Take What God Has Given

 

The tribe of Dan sent spies into the land that God had given them, and when the spies returned the tribe wanted to hear the report (Judges 18.8).

The five spies reported, “Arise, let us go up against them. For we have seen the land, and indeed it is very good. Would you do nothing? Do not hesitate to go, and enter to possess the land. When you go, you will come to a secure people and a large land. For God has given it into your hands, a place where there is no lack of anything that is on the earth” (Judges 18.9–10).

The spies spoke correctly that God had given them the land, and they should not just sit there. There was no need for hesitation.

God has given us many things. Have we taken them? For example, He has given the blessing of forgiveness. Have we taken it when we sin? DR

 

Criminals

 

Thieves beat a man and took his clothing, which is how Jesus began the story of The Prodigal Son, “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead” (Luke 10.30).

A lawyer had asked Jesus to clarify who qualified as our neighbor, and Jesus showed that it is anyone in need.

What should we do if we come upon a crime victim? For the victim we should render assistance. For the criminal we should pray this, “Give them according to their deeds, and according to the wickedness of their endeavors; give them according to the work of their hands; render to them what they deserve” (Psalms 28.4).

We pray that for the criminal that he might repent and turn to God. DR