Dwell 2!

Dwell 2!

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Joshua 1:8 KJV

Context:

Moses the man of God was dead. He had walked with God for years, seen God do mighty things and had been used to impact history. Here was a man that God himself said he spoke with face to face. That was a relationship at its best; God finding expression in a man, and man being able to touch God and see him at work. What kind of relationship do I have with God? Is it the type where God has to really press me before I can create time to hear what he has to say, or have I deliberately set out time for me to seek him, so he can speak to me?

Then, a little problem of anger cost him entry into the promised land. It was right at the edge of Canaan; at the final tip just before the victory. Never think that the devil will give up on you simply because God has built a hedge around you. Sin is such a monster that it does not ring a bell when it wants to visit. I must be very careful about my daily pursuits and priorities so that I don't open myself up to the devil. God wants to preserve life; the devil wants to take it. What I consider important, and the things I pursue, will show whose side I am on. Today's extract tells me how to achieve this.

Message and Response:

1. This book of the law. It is not a book of suggestions, or options, but of the law of God. If it is law, it is not subject to my choice, but demands my obedience and alignment. If it is THE book, it has only one true copy and all others are pretenders. It refers to a specific book, of which Joshua knew precisely what God was talking about. Do I consider God's Word as binding upon my life? Do I take his Word as the law over my life or have I found other 'viable' options? Eventually, it is that which you trust that will work for you.

2. Not depart out of your mouth. We see the mouth, but nothing about the process that leads to the mouth. For my mouth to keep the book of the law, I must go through the process of preparation, processing, planning and production. Good food does not occur automatically; it is the product of commitment and dedication. I will go to the market, purchase food that lines up with what I want to eat, and then process. There are some that will require cooking, some frying, some roasting, some eaten as purchased. In the same way, God's Word has different applications: doctrine, reproof, instruction and training in righteousness. I must submit myself to the full works if I will enjoy the food of God's Word.

3. Day and Night. I cannot rely on one good meal for the rest of my life. As soon as it is time for the next meal, I have to go through the whole process again, in line with what I want to eat. That is why I have to meditate on God's law day and night. What served me as good food in the morning today will have to change or be prepared again for tomorrow morning. Most times, we love some foods so much that we try and preserve it for as long as we can, but the effect of time on food is usually felt in the taste. So is it with the book of the law: you keep at it. You read it daily, you strive to know what it says about your life and situations on a daily basis. Samson relied on how he had handled the past, and he paid a steep price for it. Joshua was warned not to become complacent and as long as he heeded that warning, he was fine. As it was then, so is it still now.

4. Careful to do according to ALL. It is not enough to be a good reader; I must also strive to be an obedient reader. In all of God's Word, the first step is always about the reading or listening. The next essential step is the doing. There is no blessing attached to just reading if you do not intend to obey. I cannot pick and choose only that which makes me comfortable, or that which does not demand anything from me. Total obedience is the key to unlocking all that God is and has.

5. Prosperity and good success. If God speaks about good success here, it means there is a bad version. We all claim the promises of God's prosperity; we want to see his best, but are we giving him our best? The world has its own version of success too, and it is quite a popular one, even if it is a confusing one. It relies on images and symbols, not on anything of substance. It is never static, but always changing to suit the current narrative. God also has his own version, and it is tied to his Word. I cannot start from the end of the verse and work backwards; I have to fulfil the conditions if I will enjoy the benefits.

How do I handle God's Word? Is it my most prized possession or is it just one of the many options I juggle? If God is not my first and foremost consideration, it means that the suggestions of the world has a place in my heart. May the Word of God be my constant companion, a joy to my heart and a continuous desire. That is the secret to the blessings I seek. His time of favour is here.