TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 19:28-44
Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest! - Luke 19:38
TODAY IN THE WORD
About 40 years after Jesus spoke the words at the end of today’s reading, the Jews rebelled against Roman oppression. A large, well-trained army was sent to crush this “Great Revolt,” and it eventually attacked Jerusalem. Inside the city, Jewish factions struggled with one another, undercutting their ability to resist. In spite of this, it took a prolonged siege for the Romans to finally capture the city in 70 A.D. They des-troyed the Temple and burned the city--before it was all over, as many as one million Jews may have died. From that time until 1948, the Jews lost political control over the Holy Land.

No wonder Jesus wept over the city of David, even as He made His triumphal entry (v. 41).

In this final week of our month’s study on pilgrimage, we’ll journey with Christ on the road to the Cross. Our goal is to learn more about what it means to take up our cross daily and follow in His steps (Luke 9:23; 1 John 2:6).

Passion Week started on a high note. Prophecy was fulfilled in the provision of the colt. The people spread their cloaks on the road and gave shouts of praise. Their cries of “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” (v. 38) echoed the angels’ birth announcement from earlier in Luke (2:10–14).

Jesus was not caught up in all this. He knew the painful but necessary events awaiting Him. For this reason the narrative injects a somber note by highlighting His grief over Jeru-salem. What was the cause of its future destruction? “They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you” (v. 44). The Son of God had come, but those who should have been waiting for Him rejected Him and would soon crucify Him (cf. Luke 20:9–19).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Thank God today for changing our hearts, shaping us more and more in the image of Christ. In addition to today’s reading, as we journey with Jesus on His road to the Cross, it would be helpful to memorize one or more verses about imitating Christ. We suggest 1 Peter 2:21; Luke 9:23–24; or 1 John 2:5–6. The second of these tells us: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 22:1-37
Do this in remembrance of me. - Luke 22:19
TODAY IN THE WORD
The Last Supper, as we usually call the meal recorded in today’s reading, could also be called the First Communion. Think about the meaning of this meal.

The ritual of eating tiny bits of bread and drinking sips of juice is not a Sunday morning program filler. It’s not a signal for the children to fidget. It’s not an excuse for an organ solo. This is a powerful reminder of the body and blood of Christ, sacrificed for our salvation. Every time we take communion, we should be gripped by hope, thankfulness, and the awesomeness of our redemption.

The Last Supper was actually a Passover meal. In the context of the celebration of Israel’s Exodus from slavery, Jesus instituted a new meal in remembrance of His redemptive sacrifice to free us from sin’s slavery. The bread symbolizes His body, and the wine His blood. The night He was betrayed, He ate this special meal with disciples.

One of the disciples was Judas. How it must have pained our Lord that this handpicked follower, who’d shared the road with Him for years, would betray Him. Yet He gave him every chance to walk a different road, warning him openly about the consequences of his choice (v. 22). What motivated Judas? We can’t be sure–his heart and mind remain something of a mystery. We do know that Satan prompted him, and entered him at the key moment (John 13:2, 27). Something in his attitudes and actions allowed that to happen. Of course, within God’s sovereignty, his act was the inevitable result of prophecy (Acts 1:16–20).

Another of Jesus’ disciples was Peter. Despite knowing that Peter would deny Him three times that very night, Jesus showed him grace and prayed for him. Then, looking beyond his failure, He gave him a charge to “strengthen your brothers” (v. 32).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
What does God want you to do with the truths found in today’s Scripture passage? This question provides the starting point for applying what you read to your own life. Be sure to be specific and concrete.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 22:39-46, 54-62
The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him. - John 8:29
TODAY IN THE WORD
Christian musician Rich Mullins once said: “If I loved my Master like my dog loves his, I would be more saintly than John the Divine . . . more radical than John the Baptizer . . . more deeply devoted than St. John of the Cross.”

His golden retriever, Bear, would hide near him during storms. If Bear was nervous at a friend’s house, he could be calmed by hearing Mullins’s voice (on an album) or smelling a piece of his clothing. Bear would take his medicine without fussing directly from his master’s hand.

What an example of trust, love, submission, and obedience! “I do hope that my Master will not give up on making me as good at being mastered as is my dog,” concluded Mullins.

When Jesus and the disciples left the Last Supper, they went to the Garden of Gethsemane, on the lower slopes of the Mount of Olives. Jesus wanted to pray and prepare Himself for His imminent suffering and death.

His prayer was to be spared, but He submitted completely to His Father’s will. Although Jesus may have dreaded the physical suffering, He dreaded even more taking the sin of the world upon Himself and being separated from His Father. The intensity of His emotions are seen in that “His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground” (v. 44).

Christ knew the answer to His prayer would be “no,” that the cup of God’s wrath couldn’t be taken from Him, but He still wrestled in prayer. Prayer can be a way of preparing our hearts and wills for what we already know we have to do.

The disciples were no help. Instructed to pray, they fell asleep instead. When the crowd arrived, they ran away. Skulking at a distance, Peter denied His Lord three times, just as Jesus had predicted. When the cock crowed, he remembered that and wept over his failure and sin. Grace was already there, and later Jesus would restore him (John 21:15–19).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
On a 3x5 index card, write the prayer that Jesus prayed in Luke 22:42: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Post the card on your bathroom mirror, car dashboard, or another place where you’re likely to see it often.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 22:63-23:25
This man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge; and you . . . put him to death by nailing him to the cross. - Acts 2:23
TODAY IN THE WORD
In the summer of 1961, the Freedom Riders endured and exposed racial injustice. Despite federal regulations (upheld by the Supreme Court) to the contrary, blacks and whites at that time were segregated on interstate buses and in interstate bus terminals. Civil rights advocates organized a series of interracial “Freedom Rides” to challenge this practice.

One of the buses was firebombed. Another was attacked, the Riders beaten by an angry mob. In Jackson, Mississippi, the Riders were arrested and thrown into prison. When their attorney defended them in court, the judge turned his back and refused to listen.

During his trials before the Sanhedrin, Pilate, and Herod, Jesus was also a victim of violence and gross injustice. His judges were hostile, the witnesses lied, and the outcomes were predetermined. No friends stood by Him. He endured physical and verbal abuse, especially in the custody of the cruel Roman soldiers. He was condemned for speaking the truth and identifying Himself as the Son of Man.

Since that wouldn’t matter to the Romans, the Jewish leaders falsely accused Him of inciting political rebellion. Pilate, afraid to enforce justice because of the possibility of negative reports being sent up the chain of command, passed the buck to Herod. When Jesus refused to entertain Herod or do any miracles, the king mocked Him and sent Him back. Pilate bowed to the political pressures of the situation. The religious leaders manipulated the mob into demanding Jesus’ death, and the state made the sentence of execution official.

Ironically, Pilate released a rebel named Barabbas. In a sense, we’re all Barabbases–sinners released from prison, with Christ as our substitute. “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth; He was led like a lamb to the slaughter” (Isa. 53:7).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
During this section of our month’s study, we’ve tried to point out each day one or two ways in which you can imitate Christ. Compile these onto a single list, then add ideas and observations of your own. What have you seen in Jesus’ character and actions that you especially want to see in your own life?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 23:26-49
God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ. - Acts 2:36
TODAY IN THE WORD
Denton “Cy” Young excelled in every category available to a baseball pitcher, including victories, shutouts, complete games, earned run average, and strikeouts. In 1903, in the first World Series ever played, “Cy” (short for “Cyclone”) won two games over Pittsburgh for the Boston Red Sox. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1937.

“Cy” Young also pitched the first perfect game in baseball history. On May 5, 1904, he led Boston to a 3-0 victory over Philadelphia, and didn’t allow even one opposing player to reach first base.

Perfection in any endeavor is rare. Perfection in every endeavor is impossible–except for the sinless life lived by our Savior. Before Christ, no human being had ever lived a perfect life, or been worthy to be the perfect sacrifice for sin. On the Cross, He suffered intense pain and public disgrace. From society’s point of view, He was the lowest of the low. He did all this for us.

As Christ hung dying, how did people respond to Him? The women who had followed Him wept. Some in the crowd sneered, some grieved, some merely watched. One of the criminals crucified with Him taunted Him, while the other believed in Him. The soldiers mocked Him and gambled for His clothes, but later one centurion acknowledged Christ as the “Righteous One.” Simon of Cyrene (modern-day Libya), pressed into service to carry the beam of the cross, seems to have had his life changed forever: his sons, Alexander and Rufus, are later identified as believers (Mark 15:21; cf. Rom. 16:13).

Jesus remained in control the entire time, even choosing the moment of His death and forgiving His enemies (vv. 34, 46). Nonetheless, there’s a price to pay for rejecting the Son of God. We’re reminded of His words: “Woe to that man who betrays [the Son of Man]” (Luke 22:22; cf. Matt. 26:24).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today, the day between Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, spend time meditating over the journey of Christ to the Cross, and on how it relates to your own pilgrimage. Reflect on His sense of mission. Consider the abuses and injustices He suffered. Ponder His great love. What does it mean that those who follow Him must take up His cross? What does that kind of discipleship look like and why is it so necessary? Ask the Holy Spirit to illumine your meditations on God’s Word.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Revelation 1:9-18
God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name. - Philippians 2:9
TODAY IN THE WORD
The body of Jesus had been laid in a new tomb on Friday evening. On Sunday morning, some of the women who had followed Jesus went to the tomb to anoint His corpse with spices, as was the custom. On the way, they wondered who would roll away the enormous stone. But when they arrived, they found the stone already rolled away and the graveclothes empty!

Jesus was alive! An angel told them, “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said” (Matt. 28:6). They made haste to tell the disciples, and Peter and John ran to see for themselves. Mary Magdalene was apparently the first person to whom the risen Christ appeared, but there would be hundreds more before His Ascension.

One day, the risen and exalted Christ will return to take His people home. The Savior who has been with us every step of the way is also waiting for us at the end of our journey. This Easter morning, we can contemplate no more exciting truth than this!

It should encourage us that the vision in today’s reading was granted to John, a fellow pilgrim, “your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus” (v. 9).

Christ appeared to him “like a son of man” (an allusion to Messianic prophecy in Daniel). His robe and sash identify Him as a priest, our great High Priest (Heb. 7:23–26). His white hair indicates holiness, purity, and wisdom. The brightness of His eyes and face express that He sees all, is powerful and full of life. His feet like bronze might suggest strength or agility. The sound of His voice conveys power and authority, and the sword in His hand is God’s Word and judgment.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
While there may be many appropriate ways to conclude our month’s study on the Christian’s spiritual journey, we suggest simply that you pray the words of Psalm 86:11–12: “Teach me, your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Judges 7:9-25
God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. - 1 Corinthians 1:27
TODAY IN THE WORD
Throughout history the tools of warfare have included bow and arrow, battering rams, bayonets, tanks, and ballistic missiles. But somehow the weapons listed in today's passage—trumpet, jar, and torch—never really caught on as the must-have battle accessories.

As we rejoin the story of Gideon, we see that once again he is feeling apprehensive. From a human perspective this makes sense; he has 300 men to challenge Midianites and Amalekites who are “thick as locusts” (v. 12). God once again assures him, but also allows Gideon to check out the situation for himself (v. 10). Gideon's response to this providentially provided confirmation was to worship the Lord. He was now freshly motivated to act on the promises of God.

What follows is one of Scripture's most exciting battles. While Gideon's strategy with the trumpets and torches provoked quite a reaction, notice that Scripture is clear that the “Lord caused the men throughout the camp to turn on each other with their swords” (v. 22). Gideon's men didn't attack so much as they pursued the fleeing Midianites after God caused them to attack each other. This isn't the first time that the Lord sent a spirit of confusion against people who acted contrary to His will (see. Gen. 11).

As Gideon and his men pursued the terrified Midianites, they sent word throughout the tribes for assistance. Ephraim responded vigorously, seizing control of the Jordan River. This was strategically significant, because Midian and Amalek had been crossing the Jordan to terrorize Israel (see 6:35). By taking control of this location, Ephraim helped to ensure that the remnants of the fleeing armies would not be able to regroup.

The men of Ephraim also captured two Midianite leaders. As we've seen throughout the book of Judges so far, the capture of oppressing leaders was a noteworthy accomplishment (note Adoni-Bezek and Sisera). Tomorrow we'll see more of the repercussions of Ephraim's involvement in this battle.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Do you feel like the tools you have aren't sufficient for the work you have to do? Instead of focusing on your trumpet and torch, focus your attention on the God who uses unlikely instruments to showcase His power. You may not feel like a mighty prayer warrior—but you can still pray for the needs placed on your heart. You may not be a famous evangelist—but you can still share what God has done for you with the unbelievers in your life. Trust in God, not your tools.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: James 5:13-18
The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. - James 5:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
Author Alexander Whyte wrote the following about the apostle James: “When they came to coffin him, it was like coffining the knees of a camel rather than the knees of a man, so hard, so worn, so stiff were they with prayer, and so unlike any other dead man’s knees they had ever coffined.” No wonder tradition holds that James was also known as “Camel-knees”!

This description of James, the half-brother of Jesus (Matt. 13:55; Mark 6:3), is a fitting introduction to this month’s study on individual prayers recorded throughout the Bible.

James was a prominent leader in the early church. Though he did not follow Jesus during the Lord’s earthly ministry (John 7:5), His resurrection must have convinced James that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. While the book of James does not contain actual prayers, it offers much practical guidance concerning prayer.

The affliction mentioned in today’s passage (v. 13) probably concerns persecution for one’s faith; regardless of the reason for suffering, however, the response is prayer. In perhaps a strange contrast, the second part of this verse also urges prayer for blessings received! The word translated “happy” (v. 13) has more to do with inner joy than outer circumstances. By linking these two “extremes” of suffering and joy, James shows that prayer is the response to any situation in life.

Verse 14 shows how important it is to ask for prayer on behalf of the sick, especially those who may be bedridden. The “if” in verse 15 suggests that some illness may also be linked with sin, although clearly this is not true of every sickness (contrary to the conventional wisdom of James’s day). Either way, prayer is the “prescription” for physical and spiritual health. James’s readers may have had a hard time believing that their prayers could really be effective. So, to illustrate his point, James reminded his audience that Elijah was also human and yet his prayers had huge impact!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Oh, that we all might have the nickname “camel-knees” and be known for our prayer-worn knees!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Genesis 18:16-33
Will not the Judge of all the earth do right? - Genesis 18:25b
TODAY IN THE WORD
The marquee outside the church announced the provocative title of the upcoming sermon: “If I were God . . .” How many times have we asked this very question? As we consider our fallen world today and then read about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19), we might think, “Yes! Let the burning sulfur fall!”

No doubt Sodom and Gomorrah disgusted Abraham who was a righteous man. Yet, if the situation were only a matter of judging sin, it would be hard to understand Abraham’s prayer. But Abraham knew that a handful of righteous individuals also lived in these two wicked cities. How? His own nephew and his family lived there! So Abraham was not only concerned about judgment but also about the just treatment of the righteous.

Perhaps the most remarkable feature of this prayer is that it was initiated by God Himself (v. 17). Not only had God chosen Abraham to raise up a nation through which the entire world would be blessed (v. 18), He had also chosen Abraham to instruct future generations in the ways of the Lord (v. 19). Because of this intimacy, the Lord revealed to Abraham what He was about to do, namely, that He would see if the outcry concerning these wicked cities was really true. Of course, the Lord already knew all about these cities, so the language here shows us how the Lord used this situation to reveal more about Himself to Abraham.

Abraham’s question confronts us as well: can God really be trusted to do what is right? The key thing God showed Abraham is that the Judge of all the earth can be trusted to do right. How awful it would be if this were not so! History is filled with terrifying examples of evil individuals who tried to act as “judge of all the earth.”
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth” (Matt. 5:13). Although God has every right to rain sulfur on the entire earth, in some mysterious way, the presence of His righteous ones delays such judgment. With this in mind, consider how your function as salt somehow preserves the lives of those around you who are headed for destruction. In what ways can you be in the world but not of it? How can you be salt to those who are perishing? How do you lead them to Jesus?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Genesis 24:1-31
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. - Hebrews 10:23
TODAY IN THE WORD
In the fairytale “Cinderella,” the king and queen throw a ball so that their handsome prince might find a suitable bride. As we know, the one who will become his true love is not invited because of her cruel stepmother and stepsisters. In the end, however, magical intervention enables Cinderella to attend the ball, fall in love with the prince, and live happily ever after. Today’s account suggests a different approach to finding a wife–one that contains some profound lessons on prayer.

Finding the right wife for Isaac was of crucial importance, for she and Isaac would inherit the promise of the nation and land entrusted to Abraham (Gen. 12:2–3). The oath that Abraham required of his servant (v. 3), as well as the confidence Abraham had in God’s provision (v. 7), reveal to us the importance of this mission.

So Abraham’s faithful servant obediently headed to the land of Abraham’s ancestors (Haran), and the first thing he did was to pray for a successful mission and for God’s kindness to be granted to his master, Abraham (v. 12). From the beginning, the servant recognized that this quest would never succeed apart from God.

Next, the servant prayed for a practical sign by which he might know the will of God. It’s worth noting that this “sign” concerned Rebekah’s character, not some chance trait such as hair or eye color! Specifically, the sign was her willingness to show hospitality, which was of supreme value in the ancient world. Even after such amazing circumstantial confirmation, the servant prayerfully watched and anticipated confirmation from God (v. 21).

The servant wisely waited to talk with Rebekah’s parents, to go through the proper channels, so to speak. In the meantime, he praised God for His unmistakable guidance and faithfulness (v. 27). It seems clear that this mission had been founded on prayer.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In addition to teaching us about faith and prayer, this account anticipates another “quest for a bride.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Exodus 33:7-23
Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” - John 11:40
TODAY IN THE WORD
Truly great leaders for God are people of prayer. Like Abraham, Moses faced seemingly impossible responsibilities; perhaps this explains why both of them prayed so much.

It’s hard to imagine the pressures that Moses must have felt as he confronted Pharaoh, crossed the Red Sea, and led the people to the land of Canaan. To make things even harder, the people were rebellious and grumbling! Exodus 32 records the sad incident of the people worshiping the golden calf, while Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving God’s law.

Despite their great sin, the Lord remained faithful to His promise to give them the land. But Exodus 33:1–7 says that the Lord Himself would no longer accompany the people. Moses and all the people responded appropriately to this news: the people mourned, and Moses prayed.

The “tent of meeting” was not the tabernacle but a tent used by Moses to meet alone with the Lord. Each time Moses went there, all the people stood at their tents watching him.

In the first part of his prayer, Moses recounted the Lord’s call and favor upon his life and then asked for deeper knowledge of the Lord’s ways. Now Moses could have prayed for a less rebellious people or for someone else to take over as leader! Instead, he prayed to know the Lord better. This is a prayer request the Lord loves to grant! Moses knew that knowing the Lord was the one thing that distinguished God’s people from all other peoples (v. 16).

Finally, Moses prayed very boldly . . . to see the Lord’s glory. Moses realized that only a deeper understanding of God’s glory would get him through. God knew that full exposure of His glory would be too much for Moses (v. 20); however, He allowed Moses to behold as much of His glory as possible.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Has the Lord also entrusted you with spiritual leadership? Today’s lesson contains two good reminders of very important leadership requi-rements: intimate prayer and a continual focus on His glory. Perhaps you are planning for summer ministries such as youth camp or Vacation Bible School. Consider making the prayer of Moses the basis for your ministry or for those you know in leadership–“If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here!”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Numbers 11:1-17
The Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. - Isaiah 30:18a
TODAY IN THE WORD
The final event at the Ringling Brothers’ Circus was always the high-wire act of the Flying Wallendas. The finale consisted of a four-level pyramid formation. The Wallendas kept audiences holding their breath with this daring feat. One evening, however, young Dede Wallenda, part of the pyramid’s bottom row, began to wobble. He cried out, “I cannot hold on any longer!” As he fell, the entire pyramid collapsed. Several of his brothers were crippled for life, and one died.

As he led the people, Moses must have feared that he too might collapse. Today’s passage, however, shows that Moses took this intense pressure to the Lord . . . and the Lord provided a safety net.

After the golden calf incident, the Lord renewed His covenant with the people, and the tabernacle was filled with His glory. Things seemed to be looking up. The opening chapters of Numbers show the original generation preparing to enter the Promised Land. After being dedicated, the people went forth from Sinai (Num. 10). Yet no sooner were the Israelites on the road again, that they began to grumble and complain.

First, they complained about the hardships of travelling (v. 1). In His anger, the Lord sent forth a fire on the outskirts of their camp. The people cried out to Moses, and he prayed to the Lord. Then, the people complained about not having any meat to eat. In their ingratitude, they callously recalled the “good old days” in Egypt.

We can almost hear the clamor clanging in Moses’ ears! But the Lord’s anger, not the people’s complaining, really troubled Moses. So once again, Moses cried out to the Lord about such obstinate people. Moses already knew that he had the Lord’s favor (see yesterday’s study), but in his spiritual and emotional exhaustion, it seemed better to have the Lord simply end his life than to continue on with these people!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Perhaps you can identify with Moses. Sooner or later, all of us experience times of spiritual exhaustion and despair.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Joshua 6:27-7:26
I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. - Leviticus 11:44
TODAY IN THE WORD
Author Alice Gray, in her book More Stories for the Heart, recounts the following incident. A Native American was in downtown New York, walking along with his friend, a New Yorker. Suddenly, he said, “I hear a cricket.” “You’re crazy,” his friend replied. “No, I’m sure of it.” Eventually the man located the cricket, much to the amazement of his friend. But the Native American said, “My ears are no different from yours. It simply depends on what you are listening to. Here, let me show you.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a handful of change–and dropped it on the concrete. Every head within a block turned. “You see what I mean?”

Choosing what, or whom, to listen to was painfully demonstrated to Joshua. Prior to the conquest, the Lord encouraged Joshua that He would be with him (Josh. 1:5). Joshua listened to the Lord and was victorious.

In today’s passage, Joshua listened to the voice of his spies. Just before this, we learn that Achan disobeyed the Lord by keeping banned loot for himself. The Lord had commanded that booty be utterly destroyed, probably because of its potential spiritual harm.

Immediately, Joshua and the elders tore their clothes and prostrated themselves as a sign of deep remorse. Then Joshua cried out to the Lord. Joshua was right to be concerned for the Lord’s name (v. 9), but the Lord confronted the real issue: unconfessed sin. Until the offense was dealt with, no victory was possible (v. 13). Disobedience among His people ultimately dishonored His holy name among the Canaanites more than their military defeat.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Although Joshua suffered personally from this military defeat (it must have reflected badly on him), the remarkable thing about his prayer is that his primary concern was not his own reputation but the Lord’s. That’s something to consider! We live in a time when it’s easy to focus only on what people think about us. But perhaps we need to consider how to reflect a similar concern for the Lord’s reputation in our own prayers. This is particularly true if sin has, in some way, brought dishonor to His name.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Samuel 1:1-20; 2:1-10
For nothing is impossible with God. - Luke 1:37
TODAY IN THE WORD
Five-year-old Clementine could barely keep up with her older sister as they ran for their lives through the Rwandan forests. Guerilla troops had just murdered their grandparents, yet miraculously the girls made it to the Ugandan refugee camp. Years passed, and they eventually made their way to the United States. Although camp workers told Clementine that her parents were probably dead, the girl never gave up and never stopped praying. Then in April 2001, seven years after their escape, Clementine learned that, against all odds, her parents were alive!

Perhaps the only prayer as intensely felt as the longing for one’s parents is the longing for a child. Certainly this was the case for Hannah as she poured out the longing of her heart before the Lord in the temple at Shiloh (1 Sam. 1:10, 15).

However, Hannah’s prayer represents more than one individual’s longings and hopes. In many respects, Hannah’s sadness portrays the sadness that the people should have felt for their spiritual barrenness. At this time in Israel’s history, lawlessness “ruled” the land (Judg. 21:25). Hannah, on the other hand, earnestly desired to please the Lord--this can be seen in her willingness to dedicate her firstborn to the Lord. So the Lord first raised up a woman and then raised up a child who would begin to bring the nation back to Him. The birth of Samuel marked the birth of the prophetic office, which the Lord would use powerfully to influence Israel’s kings and to lead God’s people back to Him. Indeed, through this particular prophet, the Lord would establish the office of king, first with Saul and then David.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Hannah’s beautiful prayer contains no petition; instead, it describes God’s faithfulness through beautiful imagery and word pictures.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 7:1-29
Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, . . . that you have brought me this far? - 2 Samuel 7:18
TODAY IN THE WORD
David had humble beginnings. He was a shepherd and the youngest child. From the human point of view, he wasn’t born to be king. But God was looking for a man of faith with a humble heart–and the shepherd became a king. Although David had weaknesses, he was a man after God’s own heart (1 Sam. 13:14) and was in many ways the ideal king (who prefigured the perfect king, Jesus). David ushered in an era of peace and prosperity by establishing both political and religious unity.

David loved the Lord and was bothered that he lived in a palace while the Lord’s ark was kept in a tent (2 Sam. 7:2). Initially, the prophet Nathan told David to proceed with building the temple, but then the Lord spoke to Nathan in a dream. It would not be David building a house for the Lord, but rather the Lord building a house, or eternal dynasty, for David (vv. 11, 16).

In David’s prayer response to this revelation, notice that he begins by recognizing that his greatness was entirely dependent upon the Lord. Perhaps there’s no greater question to ask, “Who am I, O Sovereign Lord?” David knew that the honor bestowed upon him was rooted solely in God’s Word and will (v. 21).

In light of God’s grace, David’s only response was to praise His incomparable greatness. And David praised God for the people of Israel, whom God had chosen and redeemed for Himself (vv. 22–24).

The first petition of this prayer (v. 25) is actually another way of recognizing God’s greatness and David’s human weakness. Knowing his own frailty and that of his descendents, David prayed that God would confirm His own promise. In other words, David wanted a divine guarantee against human weakness for this divine promise. Notice that David’s second petition (v. 29) echoes this same sentiment.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
All of us can pray along with David, “Is this your usual way of dealing with man, O Sovereign Lord?” As believers, we experience the blessings of God’s promise to David. “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever” (v. 16). David knew he did not deserve such honor and grace. And we, too, do not deserve God’s gracious gift of the Eternal King, Jesus Christ. So let us join our praise with David’s for the Lord’s great deeds.