As Christians, we marvel at all that Christ has done for us through his sufficient work. The apostle Paul speaks of how we have been blessed “with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). Because of His work on the cross and our belief in Him, we can walk in confidence knowing we “have eternal life” (1stJohn 5:13). Now that we have eternal life, God calls us to transformation (Romans 12:2), to be imitators of Him (Ephesians 5:1); which means, He is not done with us. God wants to equip us “with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” Hebrews 13:21). That equipping comes, in large part, through the work of His word. His word makes us “complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2ndTimothy 3:17).
Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an
inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.
Joshua 1:6
As I think about this, in light of our new theme concerning meditation, my mind draws me to Joshua and the epic story of God’s people taking possession of the Promised Land. The setting of the verse above is both tragic and inspiring. Sad because Moses has died and will not be able to enter the land of his people, which God was giving them. Inspiring because God’s promise to His people was right in front of them: they only needed to walk in faith. Their new leader, Joshua, is urged to be “strong and of good courage.” If you were to read down through vv1-6, you would find several promises from God. But God also yearns for His people to listen to His direction, so He exhorts Joshua saying, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it” (Joshua 1:8). If you were to keep reading, you would find that both prosperity and success were, at least in part, dependent upon this very thing.
I understand, more now than ever before in my walk, that we are not under the law…period. My performance does not (thankfully) dictate my relationship with God, for Jesus took care of the obstacle that robs one of peace. Here is a question though, “Does God’s grace displayed in full through Christ, somehow eliminate one’s need to earnestly seek after His ways, His character, His likeness?” According to 2nd Peter 1:2-11, that very grace so lovingly offered is supposed to be the reason behind our desire to grow in Christ.
Meditation was a tool which Joshua was encouraged to use to help him and the rest of God’s people, stay on track, enabling them to reach their destination. Christians unshackled from the Old Law through the redemptive work of Christ, like those of old, want to know His will for them as they also journey homeward. If it was helpful to them, then it will be beneficial to us. Help us, Lord, as we grow in our understanding of meditating on Your word.
Dennis
Biddeford Church of Christ 