A Fresh Start

Text: Joshua 5:1-12 Theme: God gave Israel a new beginning in the promised land. Key verses: “…the Lord said to Joshua, ‘Make flint knives’ and circumcise the Israelites again.'” “…all the men who were of military age when they left Egypt had died, since they had not obeyed the Lord.” (v. 6a) “So he raised up their sons in their place, and these were the ones Joshua circumcised…because they had not been circumcised on the way.” (v. 7) “Then the Lord said to Joshua, ‘Today I have rolled away the reproach of Eygpt from you.” (v. 9) “…the Israelites celebrated the Passover that very day…the manna stopped the day after they ate this food from the land…that year they ate of the produce of Canaan.” (v. 11-12) What God said to me: Son, I am a restoration God. I am a promise-keeping God. I am sovereign in my plans for my people. I do not play favorites or overlook rebellion. I did not allow the entire generation who came out of Egypt to go into the promised land because of their complaining and lack of faith. Yet, I remembered my covenant with their children. I removed their reproach and gave them a fresh start in a new and rich land. Dwayne, there is a promised rest for you as well. There is a place of abundant life awaiting you if you will humble yourself and surrender completely to my will. If not you will wander in the desert of doubt and disappointment. You will make it to your ultimate promised land of heaven, but miss the wonderful promised place here on earth – one Paul descibed as “in Christ.” I have circumcised your heart. You are mine. Dwell in the land, in the sanctuary, in the peace of my presence and provisions and protection. What I said to God: Thank You, precious and personal God. You are my Master and Redeemer, my All in All. I yield myself to You this morning. Forgive me when I grumble and complain and doubt Your ways and wisdom. Circumcise my heart and the hearts of my family. Set us apart to serve You and only You. Thank You that You have not left us in the desert of despair. Praise You, Lord, for Your mercy and grace to bring us into Your fold and into Your rest! I love You. Help me share You with someone else today.