Author: John Tillman

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Grafting in the Gibeonites

Links for today’s readings:

Read: Joshua 9 Listen: (3:46) Read: Ephesians 1 Listen: (3:10)

Scripture Focus: Joshua 9.24-27

24 They answered Joshua, “Your servants were clearly told how the Lord your God had commanded his servant Moses to give you the whole land and to wipe out all its inhabitants from before you. So we feared for our lives because of you, and that is why we did this. 25 We are now in your hands. Do to us whatever seems good and right to you.” 26 So Joshua saved them from the Israelites, and they did not kill them. 27 That day he made the Gibeonites woodcutters and water carriers for the assembly, to provide for the needs of the altar of the Lord at the place the Lord would choose. And that is what they are to this day.

Romans 11.17-22

17 If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, 18 do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. 19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” 20 Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.

22 Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.

Reflection: Grafting in the Gibeonites

By John Tillman

The Gibeonites didn’t originate the phrase “If you can’t beat them, join them,” but they lived it.

I was first introduced to this aphorism when Yosemite Sam, representing the British army, could not defeat Bugs Bunny, representing the American revolutionaries, and determined to join the revolution instead.

The NIV says the Gibeonites “restored to a ruse.” The NASB says, “acted craftily” and the NLT, “resorted to deception.” (Joshua 9.4) The translated phrase has negative aspects of cunning and deception, however, it can also mean prudence, discretion, or even wisdom.

Gibeon is the third of three stories of deception or betrayal in the early chapters of Joshua. Rahab betrays Jericho, Achan betrays Israel, and the Gibeonites betray Canaan’s other kings. These stories illustrate what Paul would later write about the “tree” of Israel—unfaithful branches will be broken off and “wild” branches grafted in. (Romans 11.17-24) Achan is broken off while Rahab and Gibeon are grafted in. As Peter would learn, God accepts from any nation ones who fear him and do what is right. (Acts 10.35)

People sometimes think that the “Old Testament God” and “New Testament Jesus” are two different beings. One is murderous. The other is merciful. One is violent. The other is virtuous. Let not faulty human logic separate Yahweh, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. They are one. These stories show that they are. The hard-hearted face justice. The repentant find mercy. The proud perish. The humble escape.

The Gibeonites had the right idea, even if they did it in a wrong way. God accepted them, even though they didn’t deserve it, just like Jesus accepts us. Israel had the right idea to accept them, even if they did it for wrong reasons and never fully included them.

There’s probably someone in your life who thinks, like the Gibeonites, they’ll never be accepted by God as their true selves. They don’t know God but they see what is said about him and what is said about them. Perhaps they will just harden their hearts against God, like the other Canaanites hardened their defenses. But perhaps they will come to you, maybe with the wrong reasons, maybe in the wrong way.

If they do, find in your heart the same grace for them that God showed the Gibeonites. Those who come to Jesus in repentance won’t be second-class community members. They will be fully accepted family members.

Remember, you don’t deserve to be grafted in either.

Divine Hours Prayer: The Refrain for the Morning Lessons

Happy are they who fear the Lord, and who follow in his ways!
You shall eat the fruit of your labor; happiness and prosperity shall be yours. — Psalm 128.1-2

– Divine Hours prayers from The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summer
by Phyllis Tickle

Read more: Ask and Keep Asking

By God’s sovereignty, not only the Ephesians but we are included in Christ by hearing and believing the gospel of salvation.

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Read more: Becoming Part of the Promise

Rahab the Canaanite prostitute becomes a part of the Abrahamic promise…No situation is hopeless and no person is doomed to destruction who turns to God.

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Forces and Powers

Links for today’s readings:

Read: Joshua 5-6.5 Listen: (5:25)  Read: Colossians 2 Listen: (3:27)

Links for this weekends’ readings:

Read: Joshua 6.6-27 Listen: (4:47) Read: Colossians 3 Listen: (3:09)
Read: Joshua 7 Listen: (4:58) Read: Colossians 4 Listen: (2:21)
Read: Joshua 8 Listen: (5:55) Read: Philemon Listen: (2:52

Scripture Focus: Colossians 2.8-15

8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. 9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. 11 In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self, ruled by the flesh, was put off when you were circumcised by Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

Reflection: Forces and Powers

By John Tillman

When Paul says there are “forces” and “powers” in this world, what does he mean?

Paul’s language seems ambiguous. Some translations use “basic principles” instead of “elemental spiritual forces”. (Colossians 2.8) Paul’s ambiguity is probably intentional. Ancient thinkers were comfortable with the concept of spiritual powers co-mingling with other powers. Paul recognized layers of visible and invisible powers and forces operating in his world.

Our world also has interconnected forces and powers. Obvious forces include local, state, and federal governments. Cultural forces include social and economic philosophies. We also see the effects of less obvious forces. Corporations create algorithims that influence our media and social media. Dark money floods politics. Insider trading infests banking and business. Wealthy influence peddlers push cultural narratives. And behind the visible and hidden human powers are spiritual powers.

A word of warning: Dangerous and manipulative movements and leaders twist teachings about spiritual things to cause panic and excuse violence and vitriol. The existence of spiritual powers doesn’t mean everyone who votes differently from you or does something you oppose is “demonic.” Beware those discussing “spiritual warfare” in these ways.

How do we navigate a world with multiple layers of spiritual and non-spiritual forces and powers? Look to Paul’s example. Paul stood trial before Roman rulers. Paul opposed ideological forces of Greek philosophy and idolatry at the Areopagus. Paul resisted spiritual forces by tearing down strongholds of spiritual arguments and casting out spiritual beings.

In all cases, Paul defended himself and others against these powers by testifying to the gospel in the name of Jesus. That’s it. No weapons. No mobs. No insurrections. No attacks. No violence. Paul delivered people from demonic influence. He didn’t attack them. Paul just spoke the truth of Jesus.

We must resist many “powers.” Like Paul, we don’t resist the world’s powers with worldly weapons or resist demonic powers by attacking humans. Demonizing and dehumanizing are sinful synonyms from a Christian perspective.

As for the spiritual powers, we don’t fight them—we announce their defeat by Jesus. We don’t disarm the powers—we remind them that Jesus already did.

It’s foolish to be unwary of spiritual forces, yet dangerous to be obsessed with them. Instead, we can walk through the world of powers, confident that Jesus has disarmed them. So long as we walk with him, we cannot be captured by any force or power. Rooted in him, we cannot be moved.

Divine Hours Prayer: The Small Verse

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, who is, who was, and who is to come, the Almighty. — Revelation 1.8

– Divine Hours prayers from The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summer
by Phyllis Tickle

Read more: Jericho’s Wall

God isn’t interested in destroying people we call our enemies. He’s not on “your side.”

Jericho’s Wall

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Over Jordan

Links for today’s readings:

Read: Joshua 3 Listen: (2:45) Read: Romans 16 Listen: (3:30)

Scripture Focus: Joshua 3.14-17

14 So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant went ahead of them. 15 Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, 16 the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (that is, the Dead Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. 17 The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stopped in the middle of the Jordan and stood on dry ground, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground.

Reflection: Over Jordan

By John Tillman

Crossing the Jordan has been a spiritual metaphor for centuries, but it took special meaning for slaves in the American South. It symbolized an escape from slavery, shelter in place of homelessness, and fruitfulness in place of a barren desert.

In the story of Israel’s failure to enter due to fear, and their return in faith after wandering for 40 years, the Jordan symbolizes a place at which faith and courage are required.

In the story of the transition from Moses to Joshua, from Elijah to Elisha, and from John the Baptist to Jesus, the Jordan symbolizes a change in leadership.

And of course, the Jordan represents entering the promised land, with Canaan standing in as the eternal land we are destined for in Heaven.

On one side of the river is the desert, the unforgiving land, the land of trials, the land of sin, the land of rebellion, the land of suffering.

On the other side of the river is the land that is promised, the land of blessing, the land of freedom, the land of rest, the land of satisfaction and plenty.

The Jordan also represents the final crossing of death—both a time of judgment and a time of cleansing. For Christians, the waters of the crossing hold no terror. We do not enter them alone. Someone else marches in with us. His nail-pierced feet touch the waters and they pile up, inviting us to cross without muddying our clothes.

We cross the Jordan not with priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant, but with Christ, our High Priest. When we cross over the Jordan with Christ, the land has no enemies to be defeated. It has no cities to march around and no battles to be fought. For, there too, Christ has gone before us, preparing a place for us. It is there that we will be fed by the tree that grows in the river that comes from the throne of God. It is there that we will take from that tree healing for the nations.

“Our home is over Jordan.” It is over Jordan that our tears will be wiped away.


Music: “Our home is over Jordan.” “Deep River” — Marian Anderson

Divine Hours Prayer: The Call to Prayer

Search for the Lord and his strength; continually seek his face. — Psalm 105.4

– Divine Hours prayers from The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summer
by Phyllis Tickle

Read more: Healthy Patriotism

Rarely are nations totally evil or good…Healthy patriotism, like healthy Christianity, celebrates good while lamenting and resisting evil.

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Read more: Jeremiah, the Unpatriotic Prophet

The most patriotic thing Christians can do is see the problems of our nation and speak the gospel to them.

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Becoming Part of the Promise

Links for today’s readings:

Read: Joshua 2 Listen: (3:49) Read: Romans 15 Listen: (4:32)

Scripture Focus: Joshua 2.8-11

8 Before the spies lay down for the night, she went up on the roof 9 and said to them, “I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. 10 We have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. 11 When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.

Reflection: Becoming Part of the Promise

By John Tillman

Those who feel powerless to stop sexual victimization will often attempt to profit from it and Rahab had carved a place for herself in the power structure of Jericho.

Her work filled a niche in the economy and her brothel filled a niche in the wall. Powerful men knew her well and came to her not only for sex but for intelligence.

Her brothel, situated strategically in the wall of the city and near the gate, was a natural place to search for unsavory, shifty spies in the land. The leaders knew that if there were trouble-makers, Rahab would have seen them. If there was trouble coming, Rahab would have heard of it.

She had heard of trouble, probably from the bedside whispers of some of these same men. The rumors coming out of the desert told of a people whose God fought for them. A God so powerful that his people couldn’t be cursed. Armies fled before them. Canaanite gods were powerless.

Sending the leaders away with a plot of misdirection, Rahab plotted a new direction in life as she climbed up to the spies hiding on her roof.

I imagine her sitting on the roof with Abraham’s promised children, not yet equal in number to the stars they sit under. There, she delivers to their ears the pillow talk of her clients. The powerful kings of Jericho and surrounding towns were melting with fear. Rahab asks to be accepted by this powerful God who is not only in the heavens but active upon the Earth.

In this act, Rahab the Canaanite prostitute becomes a part of the Abrahamic promise. The promise itself would pass through her womb as one of the Canaanite grandmothers of Jesus. God who promised Abraham these children, numbered like stars, would fulfill to an infinite degree the promise he made to Abraham to bless the nations, through the fruit of Rahab’s womb.

No situation is hopeless and no person is doomed to destruction who turns to God. No matter what niche of the economy we feel trapped in or what political citadel demands our loyalty, like Rahab, we can climb on the roof, look to the stars, and join the children of the promise. We can help birth God’s promise on Earth to benefit others.

Divine Hours Prayer: The Request for Presence

Test me, O Lord, and try me; examine my heart and mind.
For your love is before my eyes; I have walked faithfully with you.
I have not sat with the worthless, nor do I consort with the deceitful.
I have hated the company of evildoers; I will not sit down with the wicked.
I will wash my hands in innocence, O Lord, that I may go in procession round your altar,
Singing aloud a song of thanksgiving and recounting all your wonderful deeds. — Psalm 26.2-7

– Divine Hours prayers from The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summer
by Phyllis Tickle

Read more: Jericho’s Wall

Many scriptures say how terrified everyone in Canaan was of Israel, but none say they taunted Israel or made fun of God’s plan of marching around the city.

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Sing Your Song

Links for today’s readings:

Read: Deuteronomy 32 Listen: (7:10) Read: Romans 12 Listen: (2:58)

Links for this weekend’s readings:

Read: Deuteronomy 33-34 Listen: (4:43) Read: Romans 13 Listen: (2:35)
Read: Joshua 1 Listen: (3:11) Read: Romans 14 Listen: (3:28)

Scripture Focus: Deuteronomy 32.44-50

44 Moses came with Joshua  son of Nun and spoke all the words of this song in the hearing of the people. 45 When Moses finished reciting all these words to all Israel, 46 he said to them, “Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. 47 They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.” Moses to Die on Mount Nebo 48 On that same day the Lord told Moses, 49 “Go up into the Abarim Range to Mount Nebo in Moab, across from Jericho, and view Canaan, the land I am giving the Israelites as their own possession. 50 There on the mountain that you have climbed you will die and be gathered to your people, just as your brother Aaron died on Mount Hor and was gathered to his people

Reflection: Sing Your Song

By John Tillman

“What would you do if you knew today was your last day to live?” This question is popular with motivational speakers, counselors, and others who want to draw their listeners’ attention to what is truly important in life.

Most of us would probably say that on our last day we’d talk with people we love, do good things for others, and, if we are Christians, tell people about Jesus.

We don’t know our last day but Moses did. So, what did Moses do when he knew it was his last day to live? He spoke to those he loved, did good things for others, and told people how to faithfully follow God. Moses spent his last day speaking words of life to set up the next generation for success.

On Moses’ final day of life, he sang an epic song of testimony, warning, and hope. As Moses sang, he stood beside Joshua, passing the torch to the next generation’s leader. Moses’ song reminded the people how the grace of God had saved them in the past. He warned them that in the future their sins would grieve God, bringing punishment and exile. He encouraged them that, despite their sins, God would still have mercy on them and restore them. He proclaimed that the restoration and healing of Israel would be a testimony to the nations and a reason for all peoples to rejoice in the goodness and justice of God.

What might your song of testimony be? Sing of moments of salvation, healing, release, and escape from danger. Do you have warnings? Sing of moments of failure, struggle, oppression, and hardships. Can you speak of hope? Sing of moments of mercy, promises fulfilled, dreams of the future, and assurances from Holy Spirit.

Don’t wait until your last day to share your song. Invest in the next generation. They need to hear from elders who’ve felt the lashes of oppression, crossed the sea of deliverance, endured the suffering of the desert, learned lessons from the law, experienced victory over enemies, and been sustained by miraculous provision.

Not only should you sing, you should listen to the song of scripture. The words of scripture “are not just idle words for you—they are your life.” Learn the tune, the rhythm, the message of the music of God’s word. Then sing your song of testimony following its pattern.

Divine Hours Prayer: The Call to Prayer

Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things.
With his right hand and his holy arm has he won for himself the victory. — Psalm 98.1-2

– Divine Hours prayers from The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summer
by Phyllis Tickle

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Yet, all is not lost…God will be faithful to his purposes for the next generation. God’s grace to us is being able to glimpse it.

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