Tuesday 31 August 2021

Psalm 55:1-18

Background

The book of Joshua begins with another handover of ministry – so appropriate on the eve of a new Methodist year. Moses has died and Joshua is now charged with the task of leading God’s people to the Promised Land.

The boundaries of this land are clearly defined. It is described as God’s gift to them. However, we are not given the impression that this land will simply be handed to the people on a platter – like the head of John the Baptist in yesterday’s reading! God tells Joshua three times (verses 6, 7 and 9) that he must be “strong and courageous”.

 Each of these three calls to be strong and courageous is accompanied by a means of sourcing that strength and courage. Firstly, in verse six, God tells Joshua that he will claim the land because it is God’s gift and promise. Secondly, in verses seven and eight, God reminds Joshua that he needs to act in accordance with the law which Moses had given to the people. Thirdly, in verse nine, God assures Joshua that “the Lord your God is with you, wherever you go”.

 Joshua then tells the people to get ready ”to go in to take possession of the land that the Lord your God gives you to possess”( verse 11).

The claiming of land in this way has often been a source of huge political conflict. Recent examples include the ongoing tensions in the Holy Land and Vladimir Putin’s annexation of Crimea. Land-grabbing by foreign investors in developing countries is also a cause for concern as this animation from Oxfam illustrates.

To Ponder:

• What do you understand by 'the Promised Land'?
• When have you needed to be strong and courageous?

Prayer

We pray today for those whose land has been seized by others.