setting the stage

Posted on July 22, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

Jeff Penny and the grandkidsJudges 1

The ESV Study Bible writes “The military encounters here are reminders that the peace at the end of the book of Joshua was short-lived. Judah was given a leadership role, and they allied with Simeon against the remaining Canaanites. They had some successes, but some ominous failures as well (vv. 19, 21).”

The secular character of this first chapter is setting the stage for what will be a failed mission. You have to do God’s work in God’s way.

LORD, give us the courage to attack the task you give us with wholehearted devotion.

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The next generation’s mission

Posted on July 21, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

j0410081Joshua 23-24

The final words of Joshua highlight the fact that missions is the choice and responsibility of each generation.  The LORD will be faithful to us as long as we are faithful to him. Should we choose not to pass on our faith to the next generation, we will be condemning them.  If they believe, they too will take on the mission. Those whom the LORD saves, the LORD sends.


LORD, show us how to pass on to our children the mission you have given us.

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missions and miscommunication

Posted on July 20, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

j0410081Joshua 22

The eastern tribes were on their way back to their homes after serving the LORD and their brothers by helping out in the conquest.  They had done their duty and their western brothers were grateful.  But then something unusual happened.  The western tribes learned that Rueben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh had built another altar by the Jordon. They thought that the eastern tribes were falling back into idolatry.  But the altar was not for sacrifice to a foreign God.  It was intended to remind the eastern Israelites of their allegiance to the LORD.

One of the most dangerous things that happens while serving on a mission is miscommunication.  It can lead to disaster.  A rumor spread her almost led to civil war.

LORD, give us clarity of thought, and the ability to communicate well.  Protect us from miscommunication that might lead to distrust and condemnation.

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missions that the LORD is in

Posted on July 19, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

j0410081Joshua 21

“Thus the LORD gave to Israel all the land that he swore to give to their fathers. And they took possession of it, and they settled there. And the LORD gave them rest on every side just as he had sworn to their fathers. Not one of all their enemies had withstood them, for the LORD had given all their enemies into their hands. Not one word of all the good promises that the LORD had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass” (Joshua 21:43-45 ESV).

This testimony of the faithfulness of God reminds us that although the mission can be a struggle at times, if the LORD is in it, he will work it out.

LORD, thank you for leading us in your mission. We trust you to work things out in your time.

Posted in dependence upon God, missions, trust | Tagged | 1 Comment

missions and human rights

Posted on July 18, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

j0410081Joshua 20

Even though the objective of the Israelites was to occupy the promised land as quickly as possible, no human right was to be set aside.  The cities of refuge were a way of preserving life, protecting the accused until justice could be achieved.  The phrase “till he stood before the congregation” implied that the cities were not simply a “get out of jail free card.”   Human life is precious, and justice would require that a murderer be executed.  But there had to be a check against feuding.

When we are about doing the mission we have been given, we need to be considerate of those we are trying to reach.  Our zeal to win them to Christ should not be an excuse for breaking the rules.  The end does not justify the means.

LORD, make us people who abide by the rules of fair play, so that those we share your gospel with are convinced of our integrity.

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missions and procrastination

Posted on July 17, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

j0410081Joshua 18-19

The land lay subdued before them, but the Israelites took their time allotting the land.  Joshua said “How long will you put off going in to take possession of the land, which the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you” (18:3). 

Churches, also, can be guilty of this.  When it is time to go and grow, we have a tendency to stay and enjoy the fun and safety of the larger fellowship.  The mission is not accomplished when we have reached the capacity limit.  That is probably the time when we need to move out and take possession of our inheritance elsewhere.

LORD, give us the wisdom to know when to move on, and the courage to act upon that knowledge.

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missions and fair allotment

Posted on July 16, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

j0410081Joshua 16-17

Two groups pled for a fair allotment among the lands divvied out after the conquest.  The daughters of Zelophehad sought the land promised by the LORD during the time of Moses.  The sons of Joseph needed more land because of their number.  Behind these requests was more than a mere collective selfishness.  Possession and protection of the land was a divine responsibility and mission.  

As the church of the living God, we each have been gifted with special abilities which enable us to carry out our responsibilities.  It is only fair that those gifted with certain gifts should have more responsibilities, and those gifted in other areas should have less.  In some churches, leadership and responsibility is passed along on another basis.  Popularity and doctrinal agreement are two criteria often used to bypass fair allotment.

LORD, help us to keep your mission in mind when choosing those who lead us.

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mission and limits

Posted on July 15, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

j0410081Joshua 15

Joshua’s mission was to lead the people of Israel on a conquest of the land.  Many of the cities listed in this chapter attest to the success of that mission.  But there were limits to that success. 

“But the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the people of Judah could not drive out, so the Jebusites dwell with the people of Judah at Jerusalem to this day.”
(Joshua 15:63 ESV)

You and I are called to missions from the LORD as well.  Our divine Sender wants us to be faithful to those missions.  He has endowed us with the Holy Spirit, whose gifts will enable us to accomplish our missions.  But there will be limits to our success as well.  Our Master wants us to know that what matters most is not what we do for him, but what he has done for us.

LORD, we are content to serve you and go where you send us.  The mission is yours.

Posted in commitment, dependence upon God, missions, works | Tagged | 1 Comment

missions and possibilities

Posted on July 14, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

j0410081Joshua 13-14

Even in his old age, Caleb stood in line to be allotted land because “it may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall drive them out, just as you said.”  There was work to be done, and Caleb was going top be involved: no excuses.  The LORD is looking for  people who dare to see the possibilities, and are willing to take the risk of failure.  He does not always send the most equipped, most talented, or the strongest.  He works with the willing.

LORD, help us to see the possibilities, take action, and trust you to bring success.

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missions and conflict #2

Posted on July 13, 2012 by Jefferson Vann

j0410081Joshua 11-12

Just as it was in the conquest of the Soutrhern lands, the kings of the Northern lands conspired in an alliance and came against Joshua, and the LORD gave them into the hands of Israel.  The reason was that the LORD had hardened the hearts of the people “that they should come against Israel  in battle, in order that they should be devoted to destruction and should receive no mercy but be destroyed, just as the LORD commanded Moses” (20).  God allowed the animosity and conflict because he had a purpose for it.

LORD, give us discernment to understand that some things happen for reasons that only you will know.  Our task is to obey while you are working out your plans.

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