February 4 LOVE DIVINE, ALL LOVES EXCELLING Charles Wesley, 1707–1788 This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. (1 John 4:9) We must never underestimate the power of love in our human relationships—whether marriages, family, business associations, or friendships. The divine love of God for man far excels all other forms of love. “Love Divine … ” is another of the more than 6500 hymns by Charles Wesley, the “sweet bard of Methodism.” This fine text —written in 1747—touches various elements of Christian doctrine. It extols the love of God as expressed in the incarnation of Christ. Then it refers to the Wesleyan concept of entire sanctification—that any believer might live without consciously sinning and thereby find the promised “rest” mentioned in Hebrews 4:9. The “Alpha and Omega” of verse two (first and last letters of the Greek alphabet) also reflect this Wesleyan teaching, that the experiences of conversion and sanctification are thought of as the “beginning of faith” and the “end or object of faith.” The third stanza emphasizes the truth that the Spirit of God indwells the temple or body of each believer, while the fourth stanza anticipates the glorious culmination of our faith when “we cast our crowns before Thee, lost in wonder, love and praise.” Although Christians may have differences of interpretation regarding the doctrine of sanctification, we can agree on this basic truth: It ought to be a normal desire for each believer to grow in the grace of our Lord. Love divine, all loves excelling, joy of heav’n, to earth come down; fix in us Thy humble dwelling; all Thy faithful mercies crown. Jesus, Thou art all compassion; pure, unbounded love Thou art; visit us with Thy salvation; enter ev’ry trembling heart. Breathe, O breathe Thy loving Spirit into ev’ry troubled breast! Let us all in Thee inherit; let us find that second rest. Take away our bent to sinning, Alpha and Omega be; end of faith, as its beginning, set our hearts at liberty. Come, almighty to deliver, let us all Thy life receive; suddenly return, and never, nevermore Thy temples leave. Thee we would be always blessing, serve Thee as Thy hosts above, pray and praise Thee without ceasing, glory in Thy perfect love. Finish then Thy new creation; pure and spotless let us be; let us see Thy great salvation perfectly restored in Thee. Changed from glory into glory, till in heav’n we take our place, till we cast our crowns before Thee, lost in wonder, love and praise.
For Today:
John 3:14–21; Philippians 1:6; Colossians 1:28; 1 John 3:11–24
God’s love must dominate our hearts, minds, and wills. Pray that this will become increasingly true in your life. Carry this portion of the hymn with you—
February 3 O THE DEEP, DEEP LOVE OF JESUS S. Trevor Francis, 1834–1925 I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. (Ephesians 3:17, 18) Who can fully grasp the dimensions of God’s great love for us? Yet the Scriptures teach that we are to have a growing awareness of divine love. Love is the very heart and essence of God, not only for the lovely but for the vilest of sinners. Christ did not die merely to display God’s love—He died because God is love (1 John 4:8). If the New Testament teaches us anything, it teaches us about God’s love in searching for lost men. Becoming a Christian in a very real sense is simply putting ourselves in the way of being found by God—to stop running from His loving pursuit. As we mature in the Christian faith, we begin to realize that every situation that comes our way is an opportunity for God’s love to be made more evident in our lives. Once we realize this, our attitude changes dramatically toward suffering people as well as toward ourselves when we are called to suffer. Then even during those times when our spiritual fervor declines and our devotion to God subsides, despite these shortcomings, God’s love remains unfailing—continually working for our eternal good. The author of this text, S. Trevor Francis, was a prominent lay leader with the Plymouth Brethren in England and was known as an effective devotional speaker throughout Great Britain and around the world. O the deep, deep love of Jesus—vast, unmeasured, boundless free! Rolling as a mighty ocean in its fullness over me, underneath me, all around me, is the current of Thy love—leading onward, leading homeward, to my glorious rest above. O the deep, deep love of Jesus—spread His praise from shore to shore! How He loveth, ever loveth, changeth never, nevermore. How He watches o’er His loved ones, died to call them all His own; how for them He intercedeth, watcheth o’er them from the throne. O the deep, deep love of Jesus, love of ev’ry love the best! ’Tis an ocean vast of blessing; ’tis a haven sweet of rest. O the deep, deep love of Jesus—’tis a heav’n of heav’ns to me; and it lifts me up to glory, for it lifts me up to Thee.
February 2 JESUS, THOU JOY OF LOVING HEARTS Attributed to Bernard of Clairvaux, 1091–1153 Translated by Ray Palmer, 1808–1887 I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. (John 15:11) This song is another of the fine hymn texts that originated during the Middle Ages. It is thought to have been written by a monk—one of the most prominent religious leaders of his day. An important part of the medieval church was the role of the monks and their monasteries. Since these churchmen were among the few who could read and write, their institutions became powerful influences in shaping the religious and cultural development of Western civilization. As a young man, Bernard became abbot of the monastery of Clairvaux, France. His influence was soon felt throughout Europe. It is said that he commanded kings, emperors, and prelates—and they obeyed him. In 1146 he was commissioned by the pope to lead a second preaching crusade against the Moslems. Because of his eloquence and strong preaching, great crowds followed him. One of the conditions for those joining the Crusade was a personal conversion experience. It is recorded that multitudes of vicious men were dramatically changed through Bernard’s preaching. They carried a cross unashamedly as a symbol of their commitment to Christ and this crusade. Bernard wrote a number of books, chiefly on such subjects as church government, monasticism and other church-related topics. It is generally agreed that he wrote a long 192-line poem titled “Dulcis Jesus Memorial” (“Joyful Rhythm on the Name of Jesus”). In 1858 Ray Palmer, an American Congregational preacher, translated from the Latin a portion of this medieval poem attributed to Bernard for the hymn “Jesus, Thou Joy of Loving Hearts.” This hymn text aptly describes the preciousness of Christ in each believer’s life. Jesus, Thou joy of loving hearts, Thou fount of life, Thou light of men, from the best bliss that earth imparts, we turn unfilled to Thee again. Thy truth unchanged hath ever stood; Thou savest those that on Thee call; to them that seek Thee, Thou art good; to them that find Thee, all in all. Our restless spirits yearn for Thee, where’er our changeful lot is cast; glad when Thy gracious smile we see, blest when our faith can hold Thee fast. O Jesus, ever with us stay; make all our moments calm and bright; chase the dark night of sin away; shed o’er the world Thy holy light.
For Today:
John 6:35; Ephesians 2:14–18; Colossians 1:13, 14; 1 Peter 1:8
Live with the awareness that even with the “best bliss that earth imparts,” without an intimate awareness of Christ, life will be empty. Make His presence the goal of your activities.
• God’s Love to Us • Our Love for God • Love for Our Fellow-man
February 1 WALK IN THE LIGHT Bernard Barton, 1784–1849 But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from every sin. (1 John 1:7) How beautiful to walk in the steps of the Savior Led in paths of light. —E. Hewitt Walking in the light means walking as Christ walked while here on earth—seeking to imitate His life style in all that we do. When we walk in the light, our paths become illuminated and purposeful, and there is a glow of warmth and love in our lives that makes us want to care for the needs of others. This life of love is not merely a soft sentimental feeling—but rather a life of action. Sometimes we as Christians seem to minimize this basic quality in our lives. We spend our time seeking the unusual and “deep” truths of the Scriptures or arguing with those with whom we may differ. A life devoid of Christ’s tender love for others, both fellow-believers and non-believers, can negate much of our Christian witness. The Bible teaches that a life without love, counts for nothing (1 Corinthians 13:1–3). Walking in the light is in the present tense. It is a new experience with God each day. It is always helpful to recall God’s faithfulness and leading in the past. But our past blessings must always be blended into the present wonder of walking this day with the Lord. The author of “Walk in the Light,” Bernard Barton, was known as England’s “Quaker Poet.” Although he never rose above the position of a bank clerk, his reputation as a man of letters was recognized by many literary leaders of his day. In all, Barton had 10 books of verse published, from which about 20 hymns came into usage. “Walk in the Light” first appeared in Barton’s Devotional Verses, published in 1926. Make walking in the light your experience today. Walk in the light! So shalt thou know that fellowship of love His Spirit only can bestow, who reigns in light above. Walk in the light! And thou shalt find thy heart made truly His, who dwells in cloudless light enshrined, in Whom no darkness is. Walk in the light! And thou shalt own thy darkness passed away, because that light hath on thee shone in which is perfect day. Walk in the light! And thine shall be a path, though thorny, bright: For God, by grace, shall dwell in thee, and God Himself is light.
For Today:
Psalm 36:9; John 8:12; Romans 12:10; 2 Corinthians 4:6
Consciously leave time in your schedule to be responsive to the needs of another. Share Christ and His love with them.
“As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Josh. 24:15).The first half of the Book of Joshua revealed what it took to conquer the land of Canaan. These chapters tell us what it will take to hold the Promised Land.
Definition of Key Terms
Serve.
Joshua frequently called on Israel to serve God. The Hebrew word suggests a servant or slave. Its basic meaning is to perform tasks according to the will and direction of another. Serving God in Old Testament times did mean to worship Him. But it also meant to obey Him in all things.
Overview
The three eastern tribes erected an altar symbolizing solidarity with the Israelites in Canaan (22:1–34). Joshua addressed the leaders (23:1–16) and challenged the assembled tribes to serve God (24:1–27). Joshua died and was buried (vv. 28–33).
Understanding the Text
“You have not deserted your brothers” Josh. 22:1–9. Three tribal groups had asked for and received land east of the Jordan River. They had, however, promised Moses that their fighting men would join the other tribes for the war in Canaan. These tribes served faithfully, and were then sent home. This concluding section of Joshua is filled with exhortations. The admonition given the eastern tribes is typical: “Be very careful . . . to love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to obey His commands, to hold fast to Him and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” “An imposing altar there by the Jordan” Josh. 22:10–34. This story shows how easy it is to misunderstand another person’s actions. When the returning tribes built an altar by the Jordan, their brothers interpreted it as an act of apostasy. God had commanded that sacrifices be made only on the altar that stood before the tabernacle. The Jordan altar seemed to the other tribes to be an act of rebellion against the Lord, and they were ready to go to war with their eastern brethren rather than risk divine punishment (vv. 19–20). The eastern tribes explained to the delegation sent to them. They did not intend to use the Jordan altar for sacrifice. It was symbolic of the common racial and religious heritage they shared with the people west of the Jordan. By building the altar according to specifications given in the Law, the distinctive construction would provide evidence of the common heritage. Both groups acted wisely in dealing with this issue. The western tribes decided to talk before acting. The easterners didn’t take offense, but instead humbly explained what they had done. It’s good to remember the example of both groups when we become upset by something another person or group has done. Before we accuse, we need to go to the persons involved and talk about what has happened. And if anyone misunderstands an act of ours, rather than be upset, we need to be humble and willing to explain. “Elders, leaders, judges and officials” Josh. 23:1–16. Joshua spoke separately to Israel’s leaders, who would be most responsible to see that God’s people continued to serve the Lord. Note the pattern of Joshua’s remarks. He begins with a promise, moves on to exhortation, and then concludes with a reminder and warning. The promise: God who had driven out the enemy would continue to push them out before them. The exhortation: Be strong, be careful to obey God’s Law, do not associate with pagan nations or their gods, and hold fast to the Lord. The reminder: God has driven out the enemy, just as He has promised. The warning: If you turn away from God, the Lord will no longer drive them out. What is more, “the Lord’s anger will burn against you.” These four functions aptly sum up the responsibility and the ministry of most in spiritual leadership today—including parents. We are to live by and to communicate God’s promises. We are to be faithful and to exhort faithfulness. We are to remember what God has done and to remind others. We are to be aware of and to warn others of the consequences of turning away from the Lord. “The Lord drove out before us all the nations” Josh. 24:1–18. Joshua then spoke to all the people, and in essence made a case for commitment. He reviewed all that God had done. In one of the most famous of Old Testament affirmations of faith, Joshua expressed his own commitment: “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (v. 15). Joshua could make this commitment for himself. He could not make it for others. But Joshua could and did confront, making sure that each family in Israel realized that commitment was necessary. The people recognized the validity of the case Joshua had made. The Lord had “brought us . . . up out of Egypt, from the land of slavery.” And God had driven out the enemy. “We too will serve the Lord,” the people said, “because He is our God.” “He is a holy God” Josh. 24:19–27. Joshua has made a case for commitment. Now he makes clear the cost of commitment. A person who commits himself or herself to the Lord must make a total commitment. We can make no halfway covenant with the Lord. Even when confronted with the cost of commitment, the people insisted that they would serve the Lord. Verse 23 indicates two ways that complete commitment is demonstrated. (1) “Throw away the foreign gods that are among you.” We are to keep nothing in our lives that might compete with God for our loyalty. (2) “Yield your hearts to the Lord, the God of Israel.” We are to willingly surrender to the Lord everything we have and are. “This stone will be a witness” Josh. 24:27. A witness is one who can testify to what he or she has seen and heard. At times inanimate objects were commissioned as witnesses to words of commitment (cf. Gen. 31:52; Deut. 31:21). Spoken words are binding. They are as permanent as the place in which they are spoken.
DEVOTIONAL
The Present Time (Josh. 24)
There’s a wonderful epitaph for Joshua recorded here. “Israel served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him.” Joshua made his case for commitment. Joshua clarified the price of commitment. Joshua provided an example of commitment. And throughout his lifetime the people of Israel faithfully served the Lord. About this time someone is likely to object and point to what happened after Joshua died. It’s true that after these few bright decades God’s people deserted Him. For some 400 years during the Era of Judges, Israel knew cycles of brief revival and deepening apostasy. Yet what happened during those centuries had nothing to do with Joshua. The New Testament puts it this way. “The present time is of the highest importance” (Rom. 13:11, PH). What that verse points out is that the only time you or I have is the present. We can’t change the past. We can’t control the future. But we can live for God in our today. That’s just what Joshua did. He served God as long as he lived. And, in his day, Israel served God. You and I have no guarantee of what will happen to our children, our grand-children, or our great grandchildren. Actually, that isn’t our concern. We can’t control the future. All you and I can do is follow Joshua’s example of personal commitment and so influence those who are alive with us now. Probably no one who reads this will be memorialized by some institution that lasts through the generations, as Luther was by the Lutheran Church, or as D.L. Moody was by the Moody Bible Institute. Probably we won’t even be remembered two or three generations hence. Even if we were, that wouldn’t be important. What is important is summed up in the epitaph Scripture gives to Joshua. All the days of his life, Israel served the Lord. Joshua was faithful to God as long as he lived. As long as he lived, Joshua influenced the men and women of his day.
Personal Application
Touching just one life for God is the most significant thing any human being can achieve.
Quotable
“A holy life will produce the deepest impression. Lighthouses blow no horns; they only shine.”—D.L. Moody
This is my personal collection of thoughts and writings, mainly from much smarter people than I, which challenge me in my discipleship walk. Don't rush by these thoughts, but ponder them.
Milo 