Thursday, June 17, 2021
Today’s Scripture
Today’s Author
Jamie Butcher
God’s covenant promise in the book of Joshua plays out on the field of battle. The picture is not a pretty one. God is a divine warrior commanding war crimes and genocide. Joshua and the Israelites are tyrants within a system that is rigged. The promise is one of presumption – God is on our side, not yours.
This understanding of the covenant relationship is troubling and has led to disastrous results – even today. As I write, our country attempts to redress crimes against Indigenous peoples fueled by manifest destiny. And Israel and Palestine are locked in an escalating conflict over the promised land.
But, as the God Goes With Us devotional shows, the Bible emphasizes something more in the covenantal relationship. The arc of scripture promotes peace and the reversal of power. The conquest looks more complicated than Joshua’s tale. In the Talmud, Jewish law says this attack is a last resort. It’s only after the rejection of three peace treaties that Joshua turns to violence. In the book of Judges, the conquest is more of a merger. Instead of military advances, the people arrive in the land to live alongside, trade with, and marry among its diverse peoples.
This is more in sync with the cumulative witness of scripture. The prophet Isaiah says we are to beat swords into plowshares. Jesus says it is the peacemakers who are blessed. In the Old Testament, God is more merciful than judgmental – “slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” In the Gospels, Jesus points to new life and forgiveness for all.
Summer Devotional
God Goes With Us
This summer’s devotional is a walk through the Bible. Join our pastors and staff for daily reflections on scripture passages from Genesis to Revelation. In the beginning, God said, “I will be your God and you will be my people.” Come and see how this covenant promise changes through time yet remains steadfast from generation to generation.
Each Sunday, Chris Holmes will share a short message on the texts for the week, and written reflections will go out every Monday through Thursday morning.
We wish you blessings and deeper faith this summer!
