Stress Test Devotional May 4
May 04, 2024
JOSHUA 6:1-2| Now Jericho was shut up inside and out because of the Israelites; no one came out and no one went in. The Lord said to Joshua, "See, I have handed Jericho over to you, along with its king and soldiers.”
COLOSSIANS 3:5-12| Put to death, therefore, whatever in you is earthly: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry). On account of these the wrath of God is coming on those who are disobedient. These are the ways you also once followed, when you were living that life. But now you must get rid of all such things—anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive language from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have stripped off the old self with its practices and have clothed yourselves with the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its creator. In that renewal there is no longer Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all! As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
Construction usually begins with deconstruction. The settlers in North America cleared forests for homes and towns. We have had elements removed in the renovation and renewal of our Sanctuary.
A new stage was beginning with the arrival of God’s people in Canaan, the promised land. A new stage in God’s plan to make himself renown to the world. Room would have to be made for a new people and a new story as Israel entered a land of tribes and city states competing for land and existence.
In a similar way some deconstruction has to take place in our hearts before God can do new things. Old habits must go before new virtues can replace them. Our old life must be “put off” like an old garment, so a new set of behaviors can take hold.
Read Paul’s advice to the Colossian believers.
Is there anything you need to mark for deconstruction and renewal?
