You have heard the old riddle? Which came first the chicken or rhe egg? Since I believe in the Genesis 1 account, I have always felt it was the chicken that came first. What I did not know was that this was actually a real scientific and philosophical question that has puzzled man for ages.
Well, according to the Daily Mail newspaper, some Briitish scientists have actually come up with the definitive answer. Scientists at Warwick and Sheffield Universities have this week, concluded that the chicken did indeed come first.
We could have told them that!
The scientists have found a protein that exists in the ovaries of a chicken that is essential for the formation of the egg. This protein is also responsible for hardening the shell that protects the delicate yolk and fluids and the chick that grows inside. "The egg can therefore only exist if it is created inside the chicken," the newspaper reports. The scientists say that it was long suspected that the egg came first "but now we have scientific proof that the chicken came first."
Here is what Genesis 1:20-23 has to say: 20 And God said, "Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky." 21 So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living and moving thing with which the water teems, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 22 God blessed them and said, "Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth." 23 And there was evening, and there was morning—the fifth day.
This passage seems clear enough to me - a common man - and it should be to a scientist. God created "every winged bird according to its kind." That would include the chicken. He blessed tham and he said: 'let the birds increase on the earth." That would mean, lay eggs...right?
Join the discussion.
INTRODUCTION: READ JOSHUA CHAPTER 2
In the previous lesson we saw the children of Israel on the Eastern side of the Jordan River. They are getting ready to cross as Joshua receives a commission from God. The chapter begins with God telling Joshua to be “strong and courageous.” As the chapter closes, the people pledge their loyalty to Joshua and encourages him to do the same.
Following in the footsteps of Moses, Joshua uses a similar military strategy – he sends spies into the land and he gives them specific instructions to view Jericho. This time however he sends only two men and their mission would only last three days. This covert mission would culminate in the saving of Rahab the Harlot and the miraculous destruction of Jericho one of the strongest and most fortified cities of the new land.
The spies entered Jericho and came to the house of Rahab the Harlot and take lodging there. Some commentators say that Rahab must have also been an innkeeper and her inn would have been an ideal place for the gathering of information. Her house was also situated on the Jericho wall, a good vantage point for spying out the fortifications of the city.
Over the past hundred years or so prominent archaeologists have done some remarkable work on excavations around the site of the ancient city of Jericho (the Jericho of today and the Jericho of Jesus’ time is not the same city). Archaeologists discovered that the ancient city was protected by a retaining wall of about 15 feet high. On top of that was another 8-foot high brick wall strengthened from behind by an earthen rampart. Houses in Rahab’s day were built behind this first wall. The city itself was further protected by another wall that enclosed the city.
Joshua’s spies however were not very good at covert operations because word soon spread that they had come. On hearing that men had come to spy out the city, the King ordered Rahab to produce them. The woman, instead of obeying the king, hid the men and lied to him telling the king that they had left. She then sent the king’s men on a “wild goose chase.” Afterwards she told the men that the people of Jericho had heard of the Israelites’ exploits and they were all afraid. She said that since she showed the men kindness that they should deal kindly with her and her family. The men agreed and they said that she should hang a scarlet cord out of her window that would guarantee safety to all that was inside at the time of the invasion.
After agreeing to Rahab’s demands the spies escaped and took back the good news that the people of Jericho were afraid of them and that “truly the Lord has delivered all the land into our hand.” (2:24)
- Rahab a harlot was used by God.
Why Rahab’s house?
-She was used to entertaining men – no one would be concerned
- Because her business allowed her to be a good source of intelligence
- Because she was an outcast – her loyalty to her King was not there.
- Because she was used to using people to get what she wanted – shaving no husband a woman in her profession had to live by her wits
- Because He had bigger things in store for her
The main reason why her house was used is because God uses “the weak things of the world to confound the wise.” (1 Corinthians 1:27)
God will use the most obscure and unseemly things to effect His purposes on this earth.
He used Rahab - a prostitute (Joshua 2)
He used a stable in a manger! ( Luke 2:6-7)
He used a boy and his lunch (John 6:9)
He used and old wooden cross and some nails (Luke 19)
He used a crown of thorns (Matthew 27:29)
He used a small band of ordinary men (Acts 4:13)
APPLICATION: No matter who you are or what you have done in the past God can use you. Our “religiousness” sometimes make it difficult for us to understand the depth of God’s grace. We tend to put ourselves in the place of being able to know the mind of God. We must remember that God says: “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are My ways.” He continues by saying: “For as the Heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)
2. Rahab Took a Risk (By Telling a Lie)
Rahab hid the spies at an enormous personal risk to herself
She committed an act of treason – she betrayed her country by helping the enemy
She lied to the King to save these men who were spies in her city
Rahab was used to living by her wits to survive – this time would be no different
Only this time God would use “her dishonesty” for “His Ultimate Good.”
NOTE: Though Rahab lied and it is recorded in the book of Joshua, it does not mean that scripture condones it. Sin and wrongdoing is never justified even though the intent is noble. The end never justifies the means and Christians should not use this for justification of sinful behavior. It is also important to note that Rahab was a sinner so her actions were entirely in keeping with her character.Application: Because we are carnal people, we feel pressured to bend our principles when our backs are against the wall. However we must be people of integrity who will mean what we say regardless of how it may affect us. The three Hebrew boys stood by their principles and so did Daniel. They were not afraid of the consequences. In both instances God vindicated them.
3. Rahab took a step of faith"I know that the LORD has given this land to you and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. 10 We have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea… Joshua
2:8-9- Rahab had heard of the Israelites’ exploits
- Rahab had heard a good report.
- The people were afraid but Rahab was looking out for herself
- “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” (Romans 10:17)
- “…for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below…Vs 11
- True faith comes first, by acknowledging God.
- “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him..” (Hebrews 11:6) - Shadrach, Meshac and Abednego – “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us…” Daniel 3:17
- Paul: “There stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve. Acts 27:23
- Rahab’s acknowledgement elevated her status from Harlot to woman of faith
- The writer of Hebrews mentioned her by name in his hall of faith (Hebrews 11:31)
APPLICATION: We must first acknowledge God. He is the creator and provider of everything. Rahab immediately knew that the God of the Israelites was the true God and she knew that His people would score a victory against hers. She decided to accept this God as her savior and ended up being included in some very prestigious lists. Her family also was spared when the Israelites entered the city.
Discussion Questions:
- Do you think you are being effectively used of God ? YES / NO
- If no why do you think not?
- What limitations do you have that you feel are preventing you from being fully utilized for God’s purpose? Is there an occasion when you feel you had to lie to obtain favor?
- What were the results? - Do you think it is right for Christians to tell lies to save themselves? YES / NO
Next: Faith to Cross Over
INTRODUCTION: Read Joshua Chapter 1
Joshua had been an understudy of Moses for many years. Beginning from the first time that we saw the young man in the book of Exodus 17 up until the great leader’s death, Joshua served faithfully! A long time before Moses had seen something in this young warrior. He had placed him in charge of a company of men to go out and wage war with the Amalakites (Exodus 17:9-16). Joshua scored a huge victory against his foes and God instructed Moses to make sure that his exploits were written down as a memorial : "Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make sure that Joshua hears it, because I will completely blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven." (Vs 14)This so that Joshua would know about it and so that he will have an understanding that God was giving him total victory over his enemies. From that time on Moses groomed the young man. Numbers 11:28 refer to him as “Moses' aide since youth.”
As we follow the career of Joshua we see a level of faithfulness to his leader that would ultimately put him at the helm of this great nation as the new breed of Israelites entered the Promised Land. We can see Joshua on the heels of Moses as they made their way up the mountain where Moses would receive the Ten Commandments (24:13); we see Joshua waiting outside the Tent of meetings as Moses communed with God (33:11). When the time was right God commanded Moses to take some of his authority and delegate it to Joshua in front of the people so that they would see (Numbers 27:18-23). God allowed the young man to kneel before the priests as they anointed him for service. There would have been no doubt that in the people’s mind that God was preparing Joshua for bigger and better things.
One incident that marked Joshua for the kind of leader he would eventually become can be seen in Numbers 13. Joshua and his friend Caleb were part of a group of twelve spies sent to check out the land of Canaan. The men came back with great tales of the bounty that was in the land. They brought back proof – huge bunches of grapes, pomegranates and figs – that the land was indeed “flowing with milk and honey.” But they said, there were giants in the land – people so big that they were like grasshoppers. Joshua and Caleb however were of a different mind. Yes the people are big Caleb said, but so what, “we can certainly do it.”
But the people were afraid and they refused to listen to Caleb. They complained to Moses and cried out that the Lord had brought them to this land to kill them. They thought they should have stayed in Egypt to die there. When Joshua tried to reason with them and talk about how good the land was they wanted to stone him. At this point God had to intervene and in anger he threatened to destroy them and raise up another nation out of Moses himself. Due to Moses’ pleadings however, the Israelites were spared but God decreed that none of the elders who had come out of Egypt would enter the Promised Land. They would all die there and only the people under twenty would make it. The only other exception would be Joshua and Caleb (Numbers 14:30; 32:12). At the end of forty years of wandering in the wilderness, in one of his speeches Moses told the people to encourage Joshua “for he shall cause Israel to inherit it.” (Deuteronomy 1:38)JOSHUA CHAPTER 1:1-9
Moses is dead and the children are getting set to enter the Promised Land. Forty years of wandering has come to an end and it is up to Joshua to take them across the Jordan into this bright and prosperous land.
The children of Israel are now in another stage of their journey. The leadership of Moses as a statesman and a diplomat has come to an end. The challenges that lay in Canaan was of a different sort. They were supposed to conquer this land so they would need a different type of leader, hence Joshua the warrior leader.
ut of Egypt would enter the Promised Land. They would all die there and only the people under twenty would make it. The only other exception would be Joshua and Caleb (Numbers 14:30; 32:12). At the end of forty years of wandering in the wilderness, in one of his speeches Moses told the people to encourage Joshua “for he shall cause Israel to inherit it.” (Deuteronomy 1:38)
- THE COMMAND TO ARISE AND GO – Joshua 1:1-2
1 After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' aide: 2 "Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites.
God has given us all a command to GO! The life of faith is a call to action. It begins by arising. No one ever achieved anything by sitting down (sitting is for when the job is done Hebrews 10:12).
Every action for God has two sides: God SENDS; we GO. God sent Moses to deliver His people from Pharoah’s hands and Moses went. He had his concerns about how he would do the job but he went (Exodus 3).
Jesus sent His disciples to deliver people. First He sent out seventy and He told them to go in twos (Matthew 10:12-15). At His ascension He gave the “great commission” which was a call to GO (Matthew 28:16-20).
Jonah was instructed to GO to Nineveh and preach repentance. Of course Jonah refused at first but after God persuaded him forcefully he ended up doing exactly what God had originally intended for him to do. (Jonah 1:1-2)
There are times when God asks, “Who shall I send and who will go?” as in the case of Isaiah. When Isaiah received the call he willingly said, “ I will go!” I may be a man of unclean lips but Lord I am willing! (Isaiah 6:8 –9)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: Think of a decision that you are about to make or something that you feel God has been preparing you a long time for. Where are you today with regard to this? Are you willing to step out in faith? Are you willing to obey God who says, “ARISE AND GO!”
2. GOD’S DIVINE PROMISES (Joshua 1:3)
“Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon, I have given you, as I said to Moses…”
God is a God of His Word. He will never let us down. If He has promised it, then He will deliver. This includes judgment as well as blessings. The Apostle Peter says, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promises, as some count slackness…” (2 Peter3:9)
From since the time of Abraham God had promised this land to the children of Israel. It is sometimes called the “Royal Grant.” Now God is saying, “every place that your foot shall tread upon…” Joshua is being reminded that even though the land was promised, they still had an obligation to “possess the land.” This is where we sometimes get confused. Because God has promised it to us we automatically assume that it will fall into our laps. However, it is never that simple. Faith means stepping out and taking (by force sometimes) what is rightfully yours.
Remember, Adam ceded this earth to Satan when they abdicated their ownership. Since then it can only be retrieved through conquest. The children of Israel were to go forth and conquer in faith. Joshua 21:43-45 records that God fulfilled His promises to the children of Israel. Verse 45 says: “Not a word failed of any good thing which the Lord had spoken to the house of Israel. All had come to pass.”
DIVINE PROMISES TO JOSHUA
“No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life.”
“As I was with Moses so I will be with you.”
“I will not leave you nor forsake you.”
These promises were given to Joshua as an encouragement for the road ahead. Sometimes we may feel that God is not with us in our respective journeys but it is important that we not forget these promises. On the Mount of Olives before His ascension Jesus promised, “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ (Matthew 28:20)
As Moses assistant for many years Joshua had the unique opportunity to see how God was “with Moses.” This experiential knowledge would serve him well in the new land. These promises to Joshua were also a validation of his ministry as the captain of the nation of Israel. As a leader God did not intend to treat him any differently than he did Moses.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- What are the promises that God has made to you?
- Are you willing to trust Him as He guides you forward?
- A good way to go is to pay attention to people of faith around you. Observe how God is moving in their lives. Remember God has no stepchildren! If He has done it for others He will do it for you.
God’s promises to His people are never without conditions (His love is unconditional). Likewise, attached to His promises to Joshua, were conditions that Joshua should keep. The following are conditions that are attached to all His promises. We must be careful to keep them for in it we shall find “success” and “prosperity.”
· “Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land…” Verse 6
Note: God did not tell Joshua to have courage in facing the giants in the land. Instead he was told to have courage in dealing with his own people (think about probating a will after parents have died)
· “Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law…” Verse 7
We know now, on this side of Calvary that the law couldn’t be kept. In Joshua’s time the law had recently been given and the leader was obligated to know the law and uphold it. It was not going to be easy but if Joshua were to lead effectively; if he would have success and prosperity adherence to the law was essential.
Believers in Christ are no longer obligated to keep the Mosaic Law. There is instead another law – the law of love. When Jesus was asked what is the greatest commandment, He said: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your strength and with all your soul,” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Upon these two, He said, hang all the law and the Prophets.
· “Do not turn from it to the right hand or the left...meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do all that is written in it.” Verse 7-8
The law was to be Joshua’s guide in all matters of faith and conduct. He was to remain focused on the statutes of God. In the land ahead there would be multiple distractions, false gods and enough to keep Joshua busy but by keeping the word of God before him he was guaranteed success.
Even though a fighting man Joshua’s whole life was characterized by his faithfulness and loyalty to God. At the end of his life and ministry in his farewell address, Joshua now more than 100 years old, used the exact words that God had given to him years earlier. He reminded them of all that God had done for them and then he said: “Be very courageous to keep all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, lest you turn aside from it to the right hand or the left…” (23:6) Joshua further admonished the people to “fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and truth.” (24:14) He said to them: “If it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (24:15)
The conditions that were placed upon Joshua and the children of Israel are universal in their application. They were to live by the Book of the Law thus ensuring that they would be way prosperous and that they would have success.
READ PSALM 1: What does the writer have to say about the Godly man who meditates on the Law of the Lord?
4. GET YOUR SUPPLIES READY!
10 So Joshua ordered the officers of the people: 11 "Go through the camp and tell the people, 'Get your supplies ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the LORD your God is giving you for your own.' Verses 10-11
Joshua did not waste time! The word “then” at the beginning of the verse suggests immediacy. The Hebrew word awz is a demonstrative adverb meaning: at once. In my mind I picture Joshua kneeling before God as he is commissioned to go out and possess the land. As God finishes speaking: “…the Lord your God is with you wherever you go,” I see Joshua rising to his feet stepping out into the sunshine to immediately address his commanding officers. They had waited forty years for this. No reason to wait any longer. In three days they would possess the land.
Verses 12 –15: Joshua now speaks to the Ruebenites, the Gadaites and half of the tribe of Manasseh. These verses find their explanation in Numbers 32. These people had large holdings of livestock and the land on the east side of Jordan was suitable for them so they had asked Moses to stay there. However Moses told them that the men had to go over the Jordan armed and ready to fight. If they did not they would be disobedient to the Lord. If they did, however, and when the land was subdued they could come back and keep this land as their inheritance.
In speaking to them Joshua was confirming Moses word to them. He was also proving to them that he was a man of his word and a man of integrity. When the people heard this they whole-heartedly endorsed Joshua’s leadership over them and they pledged their loyalty.
PONDER THIS: If God has instructed you to go, He will provide the training and the resources if He has not already done so. Scripture shows that whenever God reached a point with any individual where He said, “go” such individual has already gone through the Law of the Process (John Maxwell). There is a level of training that has already been achieved at this point. Take Moses for example. When he met God at the burning bush he already had forty years of experience in the ways of Egypt and another forty as a shepherd – good experience for pasturing a stubborn people.
In the case of Joshua, as a tactical and military expert under Moses, his training and experience was ideal for the challenges that lay ahead in the Promised Land.
CONCLUSION: At this stage in the history of Israel they needed a leader who had the military skill to conquer the new land. Moses, a diplomat would not have been able to do it. The land needed to be subdued and its inhabitants driven out. Joshua had to qualifications to get the job done. He also had the faith.
In any organization God will raise up the right leaders to carry it where it needs to go provided the people are ready to follow the leadership of almighty God as He works through His appointed leader.
Next: Rahab - Faith to Survive
"Our adversaries would like to see America sap its strength by overextending our power, so we have to shape an international order that can meet the challenges of our generation." President Barack Obama - commencement speech US Military Academy, West Point, May 24th 2010
"A New International Order," "A New World Order," "A One World Government..." These are some of the terms that we have been hearing for a long time now in reference to our world and it's future. What does it mean? They all mean the same thing. These are terms used to describe an "accord of the world's superpowers to rule, secure, and maintain the premise of 'global peace.' The concept is to bring the world under submission to one supreme government, enforce one controlled common religion and one worldwide economic system."
For those of us who are believers and are observers of this world through Biblical eschatology, these terms carry strong connotations about the times that we are living in. To many of us who ardently await the coming of our Lord, it is exciting; to others it may be frightening.
Earlier this year as we studied the book of Revelation I speculated with good cause that in my view the United States is shifting away from it's sovereignity to a more closer linkage with a global system of governance. I saw this in the direction of our current administration. I pointed out our President's embracing of and his willingness to reach out to to other nations of the world, not with America as a leader as she has always been but rather as one needing to get in step with the rest of the world. Our president's speech at the US Military Academty at West Point brings us steps closer to such a reality. Here is what Mr Obama had to say about his proposed New International Order:
"The international order we seek is one that can resolve the challenges of our times -- countering violent extremism and insurgency; stopping the spread of nuclear weapons and securing nuclear materials; combating a changing climate and sustaining global growth; helping countries feed themselves and care for their sick; preventing conflict and healing its wounds..."
While these goals in themselves seem quite noble and worthy of this great nation's aspirations, I cannot help but notice the similiarities to the initial goals of the Anti Christ of whom the Bible speaks. While I am not suggetsing that Mr Obama is the Anti Christ I am saying that this New International Order is the same sort of 'one world' system that the Anti Christ will one day soon preside over. It would seem as if Mr Obama's style of governance and his agenda is to steer this nation in the direction that would make it easier for the mighty US to become a part of a 'one world system.'
That's my perspective...what's yours? Join the discussion.
Welcome to my blog. Every week (sometimes more frequently) I will be sharing random thoughts, Biblical wisdom or my perspective on current events. You are welcome to join the discussion. Feel free to post your thoughts or spiritual nuggets that you think might be of interest to others.
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