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the  Preachers  blog

Blogs are posted every Wednesday, except in July and August

Joshua 13-21 (By Rev. Deacon Margaret Friesen)

3/9/2021

 
OBSERVATION
  • Description of land allotments for each of the tribes of Israel. Joshua was also assigned some land and land was set aside for cities of refuge and towns were assigned to the Levites.
  • The book of Joshua summarizes battles against many kings (likely city states) but indicates that much of the promised land had yet to be claimed.
  • It is possible that total destruction and takeover of the promised land was somewhat overstated. Nevertheless, Israel was a recognized national entity by about 1200 BC.
  • The book ends with a farewell speech by Joshua who encouraged the people to be faithful to God and to follow the Law that was given through Moses. Joshua also reviews and renews Israel’s covenant with the Lord God.
 
INTERPRETATION
  • The battles described in the book of Joshua are only a few of the many efforts to gain the “promised land”. The book of Judges gives more detail on a number of the battles.
  • Some Bible scholars have described the battle for the land as being more of a “social” or a “peaceful infiltration” of the land. However, much as I might want to minimize the militaristic takeovers with their destruction, I cannot accept an entirely “peaceful” takeover. I think there were real, physical, armed struggles with violence and destruction.
  • It is clear that God wants to protect His people from being influenced by the idolatry and pagan practices of the Canaanites surrounding Israeli territories. He wanted the heart of his people turned towards Himself.
 
APPLICATION
  • It is clear that we are greatly influenced by our present-day society with its plurality of faiths, of values, and “politically correct” behaviour.
  • We need to ask God to give us a “filter” so we can discern truth and apply true wisdom in our choices.
  • Let’s also be careful to not judge others’ hearts without asking God to clear our own hearts.
 
QUESTION
  • Do we need to do some cleaning out of our “hidden selves”? Are we holding onto some old addictions and practices?
 
PRAYER
Lord Jesus we invite your Holy Spirit to clean out all our entrenched thoughts and behaviours that align against you. Turn us around to face you and give us grace so we might serve you whole-heartedly.  
 
SONG – Take my life and let it be – Chris Tomlin

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St Aidan’s Anglican Church
274 Campbell Street | Winnipeg, MB R3N 1B5
Phone: 204.489.3390 Email: [email protected]
  • Home
  • Worship Online
  • The Preachers Blog
  • Bible in a Year
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Prayer Requests
  • Request Pastoral Care
  • Youth
  • Give
  • Statement of Faith
  • Video Archive
    • 2025 Videos
    • 2024 Videos
    • Real Lives
    • 2023 Videos
    • 2022 Videos
    • 2021 Videos
    • 2020 Videos
  • Sermon Audio Archive
    • 2020 Sermons
    • 2019 Sermons
    • 2019 Sermon Series >
      • Gospel Centered Eternities November 2019
      • The Real Joy of Easter - Holy Week 2019
    • 2018 Sermons
    • 2018 Sermon Series >
      • Gospel Centred Church Spring 2018
      • A Gospel Shaped Church Fall 2018
    • 2017 Sermon Series >
      • The Servant King Christmas 2016
      • The Saviour King Lent 2017
      • The Victorious King Holy Week 2017
      • The Living King Easter 2017
      • The Brother King Fall 2017
      • Worship the King Advent 2017
    • 2016 Sermon Series >
      • Real Obedience Lent 2016
      • Unity of the Church
      • The Servant King Christmas 2016
    • 2015 Sermon Series >
      • Real Gifts 2015
      • Real Mission 2015
      • Mission Discerned
    • 2014 Sermon Series >
      • Real Church 2014
      • Real Lives 2014
    • 2013 Sermon Series >
      • Real God 2013
    • Sermon Archive From 2014 - 2017
  • Christianity 101