August 26 ▪ Day 238

Scripture Readings

Proverbs 22:4, Joshua 17–18, I Corinthians 3–4, Psalm 54

Verse Focus

Humility is the fear of the LORD;
its wages are riches and honor and life.

Proverbs 22:4

Meditation

Our Proverbs verse today defines humility as the fear of the Lord and tells us that riches, honor and life are a consequence of humility. Yet when we think of humility, we don’t always think about its connection to God. Instead, we think of humility as it relates to other people. People who are humble are not proud or arrogant: they recognize they are flawed and fallible. As a result, they doesn’t consider themselves to be better than anyone else. They may even discount their best qualities, giving credit elsewhere. Yet the Bible teaches us that true humility comes from recognizing who God is and who we are in relation to Him. God is our sovereign Creator who rules over the earth and time. He is holy. And, incredibly, He loves us enough that He sent His Son to die for us so that we might have access to Him and His grace. Take a moment this morning to thank God for who He is. Ask Him to cleanse your heart of arrogance, and to enable you to serve Him in humility.

As we read our history chapters in Joshua today, we read of the continued division of the Promised Land amongst the tribes of Israel. Reuben, Gad, and the first half of the tribe of Manasseh received their inheritance on the other side of the Jordan; earlier, Judah and Ephraim received their portions. Now, in chapter 17, we see what the second half of Manasseh receives — a very large territory that would later encompass Samaria. Again, Scripture shows us how revolutionary God’s new governmental society was as Zelophehad’s daughters receive a portion along with the rest of Manasseh’s descendants.

Verse 18:12 tells us that “the Canaanites were determined to live in that region;” indeed, the tribe was never able to fully conquer the Canaanites but subjected them to forced labor. Because of their difficulty in possessing the land, they cried out for more territory. But Joshua told them they had options — they could oust the Canaanites in the hill country or in the forests. Regardless of the Canaanites’ iron chariots, Joshua reminded the tribe of Manasseh that they were both numerous and powerful.

In chapter 18 verse 3, Joshua asks a very important question of the remaining seven tribes of Israelites. “How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you?” In many ways, this is a very peculiar question since they are currently living in the Promised Land. And yet the Israelites have not taken hold of all the inheritance; they have not claimed portions for every single tribe. Yes, there are more difficulties, more enemies, and more fighting to do. But the land is waiting for them. So they make a plan to survey what remains and to divide it into seven portions. Joshua will then cast lots for these different portions. As chapter 18 continues, we learn all about the portion that is given to the tribe of Benjamin.

Joshua’s question to the Israelites is an important question for us today. We are living in the “promised land” of the Lord’s redeemed; we have the Holy Spirit living within us as our guide. Yet is there territory we have yet to claim? God wants us to live vibrant, abundant, grace-filled lives. What is holding you back from living such a life? Is fear or sin keeping you stuck in place? Is there a dream that you are not pursuing? This chapter in Joshua reminds us that we may simply need to go out and fight to claim our inheritance.

As we continue our reading in I Corinthians, the theme of humility reappears. Paul reminds his listeners that it is not who does what that is important; it is what God does that matters. After all, what do you have that you did not receive?

As usual, these chapters in Corinthians are dense with spiritual truths. I will comment on a few things that strike me. First, Paul talks about immature believers who require “milk” rather than solid food. Ouch! Does that sting?

Paul also talks about Christ as our one true foundation. Using the metaphor of construction, Paul cautions us that we should pay attention to how we build upon this foundation. When the Day of Judgment comes, if your building materials are worthless, they will be consumed and you will be left with only your salvation (did you chase after fame or material possessions?). But if your building materials have value, you will have that gain on top of your salvation. It’s worth spending some time meditating on how we build with good materials on top of the foundation of Christ. Through service? Encouragement? How about through humility?

In chapter 4 Paul talks about how we have been given a trust and must prove ourselves faithful. He talks about how the “wisdom of the world” is foolishness in God’s eyes. This theme of worldly wisdom versus Biblical, godly wisdom is one that runs throughout Scripture. If we are in a right relationship with God — if we are truly humble before our Creator — it will affect everything we do.

The final “ouch” is Paul’s assertion that the kingdom of God is “not a matter of talk, but of power.” I feel a bit of conviction almost every time I read this verse because I’m a talker. I’m wordy. And I’d much rather talk than act. But the hope for redemption is built right into the same verse: the kingdom of God is a matter of power. And we can claim that power through the Holy Spirit and by God’s grace.

Today’s Psalm was written by David when he was on the run from Saul. Even though David was loyal to his kingship, Saul distrusted David and had been trying to kill him. So David went into hiding. And now the Ziphites — a tribe in Judah — went to Saul and betrayed David’s presence. Even though David was innocent of wrongdoing. The Psalm starts in the present tense. Save me; hear my prayer. I’m being attacked by ruthless and godless men. But even as the Psalm cries out with David’s distress and the danger he faces, it shifts to a future tense where David is praising God for his triumph; David has been rescued. This is a remarkable pattern of faith for us. The Psalm was written while David was in trouble — even the future verses that foresaw the end of trouble were written while David was still in the midst of it all. And yet David had the confidence to know that God would accomplish His purposes and would protect and establish David. That’s the kind of faith I want for my life!

Father God, give us all the confidence in You and Your salvation. Whatever trouble or distress surrounds us, we can know that our future is secure because You are the One in charge. Thank you for this day. Thank you for your great love for us. And thank You for Your Word. Please open my eyes today as I read your Scriptures. Renew my mind and cleanse my heart; speak to me and show me how I can be practical in my obedience. In Jesus’ name, Amen.