moses. All the things that led to their freedom from Egypt, their survival in the desert, it was because God had been with Moses. And in this moment, in the face of utter fear, God reminds them of the history of His faithfulness in their lives.
Brothers and sisters, this world needs to witness the Bride of Christ, that is, the Church, living with this kind of courage. The truth is that if you are reading this, God has been writing an incredible, unique history with you. A history of HIs faithfulness in your life. As you take a moment to reflect, I pray that you will be reminded of all the things that have happened in your life because of the faithful orchestration of your Heavenly Father. Just as He was with Moses, just as He was with Joshua, God promises that He is with you. May this history serve as the rich soil from which courage will come to fruition in your life.
Prayer: Father, we take this moment to remind ourselves of how faithful You have been in our lives, and we thank You. There is nothing we have done to deserve it—it is entirely by Your grace. And as we reflect upon our history with You, may courage arise in us to do what is right before You. Help us Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 42
Lunch Break Study
Read Romans 5:6-8: For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Questions
- What kind of picture do words like “helpless” or “sinners” paint in regard to our status before Christ’s redemption?
- What is the surprising truth of the gospel that Paul talks about in verses 7? What does this teach us in regard to the nature of our redemption and relationship with God?
- The reason for God doing all of this according to Paul is to demonstrate His own love towards us. What does this constancy of God’s love mean to you?
Notes
- These words describe a state of our being where we could not do anything to change or to earn what we have received from God. To be a sinner means that we are completely spiritually dead. It is a picture of a relationship that is entirely one-sided: God is faithful towards us.
- The surprising truth of the gospel is that there is no logical reasoning for why God should do this. Even in the best of human scenarios, people would hardly give of their lives for a righteous person—let alone, an unrighteous person. And yet this Holy God willingly gave His life for the unrighteous, and there’s nothing we could have done to earn or prevent this from happening.
- Personal response.
Evening Reflection
How faithful has God been to you? In the hurriedness of our lives, we too often forget to stop and reflect upon how faithful our Heavenly Father is towards us. It is no wonder we do not live with much courage—we are lacking the foundation upon which our courage grows. Take a moment tonight to remind yourself of all the ways that God has been faithful to you, and may this fuel you tomorrow to be courageous.