DAY 9
BIBLE READING: Joshua 5:1-9
Our story opens with the Children of Israel on the west side of the river Jordan. They have put their feet on the promised land at last, forty years after leaving Egypt.
It would seem that now was the right time to move ahead. The way appeared to be open before them. BUT God said, "Just wait a moment. There are several important matters to attend to before you move on. I have some more lessons for you to learn.'
What lessons did they have to learn at Gilgal? Though it was a cramping ground, it became holy ground to the people of Israel. Time and time again they returned there.
God said to them, 'There is something you have neglected. There is something you haven't done. I want you to apply to yourselves again the mark and seal that you belong to me.' That mark for the Jewish people was circumcision. God had given that custom to Abraham and the Children of Israel. It is one of those things which belong to Old Testament Israel and is not necessary for Christians.
However, God wanted them to do it, and they quickly obeyed. There seems to have been an eagerness in those early days in Canaan to do whatever God asked. 'Anything, Lord, as long as it is your will.' Isn't that a wonderful spirit?
Young Christians are usually anxious to do whatever God asks. But as we get older, we sometimes become less eager to do God's will. We settle down and begin to take life easy. Then God has to do something drastic, something painful, something personal, to make us willing once more to do his will gladly and immediately.
What can we do to prevent this settling down in our Christian life? Daily prayer and Bible reading will help. The openness of our hearts before God will help. Active service for Christ will help. Most of all we must renew our love for God himself and have a willingness for his will now and always.
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