Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from Joshua Chapter 5.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua+5&version=NASB

I quote only the following verses.

“4 This is the reason why Joshua circumcised them: all the people who came out of Egypt who were males, all the men of war, died in the wilderness along the way after they came out of Egypt.  5 For all the people who came out were circumcised, but all the people who were born in the wilderness along the way as they came out of Egypt had not been circumcised.  6 For the sons of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, until all the nation, that is, the men of war who came out of Egypt, perished because they did not listen to the voice of the Lord, to whom the Lord had sworn that He would not let them see the land which the Lord had sworn to their fathers to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey.  7 Their children whom He raised up in their place, Joshua circumcised;  for they were uncircumcised, because they had not circumcised them along the way.

8 Now when they had finished circumcising all the nation, they remained in their places in the camp until they were healed.  9 Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.”  So the name of that place is called Gilgal to this day. 10 While the sons of Israel camped at Gilgal they observed the Passover on the evening of the fourteenth day of the month on the desert plains of Jericho.  11 On the day after the Passover, on that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land, unleavened cakes and parched grain.  12 The manna ceased on the day after they had eaten some of the produce of the land, so that the sons of Israel no longer had manna, but they ate some of the yield of the land of Canaan during that year.

13 Now it came about when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing opposite him with his sword drawn in his hand, and Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us or for our adversaries?”  14 He said, “No;  rather I indeed come now as captain of the host of the Lord.”  And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and bowed down, and said to him, “What has my lord to say to his servant?”  15 The captain of the Lord’s host said to Joshua, “Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.”  And Joshua did so.”  Joshua 5:4-15.

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It is interesting in today’s Scripture that when Israel arrived in the Promised Land that circumcision started up again, Passover continued, and manna stopped.  What is this new Promised Land? 

It is holy land.  “The captain of the Lord’s host said to Joshua, “Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.”  And Joshua did so.”  Verse 15.

Was all the Promised Land holy?  Or, was just the city of Gilgal holy?  Or was literally just the place where Joshua was standing holy? 

We have questions.  Joshua had questions:  “Are you for us or for our adversaries?” Verse 13.  “What has my lord to say to his servant?”  Verse 14.  And, Joshua likely wanted to know more about this “captain of the host of the Lord”.  Verse 14.

But, questions are good.  They motivate us to seek the kingdom of God.  They motivate us to seek Christ.

Circumcision, manna, and Passover were only “a copy and shadow of the heavenly things” using the language of Hebrews 8:5.

Christ is our circumcision, “and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ;”  Colossians 2:11.

Christ is our manna.  “Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life;  he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.”  John 6:35.

Christ is our Passover.  “Clean out the old leaven so that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened. For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed.”  1 Corinthians 5:7.

Seek Christ “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”  Colossians 2:3.

Today’s devotion comes from Joshua Chapter 4 which covers the LORD’s command to set up twelve memorial stones to help Israel remember the LORD’s mighty act of cutting off the waters of the Jordan so that Israel could cross it.

I quote only the following verses.

“1 Now when all the nation had finished crossing the Jordan, the Lord spoke to Joshua, saying, 2 “Take for yourselves twelve men from the people, one man from each tribe, 3 and command them, saying, ‘Take up for yourselves twelve stones from here out of the middle of the Jordan, from the place where the priests’ feet are standing firm, and carry them over with you and lay them down in the lodging place where you will lodge tonight.’”  4 So Joshua called the twelve men whom he had appointed from the sons of Israel, one man from each tribe;  5 and Joshua said to them, “Cross again to the ark of the Lord your God into the middle of the Jordan, and each of you take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Israel.  6 Let this be a sign among you, so that when your children ask later, saying, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ 7 then you shall say to them, ‘Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord;  when it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off.’  So these stones shall become a memorial to the sons of Israel forever.”  …

20 Those twelve stones which they had taken from the Jordan, Joshua set up at Gilgal.  21 He said to the sons of Israel, “When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, ‘What are these stones?’ 22 then you shall inform your children, saying, ‘Israel crossed this Jordan on dry ground.’  23 For the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed, just as the Lord your God had done to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed;  24 that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, so that you may fear the Lord your God forever.”  Joshua Chapter 4:  Verses 1-7 and 20-24.

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“TULIP” is a memorial to help us remember the LORD’s mighty acts of salvation 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.

“TULIP” is more like the memorial stones of Jordan than like a fleeting flower.  “TULIP” helps us “know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, so that you may fear the Lord your God forever.”  Verse 24.

“TULIP” came from the Canons of Dort, a confession, which “was actually composed by an ecclesiastical assembly, the Great Synod of 1618-1619. born out of internal controversy in the Reformed Churches of the Netherlands which was occasioned by the rise of the Arminian heresy, the Canons are the expression of the Synod’s judgment concerning the Five Points of the Remonstrance. This also explains the fact that the Canons are divided into five chapters, maintaining the truths of sovereign predestination, particular atonement, total depravity, irresistible grace, and perseverance of saints.”  See the introduction to the Canons of Dordt followed by these five chapters at the following link provided by the Protestant Reformed Churches – http://www.prca.org/cd_index.html

In conclusion, the points of “TULIP” should not be isolated from each other, but rather the points combine to teach of a God who saves from predestination to glorification.  “For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;  and these whom He predestined, He also called;  and these whom He called, He also justified;  and these whom He justified, He also glorified.”  Romans 8:29-30.

Throughout Scripture, we see that “Salvation belongs to the Lord”.  Psalm 3:8.

“And He saw that there was no man, And was astonished that there was no one to intercede;  Then His own arm brought salvation to Him, And His righteousness upheld Him.  He put on righteousness like a breastplate, And a helmet of salvation on His head;  And He put on garments of vengeance for clothing And wrapped Himself with zeal as a mantle.”  Isaiah 59:16-17.

“For the day of vengeance was in My heart, And My year of redemption has come. “I looked, and there was no one to help, And I was astonished and there was no one to uphold;  So My own arm brought salvation to Me, And My wrath upheld Me.”  Isaiah 63:4-5.

“The LORD has bared His holy arm In the sight of all the nations, That all the ends of the earth may see The salvation of our God.”  Isaiah 52:10.

If God controls the smallest details of life on earth so that not even a sparrow falls to the ground apart from the will of God (Matthew 10:29), then do you really think that God is giving up any control over salvation to man’s free will?  Are sparrows more important than the salvation of man?  No, God saves according to His purpose according to His choice, not because of works or even the will of man.

Salvation does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy on whom He desires. See Romans 9:11-18.

Today’s devotion comes from Joshua Chapter 3 which covers the preparation for Israel crossing the Jordan, the ark of the covenant leading the way, and the people of Israel following and crossing the Jordan.

I quote only the following verses.

“1 Then Joshua rose early in the morning; and he and all the sons of Israel set out from Shittim and came to the Jordan, and they lodged there before they crossed.  2 At the end of three days the officers went through the midst of the camp;  3 and they commanded the people, saying, “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God with the Levitical priests carrying it, then you shall set out from your place and go after it.  4 However, there shall be between you and it a distance of about 2,000 cubits by measure.  Do not come near it, that you may know the way by which you shall go, for you have not passed this way before.”

5 Then Joshua said to the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”  6 And Joshua spoke to the priests, saying, “Take up the ark of the covenant and cross over ahead of the people.”  So they took up the ark of the covenant and went ahead of the people.  …

14 So when the people set out from their tents to cross the Jordan with the priests carrying the ark of the covenant before the people, 15 and when those who carried the ark came into the Jordan, and the feet of the priests carrying the ark were dipped in the edge of the water (for the Jordan overflows all its banks all the days of harvest), 16 the waters which were flowing down from above stood and rose up in one heap, a great distance away at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan; and those which were flowing down toward the sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, were completely cut off.  So the people crossed opposite Jericho.  17 And the priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan while all Israel crossed on dry ground, until all the nation had finished crossing the Jordan.”  Joshua Chapter 3:  Verses 1-6 and 14-17.

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“Crossing the Jordan” is an expression of going through death to get to heaven (the Promised Land).  But, we do not go alone.

First, today’s Scripture reminds us that, like the ark of the covenant went first, God goes before us.  “Do not let your heart be troubled;  believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father’s house are many dwelling places;  if it were not so, I would have told you;  for I go to prepare a place for you.  If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.”  John 14:1-3.

“But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep.  For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead.  For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.  But each in his own order:  Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ’s at His coming, then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power.  For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet.  The last enemy that will be abolished is death.”  1 Corinthians 15:20-26.

Second, today’s Scripture reminds us that, like “all Israel crossed on dry land”, “all” of God’s elect will safely “cross the Jordan”, so to speak, and arrive in heaven.  Not one will be lost.  This is “Preservation of the Saints”, the “P” of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation.

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;  and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish;  and no one will snatch them out of My hand.  My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all;  and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.  I and the Father are one.”  John 10:27-30.

“While I was with them, I was keeping them in Your name which You have given Me;  and I guarded them and not one of them perished but the son of perdition, so that the Scripture would be fulfilled.”  John 17:12.

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.  For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;  and these whom He predestined, He also called;  and these whom He called, He also justified;  and these whom He justified, He also glorified.”  Romans 8:28-30.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.