March 21, 2021
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Step Out in Faith
The book of Joshua gets its name from its leading character, Joshua, Moses’ assistant. After the death of Moses, the Lord calls Joshua to lead His people.
As long as Joshua and the Israelites remain faithful to God and obey His laws, God promises to help them drive out their enemies. The Israelites rally behind Joshua and agree to be faithful to him and the Lord.
Joshua sends two spies across the Jordan River to gather intelligence on their enemies. The men enter Jericho and hide in the home of a prostitute named Rahab. Rahab tells the two spies that the Canaanites are scared of the Israelites. She asks them to spare her family when Israel attacks Jericho.
The spies agree and tell Joshua that the people of Jericho are afraid of them and the land is theirs to take. Throughout the book, the Lord will bring his people into the Promised Land and give them rest.
The Lord kept His promises to both Elizabeth and Zechariah. Elizabeth gave birth to a healthy baby boy, and Zechariah regained his speech after confirming that their son would be named John. The people marveled at both the miraculous birth and the miraculous healing of Zechariah.
Then the Holy Spirit filled Zechariah. Exercising his regained speech, Zechariah predicted the coming of Jesus and that John, Zechariah’s son, would prepare the way for Jesus.
And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
to give knowledge of salvation to his people
in the forgiveness of their sins." - Luke 1:76-77
Make It Personal
- Even though God promised to give the Israelites victory in their military conquests, the Israelites still had to step out in faith. What has God called you to do? How can you step out in faith?
- The Bible identifies Rahab as a prostitute. Does it challenge your beliefs about who can and cannot be used by God?
- Zechariah and Elizabeth obeyed the angel and went against the custom of naming their son after his father. Are you feeling pressured to go along with something you know is wrong? How can you take a stand for what is right?