READING:
One-year plan: Joshua 1-4, Luke 6:1-36
Two-year plan: Leviticus 8, Matthew 27:15-26
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It’s hard to believe. I thought about it unexpectedly yesterday, and it stopped me for a moment. Now 43 years ago, on April 1, 1981, I began my ministry as a pastor. My flock was small (19 attenders–most related to each other—that first Sunday), and they were happy to find a young preacher who wasn’t concerned about getting a lot of money. They paid me what they could, and the Lord used them to teach me how to trust Him. That many years ago, as the youngest pastor in our local Baptist association, I thought I was something.
What I’ve learned over the years, though, is that God’s work is not about us; it’s about Him. In fact, God often moves us to different pastoral ministries over the course of years—in some cases, to remind us that His work goes on even after He calls us away. The story of Joshua’s commissioning after the death of Moses in today’s reading reminds us of this truth: even when the previous leader is mighty like Moses, God still raises up leaders to follow after them. His plan always goes on.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Where have you seen God’s plan go on even after you have moved on?
PRAYER: “God, I praise You that Your plan is not dependent on me.”
TOMORROW’S READINGS:
One-year plan: Joshua 5-8, Luke 6:37-7:17
Two-year plan: Leviticus 9-10, Matthew 27:27-44