Today’s Reading, Joshua 5-8
Focal Scripture: Joshua 8:34 “Afterward, Joshua read aloud all the words of the law — the blessings as well as the curses — according to all that is written in the book of the law.”
Reading in context is very important. Especially, when it comes to scripture. I have been around many people who take verses and stories so far out of context you can’t discern what is true and what is biblical. This causes many problems, especially when it comes to theology and orthodoxy. Verses get taken out of context when they are not read in their entirety. For instance, Jeremiah 29:11 is not a promise believers today can claim. This was written to a certain group of people, during a certain time. Unfortunately, to many professing believers today try to claim that it is a promise for today.
In today’s reading Joshua is given a command to make much of the laws and teaching that were given to Moses. He makes an altar and writes down everything that was previously said and taught by the Lord to Moses himself. Then Joshua does what everyone should do in this situation. He reads aloud all of the words of the law, both blessings and curses. He puts everything in context for the people. He gave them no excuse to not understand what God wanted from them in their personal and corporate lives.
So what about you? Do you read all of the Bible or just the parts that you agree with? I have come in contact with many people who refuse to read the Old Testament because it no longer applies to them. I have also been around professing believers that have zero desire to read or know the scriptures. They have been followers of Christ for decades but can’t have any conversation that has depth.
How can this be fixed? I believe that the illiteracy in the pews is a direct correlation of the illiteracy from the pulpit. I can say that because I have studied for messages most of my life but have also neglected my devotional time with the Lord. If the spiritual leader of the church is not passionate about the word, how can the people be passionate? It can also be fixed by preachers teaching expositional messages. People need all of the Bible, not just what is easy to preach.
I challenge you today to know the Bible. Make no more excuses for being apathetic in this practice. Hold leaders to a high standard of scriptural knowledge. Hold yourself to a standard that sets the tone for biblical power in your life. This is not just head knowledge, this is spiritual depth and power. Our churches struggle today because they don’t know the God of the Bible.
Change the narrative for yourself and others around you today.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Joshua 9-11
