Thurs.’s Devo - Answers

Read: Joshua 24:1-33; Luke 21:1-28; Psalm 89:38-52; Proverbs 13:20-23 The people of Reuben, Gad and half of Manasseh had built altar in their land and the other tribes caught up with them to find out why they built it. They were ready to fight them for building an altar when God specifically told them not to do that. They explained that they built it as a memorial not an altar. They never planned to offer sacrifices or worship there. It was to remind them that they were a part of the children of Israel on the other side of the Jordan and it was to remind the tribes on the other side of the Jordan that they were a part of God’s inheritance also. They didn’t want to ever not be able to cross over and worship the Lord at Shiloh or wherever the tabernacle was. When the other tribal leaders heard their explanation they were satisfied and rejoiced rather than going to war. They named the altar “Witness”. Years passed and Joshua was getting old and knew his days were few. He called together the elders, leaders, judges, and officers from all the tribes. He reminded them of all the Lord had done for them and how the Lord had fought against their enemies and helped them conquer their land. There was still land yet to conquer. He warned them to keep following the law of the Lord and worshipping him. He told them not to even mention the names of the gods their enemies worshipped. God had driven those nations out who were stronger and bigger than them. One of the Israelites would put the flight a thousand of the enemy, so they should never be afraid. But, just as sure as God’s good promises are if you obey, so sure are his curses if you disobey. If you disobey, He will banish you from the good land he has given you. In Luke, the Sadducees came to Jesus to trick him with a question. They didn’t believe in the resurrection and wanted to find out what he believed about it. Instead of asking him out right they came up with a story. Jesus saw right through the story and answered their question about the resurrection. He told them that if you were worthy of being raised from the dead, you would not marry nor would you ever die again. You would be a child of the resurrection. Jesus went on to prove his point. He said that Moses spoke of the Lord of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as if they were alive. God was the god of the living. The other leaders of the law who believed in the resurrection gave his answer an “Amen.” They had regularly argued with the Sadducees about the resurrection. Then Jesus gave them a question to think about. He asked them why the Messiah was said to be the son of David when David called the Messiah his Lord. How could he both son and Lord? Jesus then turned to his disciples and warned them of the hypocrisy of the teachers of the law. They liked to look important but they shamelessly cheated widows out of their property. They would be severely punished. Lord, may we follow You in all your laws and remember all your promises to us.