BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY

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BIBLE STUDY LESSON

For the week beginning Sunday September 23, 2012

____________________________________________________________

FOLLOW THE LEADER

(Follow the leader who follows CHRIST JESUS)

(Judges 4 & 5)

The Prophetess Deborah is the only female Judge in Israel’s history. Her bold leadership encouraged and enabled Barak, her army’s General, to win a great victory over the Canaanite King Jabin of Hazor, and his army general, Sisera, who commanded a force consisting of 900 iron chariots.

The Old Testament account of Deborah’s life serves to illustrate the important truth that, what qualifies an individual for leadership, in the eyes of GOD, is not one’s sexual gender, but rather, it is one’s personal, experiential relationship with GOD, that makes one the most worthy to lead HIS people. Even in a male-oriented society, women with exceptional personal and spiritual qualities have often risen to leadership roles, and in Deborah’s case, her impact is only partly explained by her call as a Prophetess.

Judges 4:8-9 and Judges 5:6-9, suggests that there had been a total breakdown and void of male leadership in Israel, during this period of the era of the Judges. Deborah’s vigorous leadership was instrumental in repairing that breakdown, as she was able to instill pride and confidence back into Israel’s male population, during her forty-year residence as judge.

The esteem, in which Deborah was held, is reflected in Judges 4:8-9, where we find Barak refusing to face their enemies, even though GOD had directed him to, unless Deborah herself, went with him. This type of reaction by Barak demonstrates the dominant role that Deborah had achieved in Israel’s society in those days.

Deborah’s acceptance as leader in ancient Israel, came at a time when such roles were not extended to women, however, her example shows that GOD uses those individuals who are pleasing to HIM, regardless of race, gender, economic status, or even, national origin. This story of Deborah serves to remind us men that, if we don’t step into, and accept our GOD-given roles as leaders in our society, then GOD, can, and will, replace us with our female counterparts on certain occasions.

This unique and powerful story takes place in the hill country of Ephraim, between Ramah (this is the Ramah that is a city of the tribe of Benjamin) and Bethal, (which means “house of GOD”).  In Judges 4, taking up at verse 4, Deborah, the wife of Lappidoth (where was he?), summons Barak from his home in Kedesh of Naphtali and informs him that GOD had commanded him to assemble 10,000 men from the tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun to go to war. And, even though GOD promises him victory over King Jabin and Sisera, he still refuses to go to war unless Deborah goes with him. Deborah agrees to go with him, but tells him that, because of his wimpy decision not to go without her, all of the honor for this victory would ultimately go to a woman.

The Israelites went on to defeat Sisera and his army of 900 chariots, killing all of his soldiers, after GOD had confounded them with earthquakes and rain storms, causing their chariots to get stuck in the mud. Sisera, however, escaped and ran to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber, the Kenite, who was alone at that time. Her husband, Heber, had moved away from the rest of his tribe, and had pitched a tent by the Oak of Zaanannim near Kedesh (Judges 4:11). Heber had been known by Sisera, to be on friendly terms with King Jabin, and so he decided to seek refuge there. Heber’s wife Jael, however, had something different in mind.

Jael invited Sisera into her tent and began to show him warm and polite hospitality. Sisera asked his gracious hostess for some water, and she kindly gives him milk instead. The milk caused Sisera to fall asleep more quickly from his exhaustion, and after he had fallen asleep she took a hammer and a tent stake, and drove it through his temple.

When Barak and his army of men arrived, Jael showed them that she has already slain Sisera. However, without knowing it, she had fulfilled the prophecy of Deborah, where she told Barak that, because of his disobedience to GOD’s command, “the glory of victory would go to a woman”. And so, on that day, GOD released the Israelites from 20 years of ruthless oppression at the hands of Sisera. The Israelites went on to become stronger and stronger, and ultimately, destroyed King Jabin and his army completely.

When GOD is your ally, you don’t need anyone else to help you fight and win your battles, and, when GOD gives you instructions, you don’t need to try to change, or, tweak them. You don’t even, necessarily, need to totally understand them, nor, try and figure them out completely before you begin to act. It is a person’s faith that moves GOD to action, and so, you only need to trust GOD, completely.

The reason GOD allows us to go through, seemingly, hopeless situations, is to show us how powerful HE is, and how impotent we are without HIM. Barak went on to become a man of great faith in the years that followed, and this is verified in Hebrews 11:32.  Ironically, this story begins and ends with men hiding behind the skirt tails of a woman, as first we see Barak hiding behind Deborah, and in the end, we see Sisera hiding behind Jael.

Judges chapter 4 is clearly a story, where the woman takes the lead. Israel, found itself under oppression, because no man was willing to step up and follow GOD completely, or stand up for their own country and families. It has been often said, that, “some things we bring upon ourselves” because of our fear, neglect or ignorance. Israel’s men had grown so far away GOD spiritually, that, HIS natural order and intention for them had actually taken a “satanic flip-flop” (the opposite of GOD) in society.  Men no longer wanted to fulfill their role as family, civic, and church leaders, and so, women had to, in order to survive. Sound familiar?

A Sunday school lesson by,

Larry D. Alexander

 

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BIBLE STUDY LESSON

For the week beginning Sunday September 16, 2012

____________________________________________________________

TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES

(There are consequences for being unfaithful)

(Judges 2)

In the original biblical Hebrew text, the word used for “Judges” is “Shaphats” and it describes a leadership position that oversees all three aspects of government (executive, military, and judicial) in Israel. The author of the Book of Judges is unknown, but, “Talmudic” tradition seems to accredit the prophet Samuel with its authorship. This book takes up at a period in Jewish history when Israel was at rest. It then, takes us into era after era, where the Israelites repeatedly place themselves in torment by way of their sin and disobedience to GOD.

Joshua, and the leaders who served with him had all died, and the Israelites commitment to the LORD had died with them, or at least, been relaxed considerably. For instance, instead of driving out the remaining Canaanites from the land, as GOD had commanded them to do, the Israelites would sometimes defeat their foes, and then, force them into slavery. They also began to intermarry with the Canaanites, and even adopted their pagan gods and customs along the way. Sometimes, they would just simply refuse to attack their enemies’ fortresses at all.

This Old Testament book of Judges, chronicles the spiritual and political deterioration of Israel over an approximate 300-year span. Most of the book tracks five patterned cycles that served to characterize this era. Those cycles included;

·         “Sin” - The Israelites repeatedly turned to idolatry, and often abandoned GOD’s laws
                    altogether.

·         “Servitude” - GOD then would permit the Israelites enemies to defeat and oppress
                              them for years at a time.

·         “Supplication” - A desperate Israel would turn back to GOD, confessing its sins, and
                                  begging for help.

·         “Salvation” - GOD would send them salvation in the person of charismatic leaders
                              called “Judges”, who would rid Israel of its oppressors, and return the 

                        land to peace.

·         “Silence” - They would then experience a period of silence, or “rest”, in which the
                          Judges would help Israel to remain faithful to GOD, during the

                    remainder of their lifetimes.

The tragedy here in the book of Judges, is that, this cycle, would repeat itself over and over again as the Israelites never relinquished their rebellious ways against GOD. In fact, each downswing became more and more serious, and each of the Israelites oppressions, became more and more severe.

Nevertheless, the book of Judges is illuminating, in that, for all who choose to read and understand its purpose and lesson, it offers and inspires hope, even to the most prolific of sinners. In it we see that, despite the Israelite’s failures, GOD was always willing to continue to give HIS fallen people new chances, by sending to them, HIS Judges (salvation), to rescue them, time and time again.

However, on the flip side, the grim lesson of Judges is that “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Sin takes on many forms, and it goes from bad to worse, if we allow it to persist in our lives. The more we sin, the easier it becomes to sin, and if we do not rid ourselves of the attraction of sin, by filling our minds and hearts with the word of GOD, it will, ultimately, destroy us.

The “Judges”, from whom this book takes its name, were charismatic leaders, who rebelled against and defeated their oppressors, GOD’s way. And they would later serve as spiritual and political leaders to the entire nation of Israel, or, one or more of its tribal sectors. They, not unlike the later, “Davidic line of kings”, exercised powers similar to those which we now associate with our three branches of government here in the United States (Legislative, Administrative, and Judicial).

All of the events in the Book of Judges take place in the hill country of Canaan, which is still occupied by Israelite tribes today.  During that era, most likely between 1390 and 1050 B.C., the tribes were not united as they are now, and Judges often served only their own districts, and not necessarily, the whole of the land, that was occupied by Israel. And while the years specified in the Judges’ rules, total 410, the discrepancy can be explained by the overlapping of the terms of each Judge. This makes it difficult to fix a date to the terms of any given Judge.

Here in Judges chapter two, the author pretty much lays out the theme for the entire book, as it seems that the Israelites were, as many of us are, still today, bent on self-destruction, through our disobedience to GOD. This recurring chaos seems to hammer home the fact, that, if a man or woman goes their own way, they will drift farther and farther away from GOD, and in the end, the rift will have become so wide, that, eventually, GOD will have been reduced to this obscure figure, that he or she once knew, and of WHOM, at that time, they will only seek to avoid.

It seems as if GOD has placed a hunger and thirst inside of each of us, innately from birth, and the only way to satisfy that hunger or thirst, is by seeking, and ultimately finding HIM. It is for the purpose of GOD that man was ever created in the first place, and just as no man has ever created anything, that weren’t for his own purpose or benefit, then, so it is with GOD. Man was created to serve GOD! And until we can grasp and understand that, we will just continue to meander around, looking for “physical” answers, to problems, that have always been of a “spiritual” nature, or origin.  

A Sunday school lesson by,

Larry D. Alexander

Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas

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BIBLE STUDY LESSON

For the week beginning Sunday September 9, 2012

____________________________________________________________

THE DECISION DARE

(Dare to live a Covenant life in CHRIST)

Joshua 24:1-25

Through the permissive will of GOD, man is allowed to do many things, and ultimately, through JESUS’ death on the cross, we also receive GOD’s wonderful and abounding grace. Through HIS grace we are given wills that are free, and through our free will, comes our ability to make choices and decisions.

If we choose the Christian walk, we automatically choose to make ourselves strangers to “worldly behavior”. We give up permanent residency on this earth in order to become citizens of Heaven, and therefore, the laws of GOD become paramount in our existence. In order for “wrong things” to cease to fascinate and have power over us, we must ultimately fall in love with goodness. And when we fall in love with goodness, we are thereby compelled to reject the things that are not of GOD.

In Joshua 24, some forty years after Moses received the Ten Commandments from the ALMIGHTY GOD on Mount Sinai, Joshua summoned all the people together, including all of the leaders, elders, judges, and officers of Israel, to meet with him at Shechem, just a few miles northwest of Shiloh. As this book of Joshua comes to a close, and, with Joshua himself, closing in on 110 years of age, he now prepares for his home-going by delivering two farewell addresses to GOD’s chosen people.

The, events of this passage takes place where Abraham first received the promise that GOD would give the land of Canaan to his offspring for an inheritance. Abraham built an altar there as a result, that he might demonstrate his faith in GOD (Genesis 12:6-7). Jacob had also stopped there on his way to Padan-aram, where he buried the idols of his family that they had brought with them under a tree (Genesis 35:4).

The first address, which was to the men who would inherit his leadership role in Israel, also turned out to be his final testimony to GOD’s unwavering faithfulness to HIS followers. However, his speech also contained some stern warnings from GOD, of the dangers of abandoning HIS covenant Laws, once HE had called Joshua home (Chapter 23). 

During this convocation at Shechem, Joshua speaks explicitly in the name of GOD, and through him, GOD gives the people an extended review of Israel’s past. Here, GOD takes them back down memory lane, all the way from the time of Abraham’s calling from his father’s house, beyond the Euphrates River, up unto some of their most recent battles with their enemies in Canaan, after crossing the Jordan River.

Joshua goes on to urge them to honor, and to serve GOD wholeheartedly, and, to put away forever, the idols that their ancestors had worshiped back beyond the Euphrates, and even while still in Egypt.

In verse 15, as Joshua finished his divine presentation, he “opens up the doors of the church” and gives all the members a chance to choose sides, as to whom they would serve. Will they choose to serve the ALMIGHTY GOD, WHO had, over the years, carried them on wings like eagles (Exodus 19:4), or, would they continue to try and hold on to their useless idols?

It was a choice that Joshua challenged each and every person to make, and they had to make it, on that day. Joshua then goes on to utter the most famous statement he ever made. In fact, it is one of the most famous declarations of faith, in all the annals of biblical history. Here in verse 15 he declares; “And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the river, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you now dwell”. Then Joshua simply tells his congregation the way it really is in his family, when he declares, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD”.

Choice is not offered very often in the bible, and when it is offered, it is somewhat of a privilege. Most of the time, in scripture, it is GOD’s business to do the choosing, just as HE had made Israel HIS chosen people. And sincerely, I think we all do know in our hearts, that choice does properly belong to the ONLY WISE GOD.

The bible both states, and implies, that GOD does not like those who are lukewarm towards HIM. HE much prefers those who are either hot, or cold (Revelation 3:15-16). As far as GOD is concerned, we are either for HIM, or against HIM. There is no “gray area”, and neither can there be a “middle ground”, or “straddling of the fence”.

In biblical times, people worshiped hand carved likenesses of other people (kings, pharaohs, and emperors), animals, or even things. They also indulged themselves in astrology, witchcraft, and sorcery. Most people today worship the “gods of the modern culture” such as people, money, sex, power, jobs, popularity, cars, houses, etc. We also continue to indulge in astrology, witchcraft, sorcery, and magic. Our prospective on life has become scrambled and contaminated. We have either forgotten, or never really known what GOD’s order of importance for mankind is supposed to be. We are made to “worship only GOD”, “love people”, and “use things”, and whenever we get those three things twisted around, we sin against GOD.

And so it is here in this final chapter of Joshua, that, after completing the first phase of their conquest of Canaan, the Israelites, lead by Joshua, chose to worship GOD only, and built an altar to GOD consisting of a huge stone upon which Joshua inscribed the Law of GOD, and rolled it underneath an oak tree that stood beside the “Tabernacle of the LORD”.

Joshua made it very clear what his choice would be. He and his family would “serve the LORD”. Salvation will always be for all mankind, but each individual must “choose freely” to accept it. The right time to come to CHRIST is always “right now”. And the right way to come to CHRIST is always “just as you are”. We only need to make a firm commitment, first with our lips, and ultimately with our heart, soul, and mind, that we will “serve and follow GOD completely”. It’s up to you!

A Sunday school lesson by,

Larry D. Alexander

Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas

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BIBLE STUDY LESSON

For the week beginning Sunday September 2, 2012

____________________________________________________________

THE LOYALTY DARE

(Promising loyalty to GOD in an uncertain future)

Joshua 14:6-15 & 15:13-17

Forty-five years after Caleb was called to scout out the land of Canaan by Moses, he leads a delegation from the tribe of Judah to a meeting with Israel’s present leader and friend, Joshua. Joshua was one of the eleven other scouts who went on that reconnoiter mission with Caleb at that time, and if you remember, only he and Joshua believed that GOD would lead them to victory over the Nephilim beings (giants) that dwelled in the great walled cities west of the Jordan River.

Caleb, as if he had to, reminded Joshua of Moses’ promise to them, that was relayed to him from GOD, all those years ago (Numbers 14:24 & 30 and Deuteronomy 1:34-36). Moses promised them that they would survive the “wandering in the wilderness” and ultimately receive their inheritance in the “Promised Land” of Canaan, simply because, “they followed the LORD completely”.

Here in Joshua 14, taking up at verse 10, we find a now, 85-year old Caleb, declaring to his friend Joshua, that he was as strong now as he was when they went on that faith-filled mission 45 years earlier, and, that he could still travel and fight just as well as he could in those days.

He goes on to tell Joshua that, “If the LORD is with me, I will drive out the Anakites (giants) who are still living there in their great walled cities, just as the LORD said”. And so Joshua blessed Caleb and gave him Hebron, a place that was named after the great Anakite hero, Arba, as his inheritance. In fact, in Joshua 15, beginning at verse 13, we see where the LORD actually instructed Joshua to give the city of Arba, which was a part of the tribe of Judah’s inheritance, to Caleb. 

And so Caleb, at the ripe old age of 85, went out and drove out the three remaining Anakite giants, Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai (v. 14), and then, he went and fought against the people living in the town of Debir, which was formerly called Kiriath-sepher. It is here in this passage (Vs. 13-17), that we see Caleb beginning to set aside something for the next generation (however, they had to work for it). Here in verse 16 he announces to his young people that he will give his daughter, Acsah, in marriage to the man who was brave enough to attack and capture Kiraiath-sepher.

Othniel, the son of Caleb’s brother Kenaz, and who later became a judge of Israel, by faith, and by action, rose to the challenge, and captured the Canaanite town, and, at the same time, he secured his own family’s future, through deeds. Later, his new wife, by faith, suggested that he ask her father for an additional field in the Negev, and she also asked, by faith, that Caleb bless her with springs and wells to water the land, and Caleb gave her both the upper and lower springs in the Hill country of the Negev.

And so, now the next generation, Othniel and Acsah, were already learning to fend for their family, using the same kind of “faith” and “actions” that had been exhibited to them by their parents. And it all starts with them being loyal to GOD, and, to their parents, and always “following GOD completely”.

And now we see that Caleb’s legacy of faith proved much more valuable to his family than the property he claimed for them. The older generation is responsible to provide for the next generation, both “materially”, and “spiritually”. It is also incumbent upon us to provide them with, most importantly, “courage” and “trust in GOD”, through our own behavior, or actions. If we don’t show that we have the courage and faith to trust in, and follow GOD completely, then, don’t be surprised, if our children don’t either.

A Sunday school lesson by,

Larry D. Alexander

Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas

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BIBLE STUDY LESSON

For the week beginning Sunday August 26, 2012

____________________________________________________________

THE ACCOUNTIBILITY DARE

(Accepting responsibility for our sins, and then, seeking GOD’s remedy)

Joshua 7

Early on in the Israelites quest to conquer the land of Canaan, they suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of a tiny city called Ai. When Moses described the “Promised Land” as “a place of hills and valleys with plenty of rain” (Deuteronomy 11:11), I believe he was speaking of much more than just the physical geographical landscape. Spiritually he was describing the ups and downs, and many disappointments, that, future generations would suffer with because of their propensity toward sin and disobedience to GOD.

In Joshua chapter 7, shortly after the Israelite’s annihilation of the great city of Jericho, Joshua sends spies to the tiny town of Ai, which was an Ammonite city located just east of Bethel near Heshbon. Its name means “Heap of ruins”, but as it turned out, they were one of the, more, stronger cities in the region, and because of their size, the proud Israelite spies would sorely underestimate they might.

The opening lines of this, now famous chapter, gives us the real reason why the Israelites would have to suffer defeat at the hands of this small pagan city. Verse 1 tells us that Israel had been “unfaithful concerning the things set apart for the LORD”. This unfaithfulness would manifest itself in the person of a man named Achan, who had stolen some of the things that the LORD had told Israel not to take up for themselves, while involved in this “holy war” campaign against the pagan civilizations of Canaan.

Achan had taken a beautiful robe, which the Israelites were supposed to burn at Jericho, and he also kept gold and silver for himself, which they were to take and keep to deposit in the LORD’s treasury (Joshua 6:18-19). Achan, instead, deposited those articles in his own personal tent, most likely in the witness of his immediate family, putting their lives in jeopardy along with his, as they had to have abetted him in keeping this disobedience a secret.

And so when the small Israelite regimen of about 3000 men invaded Ai they were soundly defeated. The men of Ai chased them out of town killing 36 Israelites as they retreated down the hill. The Israelites were paralyzed with fear at what had happened to them and their courage melted away.

When Joshua and the other leaders heard about what had happened they tore their clothing in dismay, threw dust on their heads, and bowed down facing the Ark of the Covenant until evening, praying and crying out to the LORD, asking why HE had abandoned them in their quest at Ai. The LORD replied to Joshua that it was because they had sinned and broken HIS Covenant, and that, hidden among them were things that had been set apart for HIM. HE told Joshua that they would never defeat their enemies again until these things are removed from among them and put in their proper places.

Joshua had rightly interpreted their defeat at Ai as the result of GOD’s withdrawal of HIS divine help from them. And now, through a divine process, GOD would show the Israelites exactly who the culprit was, living among them. In the original Hebrew, the phrase “nabalah beyisrael” in verse 15, is translated “a disgraceful thing in Israel”. It comes from the same root word as “nabal” which means “fool”. However, this word “nabal” actually describes “the gross immorality of one who denies GOD, and remains forever closed to HIM” (only a “fool” says in their heart, there is no GOD – Psalm 14:1a).

To commit a “disgraceful thing in Israel” is to actually defy the standards of the believing community, and, to selfishly gratify one’s own perverted desires. After Achan’s sin was exposed through GOD’s divine process, he and his entire immediate family were taken out and stoned to death, and their bodies burned. Achan’s sin caused the deaths of 36 Israelites soldiers, causing pain in the lives of those soldiers families, and then, ultimately, his sin also cost him his life, and, the lives of his entire family. He is forever remembered in biblical history as “the man who troubled Israel” (Joshua 7:25). 

Notice in this passage of the book of Joshua that GOD made it perfectly clear that “Israel” had sinned, not just Achan (Vs. 1 & 11). And why would GOD blame the whole nation for the sins of one individual? Because GOD looks at Israel as one people in HIS body, not just a collection of tribes, clans, families, and individuals.

Even today GOD’s people are one body in CHRIST, and consequently, we as Christians, belong to each other. We both, need each other, and, affect each other in what we do as individuals. CHRIST’ Church is one body, and any weakness or infection in one part of the body can ultimately infect the whole body (1 Corinthians 5:1-7).

When anyone in the body disobeys GOD, they automatically defile the whole camp. Each individual in the Church must strive to keep the church holy and in line with GOD’s plan. And so each individual has to also have a personal, experiential relationship with GOD, obtained through prayer and a deep study of HIS Word. It is the only way that we are going to be able to recognize the counterfeit that satan is so frequently handing to us, and more often than not, it seems, nowadays, we so readily accept.

A Sunday school lesson by,

Larry D. Alexander 

Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas

LARRY D. ALEXANDER'S BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY

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            Larry D. Alexander's Books and Publications Spotlight

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BIBLE STUDY LESSON

For the week beginning Sunday August 19, 2012

THE FAITH DARE

(Trust GOD’s protection)

(Joshua 2 & 6:22-23)

The purpose of the book of Joshua is to give an official account of the fulfilling of GOD’s promise to the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, that HE would deliver their ancestors into the “promised land” of Canaan. Specifically, the “holy war” and subsequent conquest of Canaan under the leadership of Joshua, is based solely on the “Abrahamic Covenant” that was originated between GOD and Abram (Genesis 15). However, GOD’s ultimate intention has always been, to reach the “lost world” through Abraham’s seed, which culminated with the first advent of JESUS CHRIST.

The Apostle Paul teaches us of the similarities in the exodus from Egypt, and the conquest of Canaan by Joshua in the 14^th century B.C., and, that of the ministry of JESUS CHRIST in the first century A.D. In the biblical Greek, the name “Joshua” means “YAHWEH saves”, or “YAHWEH is salvation”, and the name “JESUS” means the same. Joshua led his people to a physical victory over their physical enemies in Canaan, the Promised Land, and he also interceded for them when they had sinned and been defeated. JESUS leads us to victory over our spiritual enemies, sin and death, and HE intercedes (Romans 8:34) to bring us into the “Promised Rest” (Hebrews 4:8-10) that GOD is offers us when we accept HIS “will” for our lives.

In Joshua chapter 2, two spies are sent by Joshua on a reconnoiter mission to scout out the city of Jericho, both its structure, and, the morale of its people. Jericho was a walled city that was the key citadel of the Jordan Valley and it controlled all roads leading up into the central highlands of Canaan. In order to be successful in their attack on Canaan, Joshua felt that he had to have as much information as possible, before devising a strategic military offensive campaign against them. This military offense had to start with the taking, or conquering of the city of Jericho. 

And so the two men set out from Shittim, about seven miles east of the Jordan River, and traveled north along the river before crossing and approaching Jericho from its west side. They soon were inside the gates of the city mingling with the people in the streets, and they eventually came across the house of a prostitute named Rahab.

No one really knows how the two spies came across the residence of Rahab, but one could probably attribute this chance rendezvous to the providence of GOD. A thinking Christian can most easily see GOD’s purpose and grace here at work to save a lost sinner from the coming divine judgment upon the city of Jericho. Oftentimes the LORD moves in mysterious and unexpected ways in order to achieve HIS divine agenda, and here in this passage we see just such a time.

Here, two Israeli military spies are put together with a pagan harlot, to the ends that, first, would protect the representatives of GOD’s agenda, and then later, extend HIS grace and mercy to the likes of a “repentant sinner” who wished to convert her life, and the lives of her family, into the agenda of GOD.

Rahab made the decision that day to trust in the divine protection of GOD, rather than to trust in the protection of the fortified cities of men. When we choose to honor GOD and HIS agenda above men, something wonderful always happens to our lives. William Barclay once wrote, “When history judges us, will its verdict be that we were “helpers”, or “hinderers” in the work of GOD? That is a question that every individual, and every nation must eventually answer”. Rahab chose not to hinder the work of her newly found GOD, but rather, to help the workers of GOD move forward, by joining them in their quest.

In the biblical Greek, the word used for “encourage” is “parakaleo” (par-ak-al-eh-o), and it means not only “to be a comfort to”, but also “to invoke, or call upon for support and inspiration”. Rahab made a decision to be a “comfort” to the spies, in their time of need, and, in return, she was able to call upon the spies for “support and inspiration” that would save her life, and the lives of her family, later on (Joshua 6:22-23).

We, as Christians, must first be concerned with giving priority to GOD’s agenda, and then, trust that HE will always protect us when we do. In fact, the fundamental priority in life must always be GOD, and not, our own wishes and desires. And when we come to rest in the thought of “putting GOD first”, and trust in HIS protection, just like we see with the ex-prostitute Rahab, suddenly, wrong things will no longer fascinate, and have power over us. 

Our relationship with GOD, through JESUS CHRIST, will grow to become our greatest asset as we become more and more estranged from the love of the things of this world, and, from worldly behavior altogether. We, as believers, demonstrate courage, when we respond to difficult situations by putting our faith in GOD. And, our faith in GOD is the key that opens the door, to the Kingdom of Heaven.

A Sunday school lesson by,

Larry D. Alexander

Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas

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BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY

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BIBLE STUDY LESSON

For the week beginning Sunday August 5, 2012

____________________________________________________________

 

THE LEADERSHIP DARE

(Why I need to be a leader)

(Joshua 1)

The book of Joshua is the first book of what we now call, “the Historical Books” of the Holy Bible. The others are Judges, Ruth, 1&2 Samuel, 1&2 Kings, 1&2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther. The book of Joshua tells the story of how the Israelites conquered the land of Canaan under the spiritual and military leadership of Joshua, the man whom GOD choose to succeed Moses, and, who was charged by GOD to lead the Israelites across the Jordan River, and into the “Promised Land”.

Joshua, whose name means “YAHWEH SAVES”, is also considered to be the first judge of Israel. His appointment marked the beginning of a 450-year period during which a succession of judges would rule over GOD’s chosen people. This “period of the judges” would end with the prophet Samuel, who would appoint Saul as Israel’s first king, and then, subsequently, replace Saul with David, by a divine order from GOD.

The book of Judges introduces us to a new generation of Israelites who, for the most part, started out on the right foot, by trusting in, and were committed to, obeying GOD. Through their obedience to GOD, they were able to win, by warfare, the land that had been promised to them by GOD, since the time of the towering and faithful patriarch, Abraham. The book of Joshua, reminds us most of all, of the faithfulness of GOD, and how, through our obedience to HIM, we can claim HIS promises, and realize spiritual victory in our own lives, even in this day.

It is appropriate that the book of Joshua opens up with a description of GOD’s preparation of this young leader for his role in HIS divine plan and strategy (vs. 1-5). Like all of GOD’s divine appointments, Joshua’s would call for him to be faithful, strong, and courageous. GOD’s promises can only be claimed by carefully following His laws and instructions (vs. 6-8), and as Joshua walks the path that GOD’s law defines, the LORD will be with him wherever he goes (v. 9).

Obeying the whole law of GOD is the dominant theological theme in the book of Joshua. It is a theme that is tightly woven into the annals of Israel’s history. Theologians have, over time, defined three great functions of Old Testament law;

·         First of all, the law reveals to us, the character of GOD HIMSELF.

·         Secondly, the law serves as a standard by which human behavior can be measured, and, by which all mankind can be judged.

·         And finally, the law guides our choices, making it possible for us, as believers, to please GOD, and enjoy HIS blessings, while we live out our lives here on earth.

It is primarily this third function that is highlighted in this passage of the book of Joshua. Biblical history seems to demonstrate quite clearly, that, when GOD’s people keep HIS laws, HE invariably blesses and enables them to succeed. By contrast, when GOD’s people fail to obey HIM, or HIS law is abandoned, such disobedience is always followed by some sort of national disaster, or economic down turn.

All of scripture is written, most specifically, to leadership, whether it is leadership in the home, church, government, or place of business or employment. The LORD’s promises are iron-clad, and we see, over time, just how those promises were passed on from generation to generation. GOD is committed to allowing for an inheritance to the faithful.  Joshua was a model leader whose legacy will never embarrass his mentor, Moses. The mission of the Old Testament leader was to enable Israel to claim, and to hold, to the promises of GOD. The effectiveness of their leadership depended upon the divine presence of the Almighty GOD in their program. GOD is the only ONE able to provide HIS people with victory, then and now. 

The prime responsibility of a GODly leader is that he must always maintain a commitment to carefully obey to the letter, the laws of GOD. This passage also tells us that the chief characteristic of the GODly leader is that he or she have strength and courage that can only come through one’s confidence and trust in GOD, and not in themselves.

There will be many times when it will seem risky to obey GOD completely, but it is in just such times, that a person’s faith can best be measured. As leaders, we must always rely on GOD’s presence, and always respond to GOD with obedience. And as followers, we will need to rally behind an obedient leader with enthusiastic affirmation, because, for the task that GOD calls us to do, it will take all of our hearts, all of our minds, and all of our hands to accomplish.  When we believe in our hearts that GOD’s promises are true, we will always ultimately obey HIM, and GOD says, our obedience is always the most essential ingredient in our success (v. 8).

A Sunday school lesson by,

Larry D. Alexander

Larry Dell Alexander (1953–) - Encyclopedia of Arkansas

LARRY D. ALEXANDER'S BOOK BY BOOK BIBLE STUDY

larrydalexanderbiblestudies.blogspot.com

            Larry D. Alexander's Books and Publications Spotlight

Larry D. Alexander - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

                                 

                                           LARRY D. ALEXANDER- Official Website