Today’s reading

Joshua 14-15; Luke 4:33-44

Selected Verses

So now give me this hill country of which the Lord spoke on that day, for you heard on that day how the Anakim were there, with great fortified cities. It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall drive them out just as the Lord said. Joshua 14:12

And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!” Luke 4:36

Reflections

Remember Caleb? Along with Joshua, he was one of two adult survivors of the exodus from Egypt. He's back appealing to Joshua to grant him the hill country of Hebron as his inheritance in the land. Caleb, demonstrated not doubt but humility and an unassuming air, in expressing his dependence on the Lord to be with him as he cleared the enemy Anakim out of the territory he desired. The Anakim were a tall and frightening group of warriors whom the spies had met 40 years earlier when they did reconnaissance in the land. Joshua granted Caleb his request and blessed his old friend. The effort was successful because the Lord had authority over the Anakim and all the other great pretenders of this world.

Jesus controlled every kind of disease. He healed Simon’s mother of a fever so quickly and completely that she immediately resumed her duties as hostess and homemaker as if nothing had occurred. The townspeople lined up to have Jesus heal them, too. Whatever sickness they had, he graciously healed. But his power over unclean spirits stunned them. A demonic man made a scene in the synagogue, screaming out his fear of destruction at the hands of Jesus. He even accurately identified Jesus as the “Holy One of God.” The demon threw the man down, but Jesus commanded him to be silent and come out of him. The demon obeyed. The crowd was amazed at this demonstration of authority.

Think about it

Do you have confidence in God’s control over this world? The triune God has revealed Himself, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God in three persons who rules over the entire universe. Through the grace of Jesus His Son, the Father gives His Spirit to live in His children. All power and authority belongs to Him. In Christ, you belong to Him who has power and authority over everyone and everything. Fear not. Trust Him who reigns over all.

© 2017 John A Carroll Used by permission