Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from Joshua Chapter 2 which covers Joshua sending two spies to spy out Jericho and the surrounding land, the welcoming of the spies and protecting of them by Rahab the harlot, her faith which motivated her action, and the return of the spies to Joshua.

I will only quote the first 11 verses.

“1 Then Joshua the son of Nun sent two men as spies secretly from Shittim, saying, “Go, view the land, especially Jericho.”  So they went and came into the house of a harlot whose name was Rahab, and lodged there.  2 It was told the king of Jericho, saying, “Behold, men from the sons of Israel have come here tonight to search out the land.”  3 And the king of Jericho sent word to Rahab, saying, “Bring out the men who have come to you, who have entered your house, for they have come to search out all the land.”  4 But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them, and she said, “Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they were from.  5 It came about when it was time to shut the gate at dark, that the men went out;  I do not know where the men went.  Pursue them quickly, for you will overtake them.”  6 But she had brought them up to the roof and hidden them in the stalks of flax which she had laid in order on the roof. 7 So the men pursued them on the road to the Jordan to the fords; and as soon as those who were pursuing them had gone out, they shut the gate.

8 Now before they lay down, she came up to them on the roof, 9 and said to the men, “I know that the Lord has given you the land, and that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land have melted away before you.  10 For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed.  11 When we heard it, our hearts melted and no courage remained in any man any longer because of you;  for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.”  Joshua 2:1-11.

——————

Rahab the harlot provides hope for us.  Like Rahab, we are a sinner.  Like Rahab, we are a Gentile.  But, like Rahab, we can gain knowledge about God.  Like Rahab, we can act upon our faith in God.  Like Rahab, we can be saved.

First, we first notice that Rahab’s faith did not stand alone.  Rahab’s faith motivated her to take actions that were dangerous, that proved her faith.  

If she did not truly believe what she confessed, then she certainly would not have risked death to protect the spies.  “In the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?”  James 2:25.

Such faith put Rahab into the “Hall of Faith” in Hebrews Chapter 11.  “By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace.”  Hebrews 11:31.

Second, we notice that this faith is also not a simple faith in the existence of God.  This faith shows a willingness to learn and recite details about the qualities of God and the works of God.  Consider all that Rahab said about God in verses 9 to 11!  

First, she heard of the promises of the LORD, and although the process of the LORD giving the land to Israel had just begun, she considered it an accomplished fact:  “I know that the Lord has given you the land”.  Second, she personally experienced the terror of the LORD.  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.  If she did not believe God, then she would not say personally:  “the terror of you has fallen on us”.  Third, she showed her belief in the extent of God’s work in giving the land to Israel by stating:  “all the inhabitants of the land have melted away before you.”  Fourth, she learned and recited the following works of God:  “For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed.”  Fifth, she concluded that God had the quality of being sovereign:  “the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.”

Knowledge of God is an important element of faith.  We can not just be passionate about the idol image of a god that we want.

“For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge.  For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.”  Romans 10:2-3.  We should increase in the knowledge of God:  “so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;”  Colossians 1:10.

What doctrine shows more of a willingness to learn and recite details about the qualities of God and the works of God?  Reformed Doctrine! 

What doctrine shows more of a willingness to learn and recite details about man, his alleged free-will, and what man has done?  Other doctrine! 

“Thus says the Lord, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches;  but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the Lord.  Jeremiah 9:23-24.

Today’s devotion comes from Joshua 1:10-18.

“10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, 11 “Pass through the midst of the camp and command the people, saying, ‘Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you are to cross this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you, to possess it.’”

12 To the Reubenites and to the Gadites and to the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joshua said, 13 “Remember the word which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, saying, ‘The Lord your God gives you rest and will give you this land.’  14 Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle shall remain in the land which Moses gave you beyond the Jordan, but you shall cross before your brothers in battle array, all your valiant warriors, and shall help them, 15 until the Lord gives your brothers rest, as He gives you, and they also possess the land which the Lord your God is giving them.  Then you shall return to your own land, and possess that which Moses the servant of the Lord gave you beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise.”

16 They answered Joshua, saying, “All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go.  17 Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you;  only may the Lord your God be with you as He was with Moses.  18 Anyone who rebels against your command and does not obey your words in all that you command him, shall be put to death; only be strong and courageous.”  Joshua 1:10-18.

——————–

There are two senses and tenses of rest in today’s Scripture and also in our lives. 

There is the present tense of rest as is in verse 13:    ‘The Lord your God gives you rest”.  God gives us trust in our hearts in His words:   “I will be with you;  I will not fail you or forsake you.”  Joshua 1:5.  God also gives us the fruit of His Spirit: peace in our hearts.  Galatians 5:2.  “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”  Matthew 11:29.  God also causes us to trust in His work to accomplish righteousness for us and to not trust our own works to accomplish righteousness from our works.  “But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness,”  Romans 4:5.  “Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal.”  Therefore they said to Him, “What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?”  Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.”  John 6:27-29.

But, there also is a future tense of rest as in verse 15:  “until the Lord gives your brothers rest”.  The earthly fulfillment of this Scripture was in Joshua 22:4:  “And now the Lord your God has given rest to your brothers, as He spoke to them;  therefore turn now and go to your tents, to the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of the Lord gave you beyond the Jordan.”  But, more importantly, there is that future rest that we will experience after we die and are in heaven.  

Hebrews 4:8-11 puts together these two senses of rest.  “For if Joshua had given them rest, He would not have spoken of another day after that.  So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God (This is the future tense of rest – heaven).  For the one who has entered His rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from His.   Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience (This is present tense of rest – trust in God’s work, not our work)”  Hebrews 4:8-11.

So, we continue to labor, but we trust and rest that it is God Who is at work in us.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”  Ephesians 2:10.

“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain;  but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.”  1 Corinthians 5:10.

“So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling;  for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”  Philippians 2:12-13.

“but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.”  1 Corinthians 15:57-58.

Today’s devotion comes from Joshua 1:1-9.

“1 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.  6 Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.  7 Only be strong and very courageous;  be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you;  do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go.  8 This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it;  for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.  9 Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous!  Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:1-9.

———————-

The basis of our faith is that the LORD our God is with us wherever we go and that He will not fail us or forsake us.

The basis of our faith is not our own strength nor our own wisdom nor our own courage nor our own alleged free-will nor our other abilities.

Yes, we need to be strong and courageous.  Yes, we need to be careful to obey.

But, God is the One Who is at work within us:  “for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”  Philippians 2:13.

“I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.”  Ezekiel 36:27.

What seems more consistent with all of this? 

Reformed Doctrine which focuses on God and what God has done for us from “Unconditional Election” through “Limited Atonement” through “Irresistible Grace” through “Preservation of the Saints”, the “U”, “L”, “I”, and “P” of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation? 

Or, other doctrine which focuses on man and what man should do through his alleged free-will?

If we are dependent on our own strength, our own wisdom, and our own alleged free-will, we will certainly fail and fear.

But, if we are dependent on God and believe what He has accomplished for us as taught by Reformed Doctrine (including that He continues to be with us wherever we go and that He will not fail us or forsake us), then we will have success and be strong and courageous.

Today’s devotion comes from Deuteronomy Chapter 34.

“1 Now Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is opposite Jericho.  And the Lord showed him all the land, Gilead as far as Dan, 2 and all Naphtali and the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, and all the land of Judah as far as the western sea, 3 and the Negev and the plain in the valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, as far as Zoar.  4 Then the Lord said to him, “This is the land which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants’;  I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there.”  5 So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord.  6 And He buried him in the valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth-peor; but no man knows his burial place to this day.  7 Although Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died, his eye was not dim, nor his vigor abated.  8 So the sons of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days;  then the days of weeping and mourning for Moses came to an end.

9 Now Joshua the son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him;  and the sons of Israel listened to him and did as the Lord had commanded Moses.  10 Since that time no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, 11 for all the signs and wonders which the Lord sent him to perform in the land of Egypt against Pharaoh, all his servants, and all his land, 12 and for all the mighty power and for all the great terror which Moses performed in the sight of all Israel.”  Deuteronomy Chapter 34.

——————-

Today’s Scripture reminds us of “Preservation of the Saints” also known as “Perseverance of the Saints”, the “P” of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation.  The following is a summary of this Reformed Doctrine that teaches that God preserves His elect to salvation.

Article 3.   By reason of these remains of indwelling sin, and the temptations of sin and of the world, those who are converted could not persevere in a state of grace, if left to their own strength.   But God is faithful, who having conferred grace, mercifully confirms, and powerfully preserves them herein, even to the end.  FIFTH HEAD OF DOCTRINE Of the Perseverance of the Saints of Canons of Dordt.

In today’s Scripture, we read:  “Although Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died, his eye was not dim, nor his vigor abated.”  Verse 7.  God also protected Moses over those 120 years through all the dangers in Egypt from when his parents put him as a baby in a basket to float on the Nile to avoid the king’s decree until much later he escaped from the slavery of Egypt with the rest of Israel.  God also protected Moses through all the dangers of the 40 years in the wilderness and through all the other dangers, trials, and tribulations.  Although “Preservation of the Saints” is a spiritual blessing of salvation, God does provide earthly blessings, such as we read today, to remind us of this spiritual blessing.

Now, we certainly know that God does not give everyone 120 years of life, nor such superb health until death.  We all do not have the same earthly “preservations”.  Nevertheless, we can and should appreciate those earthly “preservations” that we do receive and not only accept them on face value as good health, nor worse, just that we earned them on the basis of our works alone of discipline in diet, exercise, and good living.  We can and should think of the earthly “preservations” that we receive as indications of something better that God has in store for us, namely spiritual “preservation”.  Moreover, we should receive these earthly “preservations” as gifts from God.  “For who regards you as superior?  What do you have that you did not receive?  And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?”  1 Corinthians 4:7.

I may not have Moses’ good eyesight.  But, the LORD has blessed me with brown hair that has retained its color when most people my age have gray hair.

I hike the Grand Canyon with 7 other high school classmates every 3 years.  I may not be the athlete that some of these friends are.  But, the LORD has blessed me with vigor, a desire to go with them and hike, even though I may not hike as well as some of them.

The purpose of this is not to focus on me, but to stimulate your thoughts to meditate on what earthly “preservations” God has given you, so that you will not only be thankful and praise God for them, but so more importantly, you will also think of the more important spiritual “preservation” that God gives you.

Some of you have been blessed with a youthful spirit.

Some of you laugh so easily and deeply.

Some of you do more volunteer work than many much younger than you.

Some of you love to babysit your grandchildren or take care of the babies of your church.

Some of you have such a sharp mind.

Some of you have survived great physical dangers such as wars, accidents, cancer etc.

God has given life (a/k/a earthly preservations) to your mortal bodies.  “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”  Romans 8:11.

“How great is Your goodness,
Which You have stored up for those who fear You,
Which You have wrought for those who take refuge in You,
Before the sons of men!”  Psalm 31:19.

All of these earthly preservations (that we receive) point us to the spiritual preservation summarized in “Preservation of the Saints”.

Today’s devotion comes from Deuteronomy 33:26-29.

“26 “There is none like the God of Jeshurun,
Who rides the heavens to your help,
And through the skies in His majesty.
27 “The eternal God is a dwelling place,
And underneath are the everlasting arms;
And He drove out the enemy from before you,
And said, ‘Destroy!’
28 “So Israel dwells in security,
The fountain of Jacob secluded,
In a land of grain and new wine;
His heavens also drop down dew.
29 “Blessed are you, O Israel;
Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord,
Who is the shield of your help
And the sword of your majesty!
So your enemies will cringe before you,
And you will tread upon their high places.”  Deuteronomy 33:26-29.

———————–

He is our God!  We want to cry out our claim after reading this Scripture.

It is amazing that the eternal, almighty, and infinite God would identify Himself as the “God of Jeshurun” (Israel)!

We know that our doctrine teaches us about these qualities of God.

For example, here is what Article 1 of the Belgic Confession states:

Article 1:  That there is One Only God.

 We all believe with the heart, and confess with the mouth, that there is one only simple and spiritual Being, which we call God; and that he is eternal, incomprehensible, invisible, immutable, infinite, almighty, perfectly wise, just, good, and the overflowing fountain of all good.

But, today’s Scripture emphasizes that this “One Only God”, with all these qualities and more, is the “God of Jeshurun” (Israel)!   He is our God!

This God “rides the heavens to your help, And through the skies in His majesty.”  Verse 26.

This God is our “dwelling place”.  Verse 27.

This God is our “shield” and “sword”.  Verse 29.

“So Israel dwells in security”.  Verse 28.

“So your enemies will cringe before you,
And you will tread upon their high places.”  Verse 29.

“10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
But he who trusts in the Lord, lovingkindness shall surround him.
11 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous ones;
And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart.”  Psalm 32:10-11.

He is our God!  We are glad in the Lord, and we rejoice and shout for joy.

Today’s devotion comes from Deuteronomy 33:18-25.

“18 Of Zebulun he said,

“Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going forth,
And, Issachar, in your tents.
19 “They will call peoples to the mountain;
There they will offer righteous sacrifices;
For they will draw out the abundance of the seas,
And the hidden treasures of the sand.”

20 Of Gad he said,

“Blessed is the one who enlarges Gad;
He lies down as a lion,
And tears the arm, also the crown of the head.
21 “Then he provided the first part for himself,
For there the ruler’s portion was reserved;
And he came with the leaders of the people;
He executed the justice of the Lord,
And His ordinances with Israel.”
22 Of Dan he said,

“Dan is a lion’s whelp,
That leaps forth from Bashan.”

23 Of Naphtali he said,

“O Naphtali, satisfied with favor,
And full of the blessing of the Lord,
Take possession of the sea and the south.”

24 Of Asher he said,

“More blessed than sons is Asher;
May he be favored by his brothers,
And may he dip his foot in oil.
25 “Your locks will be iron and bronze,
And according to your days, so will your leisurely walk be.”   Deuteronomy 33:18-25.

————————

In summary, the foregoing highlighted blessings remind me generally of the blessing of contentment.

“He has told you, O man, what is good;  And what does the Lord require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?”  Micah 6:8.

“But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.”  1 Timothy 6:6.

God has given us work to do.  Some of it is general. what everyone does, like offering righteous sacrifices (worship) and executing justice in today’s Scripture.  Verses 19 and 21.  Some of it is specific to us, what we were made to do.”

But, even for that specific work, we can do that work with contentment.  We may work hard at times, but in a sense, it is a walk.  “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”   “And according to your days, so will your leisurely walk be.”  Verse 25.

Some people seem to grind it out whether it be things that we all do:  worship or doing what is right (justice) or work.  They have little contentment.  They have little peace and joy.  There is little attractive about them that draws you to them.

On the other hand, there are blessed people who seem to love what they are doing.  They have a smile on their face and cheer in their hearts.  They laugh easy and give encouragement even easier.  They have difficult times, but they get through them.  They count their blessings.  Verse 23.  We are attracted to them.  We want to be around them.

This contentment is a blessing.  There are some people who were created to be more inclined to be naturally content.  They were made with a sunny disposition.

But, this contentment can also be cultivated through Reformed Doctrine.  When we more deeply believe in a sovereign God Who accomplishes all His good pleasure whether it be in us individually or in saving all His elect or in otherwise controlling every detail of history for His purpose, then we become more content.

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.”  2 Corinthians 2:14.

Today’s devotion comes from Deuteronomy 33:13-17.

13 Of Joseph he said,

“Blessed of the Lord be his land,
With the choice things of heaven, with the dew,
And from the deep lying beneath,
14 And with the choice yield of the sun,
And with the choice produce of the months.
15 “And with the best things of the ancient mountains,
And with the choice things of the everlasting hills,
16 And with the choice things of the earth and its fullness,
And the favor of Him who dwelt in the bush.
Let it come to the head of Joseph,
And to the crown of the head of the one distinguished among his brothers.
17 “As the firstborn of his ox, majesty is his,
And his horns are the horns of the wild ox;
With them he will push the peoples,
All at once, to the ends of the earth.
And those are the ten thousands of Ephraim,
And those are the thousands of Manasseh.”  Deuteronomy 33:13-17.

————————-

Today’s Scripture emphasize the quality and quantity of the blessings that come to those who have the favor of God.

These blessings include “the choice things of heaven” verse 13, “the choice yield of the sun” verse 14, “the choice produce” verse 14, “the best things of the ancient mountains” verse 15, “the choice things of the everlasting hills” verse 15, and “the choice things of the earth and its fullness” verse 16.

In today’s Scripture, the word “choice”, which is repeatedly used, signifies that the LORD Himself has chosen these blessings for His favored ones and that they are the best gifts. 

This should encourage us.  We do not have a stingy father who begrudgingly gives us only what we need.

Rather, we have a Generous Heavenly Father Who is able and willing to lavishly pour the best blessings into our lap until they overflow.

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield;  The Lord gives grace and glory;  No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”  Psalm 84:11.

“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!”  Matthew 7:11.

In today’s Scripture, the use of the phrases “the choice things of heaven” verse 13 and “the choice things of the earth and its fullness” verse 6 signify that these choice blessings include spiritual and earthly blessings. 

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us.  ..”  Ephesians 1:7-8.  “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,”    Ephesians 1:3.

“He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? ”  Romans 8:32.

“Surely God is good to Israel,
To those who are pure in heart!”  Psalm 73:1.

“I, the Lord, am your God,
Who brought you up from the land of Egypt;
Open your mouth wide and I will fill it.”  Psalm 81:10.

“But I would feed you with the finest of the wheat,
And with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.”  Psalm 81:16.

“The Lord of hosts will prepare a lavish banquet for all peoples on this mountain;
A banquet of aged wine, choice pieces with marrow,
And refined, aged wine.”  Isaiah 25:6.

“Praise the Lord!
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.”  Psalm 106:1.

“I shall make mention of the lovingkindnesses of the Lord, the praises of the Lord,
According to all that the Lord has granted us,
And the great goodness toward the house of Israel,
Which He has granted them according to His compassion
And according to the abundance of His lovingkindnesses.”  Isaiah 63:7.

This is a republication of an old but still profitable “Letter to Harry” posted at my web site under the tag “Gold Mining”.

Yours truly,
Bill

GOLD MINE 1:  DEUTERONOMY 33:12

THE BELOVED OF THE LORD REST SECURE IN HIM.

July 29, 1992

Harry:

God loves us, and we rest secure in Him!

As you may remember, I am going through the Bible sequentially starting with John and reading a chapter or more a day. I have already moved from John through Revelation and then started in Genesis and now I am at Deuteronomy 33.

I came across an unfamiliar verse that I would like to share with you. It presents a beautiful memorable picture. “About Benjamin he said: `Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders.’”  Deuteronomy 33:12b

What wonderful love God has for us!  It is particularly meaningful to me as I hold my two-year old son, Joshua, in my lap with his chest and head resting on my chest between my shoulders. Joshua falls asleep secure, and I love him and protect him with awe and wonder.

Does God love us and protect us any less?!

Today’s devotion comes from Deuteronomy 33:4-11.

“4 “Moses charged us with a law,
A possession for the assembly of Jacob.
5 “And He was king in Jeshurun,
When the heads of the people were gathered,
The tribes of Israel together.

6 “May Reuben live and not die,
Nor his men be few.”

7 And this regarding Judah;  so he said,

“Hear, O Lord, the voice of Judah,
And bring him to his people.
With his hands he contended for them,
And may You be a help against his adversaries.”

8 Of Levi he said,

“Let Your Thummim and Your Urim belong to Your godly man,
Whom You proved at Massah,
With whom You contended at the waters of Meribah;
9 Who said of his father and his mother,
‘I did not consider them’;
And he did not acknowledge his brothers,
Nor did he regard his own sons,
For they observed Your word,
And kept Your covenant.
10 “They shall teach Your ordinances to Jacob,
And Your law to Israel.
They shall put incense before You,
And whole burnt offerings on Your altar.
11 “O Lord, bless his substance,
And accept the work of his hands;
Shatter the loins of those who rise up against him,
And those who hate him, so that they will not rise again.”  Deuteronomy 33:4-11.

———————–

We can see the fulfillment of these three blessings in Christ. 

The tribe of Reuben, like our families today, want to live and have many descendants and to have no end.

“May Reuben live and not die,
Nor his men be few.”  Verse 6.

In Christ, our tribe or family is His kingdom which will have no end. 

“He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David;  and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.”  Luke 1:32-33.

“And they *sang a new song, saying,

“Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals;  for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.

“You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.”  Revelation 5:9-10.

The tribe of Judah, like our families today, want help against our adversaries.

“And this regarding Judah; so he said,

“Hear, O Lord, the voice of Judah,
And bring him to his people.
With his hands he contended for them,
And may You be a help against his adversaries.”  Verse 7.

Christ is the Lion of Judah Who gives us salvation from our enemies.

“and one of the elders *said to me, “Stop weeping;  behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals.”  Revelation 5:5.

“68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people,
69 And has raised up a horn of salvation for us
In the house of David His servant—
70 As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old—
71 Salvation from our enemies,
And from the hand of all who hate us;
72 To show mercy toward our fathers,
And to remember His holy covenant,
73 The oath which He swore to Abraham our father,
74 To grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies,
Might serve Him without fear,
75 In holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.”  Luke 1:68-75.

The tribe of Levi, like our families today, want to faithfully observe God’s Law, teach it, and keep His covenant.

“… For they observed Your word,
And kept Your covenant.
“They shall teach Your ordinances to Jacob,
And Your law to Israel.  …”  Verses 9-10.

Christ came and live a life of perfect obedience, made an offering for sin, to make us righteous in Christ. 

“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”  2 Corinthians 5:21.

“For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did:  sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”  Romans 8:3-4.

In summary, “For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes;  therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.”  2 Corinthians 1:20.

Today’s devotion comes from Deuteronomy 33:1-3.

“1 Now this is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the sons of Israel before his death. 2 He said,

“The Lord came from Sinai,
And dawned on them from Seir;
He shone forth from Mount Paran,
And He came from the midst of ten thousand holy ones;
At His right hand there was flashing lightning for them.
3 “Indeed, He loves the people;
All Your holy ones are in Your hand,
And they followed in Your steps;
Everyone receives of Your words.”   Deuteronomy 33:1-3.

———————

Does this sound like God loves everybody or that God loves His people? 

Does this sound like resistible grace or irresistible grace? 

Does this sound like a fall from grace or preservation of the saints? 

“For you are a holy people to the Lord your God;  the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.”  Deuteronomy 7:6.

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;  for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God;  you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”  1 Peter 2:9-10.

“TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation best summarizes Scripture and best shows God’s special love for His people:  limited to His people but unlimited in faithfulness and other fullness to save.

“TULIP” may not be most popular, because it humbles man and exalts God, but it needs to be identified, examined, and proclaimed, because it is the truth.