Scott Lane

Spiritual Amnesia

Re:Verse reading–Joshua 23; Joshua 24:14-15 (day five)

The challenge and importance of “remembering” is communicated throughout the scriptures. [Moses Song (Exodus 32), Joshua’s farewell (Joshua 23), Paul’s words to the Ephesians (Acts 20), Jesus’ instruction to the disciples and believers at the Last Supper (Luke 22), the letter to the church in Ephesus (Revelation 2)] All of these leaders saw the danger and consequences of forgetting what God has done and promised.

What is it about the human heart that creates this spiritual amnesia? Why do we so easily forget? Maybe it is because we try to make our faith about subjective feelings rather than knowledge and understanding. Sometimes what we feel and think “in the now” overtakes what we know and have experienced with God and His ways.

Some implications of “forgetting”: attendance and desire to worship God on a weekly basis, regard and hunger for study and meditation on God’s Word, fellowship and accountability of biblical community, and the love and willingness to meet the material and spiritual needs of people. The stakes are high. REMEMBER!!

Straying Away from the Formula

Re:Verse reading–Joshua 9 (day five)

Up to this point, there was a key ingredient in the progress and effectiveness of the Israelites: a word from God. God told the people when and how to cross the Jordan. He gave instructions on what to do after crossing. He provided guidance on the logistics of attacking Jericho. God also provided divine instruction for the ambush and destruction of Ai. Yet, when deciding the course of action with the Gibeonites, the Israelites stray away from the formula. (see Joshua 9:14) There was no word from the Lord because they did not seek it.

We must recognize there is more to this world than just the reality of the physical and material world. Scripture is clear about the spiritual world as well. Ephesians 6:12- “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Scripture gives this same insight for making good decisions. Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Good Friday

Re:Verse reading–Mark 15:16-20, 24-40; Mark 16:1-8 day five)

As believers, the Empty Tomb is the pivotal picture of our faith, hope, and life. But, before it was empty, it was occupied. The scripture tells us in all four of the gospel accounts, that Jesus’ body was placed in the tomb. The details are given: Who, What, When, Where, and Why. What we know for certain is that Jesus was dead, and that His body was placed in the tomb. The occupied tomb communicated undeniable hopelessness to His followers.

I wonder if they were thinking somehow Jesus could escape death. Maybe at the last possible second, God would send an angel or another miracle would spare His life. There was no angel’s rescue that day. There was no life saving miracle. There was just darkness and despair. Jesus was killed. The tomb was sealed. The guard was posted to stand watch. The disciples were hiding in confusion, devastation, and fear. And the Savior lies lifeless in a tomb.

How did His followers process what has just happened? They must have had a thousand painful questions. “How could He be the long awaited King if He was just killed?” “Is there something we could have done to stop it?” “If they tortured and slaughtered Him like that, what will they do to us?” On Friday they watched, waited, and worried.

The Significance of God’s Presence

Re: Verse reading–Joshua 3:5-17, 4:14-24 (day five)

The Ark of the Covenant is mentioned nine times in Joshua chapter three, and seven times in chapter four. What is SO important about the Ark? One of the most important things about the Ark was that it symbolized God’s presence. What were the effects of God’s presence on this generation of Israelites? They trusted and obeyed God with courage as they looked toward their future. They were able to move an extremely large group together (unity) across the Jordan. They recognized and affirmed the leadership God had provided.

A frequent comment I hear from guests and visitors at our church, is a real sense God’s presence. I wonder what it is that causes them to identify His presence at FBCSA?

Perhaps our prayers for FBCSA these days should be that God’s presence would remain in our church and continue to have the same kind of influence in our hearts and lives as it did for the Israelites: courageous trust and obedience, God’s provision of leaders, and unity.

Who Told Youth That?

Re:Verse reading–Joshua 2 (day five)

Many times over the years, our kids would come home from school with a new piece of information. If we were not aware of the event or doubted the truth of the information, we would simply ask, “Who told you that?” It is a quick way to begin to determine credibility and authenticity.

Look at Joshua 2:8-11. What a powerful confession!! Ever wonder where Rahab “heard” all those things about God? I would love to know, “Who told you that?” Maybe it was a one-time conversation. Perhaps it was different people telling her daily about God over a long period of time. The reality is that the truth had captured her heart.

How many times does a person need to hear the gospel before their heart and life are eternally changed? One? A dozen? A thousand?

We should be faithful to tell our story! We should be confident that whether we are the first to tell or number 100, our words and conversations (especially about Jesus and the Gospel) matter!!

A Source of Strength and Courage

Re:Verse reading–Joshua 1 (day five)

Caught up with a recent college grad from our church this week. When they left for college they contacted me with an unusual request. “Can you give me 10 Bibles to hand out as I head off to college?” I remember thinking that this was an ambitious task for a soft-spoken and meek freshman headed to a new environment that may or may not be completely open to the Gospel and a biblical worldview. There was only one stipulation placed on this task. “I’m not gonna offer them, they have to ask me for one.” My first question was, “How will that happen?” I will never forget the response. “Because I will talk about the scripture, I will quote scripture, I will live according to its guidelines, and I will always have a Bible with me to show where my beliefs, convictions, and joy come from.” All those bibles were handed out.

Was reminded of Joshua 1:7-8.

Now out of college, I asked this week if they were still handing out Bibles. With a big smile, they answered, “Yes!”

The Kindness of Jesus

Re: Verse reading–Matthew 28:1-10, 16-20 (day five)

The women who went to the tomb were told, “do not fear”, and to “go and tell the His disciples” (Matthew 28:5, 7). They left in obedience. Don’t let this fact be ignored. They showed great courage and trust to obey the commands of the angel.

Yet, Matthew says they had fear (28:8). Why the fear? I believe the answer is found in their encounter with the Risen Jesus as they made their way back to the disciples. He again repeated the words of the Angel (Do not be afraid). But in this exchange, he changes a word. He uses the word “brothers” instead of “disciples”. Why? Could it be that the women were worried about what this meant (judgment, punishment, shame, guilt) for the disciples? Jesus extends His kindness to the women and to the disciples by calming their fears and proclaiming a word of assurance and love. He calls them His brothers.

Anyone need to be reminded of His kindness today?

The Rest of the Story

Re: Verse reading–Matthew 27:32-54 (day five)

There are many people that share experiences and conversations with Jesus in the gospel narratives. Ever wonder what happened to them? Did they follow Christ? Did they influence others to become believers? Would they become leaders and teachers?

Remember Paul Harvey’s radio program- “The Rest of the Story”?

We get a little snippet about the “rest of the story” for Simon the Cyrene. We look to Mark 15:21 to find that not only is his name listed, but also the names of his sons. If he was just a member of the crowd that day, how did the gospel writers know his name and the names of his sons? Maybe Simon’s encounter was life changing, not only for him but for his family as well. It is possible they all became believers and joined the community of believers to the degree that their names were known?

Reflect back to your first experience/encounter with Jesus. Remember how life changing it was? Will you tell and influence others?

The Right Question

Re: Verse reading–Matthew 26:47-50, 57-66; 27:11-26 (day five)

One of the saddest descriptions of discipleship in Matthew 47:58, “But Peter was following Him at a distance”. When following at a distance, it can be easy to ask the wrong question. Teenagers ask it all the time. “How far is too far?” “Can I do this and still be considered faithful and pure?” “Can I choose this and still be labeled as godly?” Don’t be so quick to look down on teens. Adults do it as well. We are just more sophisticated about it.

What influences were at work in Peter’s heart? Fear? Uncertainty? Frustration? Helplessness? Anger? Any sound familiar? Maybe the question we should ask in those moments is “How close is too close?” We can be intentional to draw “near” to The Lord and His people.

Hebrews 10: ²²let us draw near to God with a sincere heart ²³Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. ²⁵not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.

While There’s Still “Daylight”

Re: Verse reading–Matthew 20:1-16 (day five)

This parable is chocked full of good news!! The landowner is SO kind and generous. He is faithful to keep his promises. He rewards his workers from his perspective.

However, the most wonderful news to me, is the fact that during this parable, the landowner goes out five times during the day to hire workers. He calls out to workers and they respond. Evening comes and they are all brought to receive their reward.

If we think about the symbolism, we are still in the “daylight”. The Lord continues to call disciples/workers out from the crowds. Does that place a burden on your heart? Do you sense the urgency of time? Know anyone that needs to hear Him call?

While there’s still “daylight”: Will you share the gospel with them? Will you pray for their salvation? Will you encourage them to come experience Preaching/Singing/Bible Study/Fellowship and be in His presence?