Behold now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation
Sun, 3rd Nov 2013
Gary Iddon
Joshua chapter 1 v1-9
Summary:
There is a purpose for everything written in the bible. The word "now" is used in the bible to mean immediately. We are not promised tomorrow so now is the accepted time now is the day of salvation. God says he wants us to repent and turn to him now. We cannot boast of tomorrow a we don't know what a day might bring. God knows when we will leave this earth but we can know we can be safe by turning to him. To be born again means to recognise that we are sinners and be forgiven. We can still make mistakes though but Jesus can cleanse us from all our unrighteousness.
Does the word "now" mean anything for believers too? Our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. God expects a return on the gifts he has given us and he will reward us. We should be willing to fish for men and if we put our lines out God will do the rest. We can read the scripture and pray to find out what God wants us to do
The word "death" is also used in the bible. The grave is the end of life for the unbeliever. When we are born again we have no fear in death. Death came into the world through mans disobedience. Death is an enemy of God but he has conquered sin and death. Turn away from your sin and you will be changed if you put your trust in him.
The name "Moses" is also used. Moses means to be drawn out of the water. God is looking for people like Moses to lead his people in church. Jesus was a leader and a servant king. We must be willing to serve and to lead by example. There must also be a right attitude to Gods work. Don't be leaders of the flesh be leaders of the flock.
After the death of Moses the Lord spoke to Joshua. The Lord can speak to us through songs, creation, circumstances of life, his word and other people. We must give God time to speak and he will if we listen. The bible talks about everybody taking part in the church, Moses also realised that he needed to delegate. God speaks through everyone not just the preacher or the elect few. If we harden our hearts to the Holy Spirit it can make it more difficult to hear from him next time. We can grieve the Holy Spirit by rejecting him. God can both shout and whisper and he will get our attention if he wants to. We can put our trust in God as now is the accepted time
Further Reading:
Joshua
Deuteronomy
What’s on this week
Sun, 21st Oct 2018
