18th August 2025

The Impossible

See! I have given Jericho into your hand.

Joshua 6:2

Today's Bible Reading: Joshua 5:13 to Chapter 6:5.

Did you know that Jericho is one of the oldest cities in the world? Archaeologists have discovered the ruins of the Tower of Jericho dating back to 9000 BC! This says a lot about the system of organization of the populations of the time, since we understand that they succeeded in erecting very thick and very high walls like so many fortifications to protect the city.

In the Bible, it is written that Jericho was the first city in that land which fell into the hands of the Israelites under the orders of the successor of Moses, Joshua.

When Joshua faced Jericho, a fortified city in lockdown, he may have felt as if he was facing an impossible situation (Josh. 5:13–6:27). But then a Man with a drawn sword appeared to him. Some theologians think the Man was Jesus Himself. Joshua anxiously asked if He would be backing the Israelites or their enemies in the forthcoming battle. “‘Neither one,’ he replied. ‘I am come as the commander of the Lord’s army” (Josh 5:14). Joshua bowed in worship before he took another step. He still didn’t know how Jericho would be delivered into his hand, but he listened to God and worshipped Him. Then he obeyed the Lord’s instructions and the impossible happened. Nothing is impossible for the Lord.

Prayer: Dear Lord God, often when I am faced with an impossible situation I choose worry rather than trust. Help me to trust You and to remember that nothing is too hard or impossible for You. In Jesus name. Amen.

17th August 2025

Maranatha

And Jesus said, . . . and you shall see the Son of man

sitting at the right hand of power,

and coming in the clouds of heaven.

Mark 14:62

Today's Bible Reading: Matthew 24: 36-44.

Maranatha is an exclamation consisting of two Aramaic words, found twice in the New Testament. It was probably used by the first Christians, with the expectation of the imminent return of the Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 16:22 & Rev 22:20), which is an event that the Bible tells the Christian to be ready for at any time.

The world in which we live is full of pessimism. No Christian has the scriptural right to go around wringing his hands wondering what we are to do in the face of the present world situation. The Scripture says that in the midst of persecution, confusion, wars, and rumours of wars, we are to comfort one another with the knowledge that our Lord Jesus Christ is coming back in triumph, glory, and majesty. Many times when I go to bed at night, I think to myself that before I awake Christ may come. Sometimes when I get up and look at the sunrise, I wonder If perhaps this might be the day the Lord will return. He has told we Christians to be watching constantly and to be ready, “for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Matthew 24:44). Do you think Christ will come today? “Probably not,” you say. However, It is on just such a day that He may come. What a glorious time of reunion it’s going to be, when we shall be caught up to glory with Him!

Prayer: Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the hope that even today I may have the joy of seeing You face to face! Amen.

16th August 2025

Cleansed Completely

We are all like an unclean thing,

and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags . . .

Isaiah 65:17

Today's Bible Reading: Isaiah 64:1-8.

Have you ever left a dirty rag on the kitchen work top on a hot Summer's day, and when you have retuned home later, the rag is sticking?

The Bible says something similar about self-cleansing—our best efforts at dealing with sin on our own always fall short. Seeming to despair of God’s people, the Israelites, ever experiencing His salvation (Isaiah 64:5), the prophet Isaiah wrote, “we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses (meaning good-deeds) are like filthy rags” (v 6).

But Isaiah knew that there is always hope through God’s goodness. So he prayed, “You, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter” (v 8). He knew that God alone can cleanse what we cannot, until the deepest stains are “white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18).

We cannot scrub away the smudges, smears and stains of sin on our souls. Thankfully, we can receive salvation in the One whose sacrifice allows us to be cleansed completely (1 John 1:7) Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Father, help me to rest in Your forgiveness instead of trying to earn what You have already freely given. In Jesus name. Amen.