First, don’t forget the “Regather” webinar tomorrow (Friday) at 11am-12:15pm EDT. Ed Stetzer will offer some great direction on questions we must consider as we regather (in addition to his sharing resources for us). Tate Cockrell, counseling professor at SEBTS and previous counseling pastor with David Platt, provides suggestions for taking care ourselves in these hectic days. Then, Jimmy Scroggins—one of the top pastoral leaders I’ve ever known—gives significant guidance for pastors. WordSearch Library will also provide you multiple free resources as well. To sign up for this free webinar, click here.
Second, I offer to you this challenge regarding “spiritual markers” that always grabs my heart:
Celebrate markers of deliverance.
In Joshua 4, Joshua challenged the Hebrews to set up rocks – markers – as reminders of the miracle God had worked in leading His people across the Jordan River. God did that work so the next generations (4:1-7) and the nations (4:19-24) would know of His power – and He knew even His own people would need those reminders of His work. It seems we’re all forgetful people, I’m afraid. In the midst of ongoing quarantine, I encourage you to take time today to consider the “markers” of God’s grace and power in your spiritual journey. Celebrate what He’s done!
Grieve markers of defeat.
Joshua 4 establishes markers of God’s deliverance, but Joshua 7 includes a marker of serious spiritual defeat. Achan had taken goods from Jericho (in opposition to God’s command) and hidden them in his tent. When Joshua confronted Achan, the Lord brought dramatic judgment on the man and his family. It’s a tough text for us to consider, but judgment ended with Achan’s being stoned, burned, and covered with rocks. That pile of rocks remained there – this time not as a reminder of God’s deliverance, but as a reminder of God’s demand for obedience and holiness. He would not tolerate sin in the camp as His people entered the Promised Land.
The point is this: as we follow God, let’s not forget to thank Him for the markers of His work in our lives—markers that He might even be creating for us in these most unusual days. At the same time, though, let’s not forget the markers of tragic defeat around us. Too many of us don’t have to look far to see lives torn apart by bad choices.
Let’s pray for each other – and for our pastors – that our markers are markers of victory and deliverance rather than defeat.