Family Chapel

As Joshua and Israel have entered into the Promise Land, they are now set to face off against their enemies and start engaging in some battles. First stop: Jericho. While we may not always realize it, we too are engaged in real battles with real enemies (the world, the flesh, and the devil). Through our passage, we see that we can overcome the battles of life as we recognize that it is the Lord who fights with us and for us. As such, our allegiance, our battles, and our victories belong to the Lord.

Before the Israelites head out to battle, God reaffirms his mission, reconfirms Joshua's leadership, and reminds the Israelites of his might and presence through the re-enactment of the Red Sea crossing as well as circumcision and Passover. Constant reaffirmations and remembrance are essential, especially for an upcoming generation with its own mission and purpose. Therefore, we must consistently remember the Mighty God who is with us.

As Joshua gets the troops ready to cross over the Jordan River, he sends over two spies to scope out the first city they'll be facing - Jericho. But in Jericho, a very unexpected thing happens: someone who embodies the definition of an "outsider" demonstrates saving faith and is included inside the covenant community of God. Rahab shows us that saving faith is marked by theological truth, relational trust, decisive allegiance, and active obedience. And through Rahab, we see that by God's grace, outsiders can become insiders.

After 40 years of leading Israel through the Wilderness, Moses is now dead. A new generation of Israelites stands at the edge of the Promise Land as they face an unknown future filled with all sorts of new challenges. In Moses' place, God appoints a new leader - Joshua - to lead the people into the land. In this passage, we see how we can faithfully lead the next generation to pursue the purposes of God by receiving training through God’s preparation, taking courage through meditation on God’s Word, and rallying people around God’s vision. And in all this, we see that God is ultimately the true leader who faithfully leads his people.

Paul is finally in Rome as we come to the end of the book of Acts, and we see that the story is ongoing. Paul continues to teach and his own story is left open. Most importantly, the mission of the church for the gospel to go out to the nations continues. And we are part of that story, our church's story is part of that narrative, and our lives as a witness and channel for the Acts of the Holy Spirit continues today. We serve the same God, empowered by the same Holy Spirit, raising the banner of the same Lord Jesus as the early church. The mission continues through us.

Paul finally sets sail for Rome, but everything that can go wrong, does go wrong. The ship ends up being blown off course by a storm, and utter panic sets in among the passengers. But even as the storm rages all around, Paul is able to experience a supernatural peace because he remains deeply anchored in the providence of God. He remembers his identity as God's child, he holds on to God's promises, and he gives thanks for God's provision. When we find ourselves in the midst of the storms of life, we too can remain anchored as we rest in the providence of God.

Paul continues to be held as a prisoner and brought under trial. But instead of giving way to bitterness or discouragement, he continues to share the Gospel with others. And through this final trial before heading to Rome, we see some important components of faithful evangelism. Faithful evangelism is marked by personal integrity, life transformation, a focus on the person and work of Jesus Christ, rational coherence, and an invitation to believe. As we have been entrusted with the Gospel, may we also seek out opportunities to faithfully evangelize as a missional community.

As Paul finds himself standing trial in Jerusalem, he is able to stand firm because he holds on to the reality of resurrection. This reality helps him to stand firm because it is grounded in historical actuality, because it grants Christ's presence, and because it secures standing before the Ultimate Judge. Likewise, we too can stand firm in the face of the world’s judgment and disapproval when we hold on to the reality of resurrection.

Paul is making his way back to Jerusalem despite knowing the persecution and suffering that awaits him. He knows he is called to the Gentiles, but he still has great love and concern for his Jewish brothers. We see a deep conviction of not only his sense for his mission, but also great passion and love. And the foundation of his mission and passion is rooted in his own testimony - where we see the gospel as the foundation of who he is and what he lives for. As we look to be on mission and as we rebuild moving forward, we must remember that our mission, passion, and purpose must be founded upon our own testimony and the gospel that has changed our lives forever.