Mon.’s Devo - Lies Exposed and Truth Revealed

Read: Joshua 22:21-23:16; Luke 20:27-47; Psalm 89:14-37; Proverbs 13:17-19 The tribes in the promised land came as a delegation to confront the tribes on the east side of the Jordan. These are the tribes that had just fought with them to help them possess their land from their enemies. Now, they had built this imposing altar. *** Rueben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh explained that they had built this altar not to sacrifice on or make offerings to the Lord, but as a memorial of the original altar. This would prove, in years to come, to everyone that they on the east of the Jordan worshipped the same God as those on the west of the Jordan. *** When Phinehas, the priest and the other tribal leaders heard their explanation they were satisfied and went home in peace. *** Years passed and Joshua was very old. He called all the leaders and judges of the tribes together to remind them of all God had done for them and what God required of them. He reminded them not to deviate from God’s laws or follow other gods. The Lord had driven out enemies more powerful than them and none them could defeat them. God’s people would put thousands to flight because the Lord is with them if they were careful to love the Lord. *** But, if they turn away from the Lord and take up the customs of the few foreigners living among them, God would stop helping them drive out their enemies and their enemies would become a snare to them and be like thorns in their eyes. *** Joshua was about to die. He reminded them that deep in their hearts they knew that every promise of the Lord was true and He had not failed in any of his promises. But, surely as he has given them everything, he can also take it away and destroy them if they break their covenant with him. *** In Luke, the Sadducees who didn’t believe in the resurrection of the dead, asked Jesus a question to trick him. It had to do with a woman who had legally had seven husbands all in the same family. Their question was: In the resurrection, who would be her husband? *** Jesus saw right through their ruse but used it as a teaching moment. He explained that marriage is for us in this age. In the age to come, those who are worthy would not marry, nor can they die because they would be equal to the angels and be sons of the resurrection. *** Jesus showed them in the scriptures how Moses proved that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob had been resurrected. All who are resurrected, live to God. This answer shut the Sadducees up. *** Jesus asked the the question how could the Messiah be the Son of David when David called the Messiah his Lord? If the Messiah is David’s Lord, how can he be David’s son? This gave them something to think about. *** Jesus warned the people about the scribes who dressed to look like they were someone important while on the inside they were evil and oppressed the widows. They would be severely punished in the end. *** Lord, thank you for all you have done for us. May we remember all you have done and give you praise and honor. May we not be deceived by the enemy who wants to sow lies and deception. May we have discerning hearts and love what is true.