Thoughts on the readings for June 1st (Joshua 18, Isaiah 24, Hebrews 6, 7).

Joshua 18-19 tell of the inheritances of the other seven tribes and of Joshua’s own in the Land promised to the nation’s fathers of faith. With Israel assembled at Shiloh with the Tabernacle of the congregation spies were sent out to report on the rest of the land to be allotted. Having surveyed the land and providing a detailed written description the land was apportioned into 7 allotments. On the return of the spies lots were cast to see what each tribe was to receive. Verses 11-28 tell us of Benjamin’s inheritance: the lands and their cities. Notice that Jerusalem is included in Benjamin’s allotted territory. Jerusalem is also listed as belonging to Judah. How can it belong to two tribes? It was a border city and so belonged to both tribes. Benjamin’s allocation logically follows the two sons of Joseph since Benjamin was Joseph’s brother.

Isaiah 24 describes the ravages to come on the earth, and at the time of the great earthquake which will happen when Jesus returns to the earth. Verse 1 speaks of the depopulation that this event will bring. Verses 2-3 tells that all classes of people are equally affected. Verses 4-6 outlines some of sins of the world which have brought these judgments. Verses 7-13 describe the bitterness felt by the survivors of this calamity. Verses 14-20 say that many of the remaining peoples will speak of the righteousness of the Almighty’s judgment. Verses 21-23 speak of the new regime reigning in Jerusalem over the entire earth who will displace all the other rulers.

Hebrews 5verses 12-6 and 20 continues the theme begun in chapter 5 – a warning against apostacy. The first 8 verses deal with a pressing danger to those, who were once enlightened by the Spirit Word, and had shared in the Holy Spirit gifts of the first century, of “falling away” (Greek word for apostacy and having a number value of 666). This proves that the possession of a spiritual gift was not a guarantee of a place in the kingdom. The writer expresses his hope that the majority of the letter’s readers will not succumb to this challenge. From verse 13 to the end of chapter the writer outlines the certainty of God’s promises. All His promises are unfailing and are not capable of any shortfall in what He has promised. Yahweh’s promise to Abraham is vouchsafed by an oath based on God’s own existence. And so with Chrst having been raised and exalted to His Father’s presence our hope is securely anchored in Christ. This hope takes us beyond mortality and being with Christ will be realised at Jesus’ return to earth to set up the kingdom promised to Abraham (see Romans 4 verse 13; Genesis 13 verses 14-15). From chapters 7-10 the writer speaks of the “better priesthood”, which has been brought into existence by our Lord Jesus Christ. Chapter 7 introduces us to “one made like unto the Son of God”, by the terms the Scripture uses and the manner in which they are introduced to the reader of the sacred inspired text. Twice only do we find Melchizedek, the king-priest of Jerusalem mentioned in the Old Testament – Genesis 14 and Psalm 110. These verses were written about a thousand years apart. And together with an enacted parable from 2 Samuel chapters 6-8 allow us to see how this man prefigures the Lord Jesus Christ and his priesthood. Like Abraham’s promises Christ’s priesthood (typically seen in Melchizedek) is founded upon an oath. Since Melchizedek’s priesthood preceded and also prophetically succeeds the Aaronic priesthood the Scripture foreshadows a change of law administered by an eternal priesthood of King-priests. Christ’s sacrifice suffices in the forgiveness of sins once for all time. And our Lord Jesus will return to the earth free from a body which is weak and sin prone to rule in glorious immortality.