December 18, 2020 CAC Living Water Devotional : Topic – THE ALL ROUND REFUGE
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Friday, December 18, 2020 – International Migrants Day
GOD – THE ALL ROUND REFUGE
Read: Joshua 4:8-11
Joshua 4:8-11 AMP So the [twelve men chosen from the] sons of Israel did as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones out of the midst of the Jordan, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Israel, just as the Lord had spoken to Joshua; and they carried them over with them to the place where they were spending the night and put them down there. Then Joshua set up [a second monument of] twelve stones in the midst of the Jordan at the place where the feet of the priests who carried the ark of the covenant were standing, and they are there to this day. For the priests who carried the ark were standing in the midst of the Jordan until everything was finished that the Lord had commanded Joshua to tell the people, in accordance with everything that Moses had commanded Joshua. The people hurried and crossed [the dry riverbed]; and when all the people had finished crossing, the ark of the Lord and the priests crossed over in the presence of the people.
MEMORISE:
So he had the ark of the Lord circled the city, going around it once. Then they came into the camp and lodged in the camp (Joshua 6:11)
EXPOSITION
As the world celebrate the International Migrants Day, it is good to remind ourselves of God’s power to take care of those migrating from one place, most especially, nation, to the other.
The Ark signifies the presence of God and the Israelites were comfortable that victory is certain for them as much as the Ark of God was with them. In most cases, we hear of the Ark of God going before the people (Num. 10:33; Jos. 3:3) for direction as well as security. Hope you are not fast moving ahead of God? Now the Ark and the priests stood in the midst of the water, until all had passed.
This is a further assurance of safety of God’s people. He stays back to ward off any evil that may come at the back. Don’t forget that the wall of Jordan River was caused to move backwards. Sometimes, God does not kill your enemies but push them backward for your escape. Like a good father watches his children go before him on the way, so is God doing for us. Sometimes also, He allowed the Ark to be moved round as in the case of Jericho wall (Jos. 6:11). Whether back or front, God is always with us. He is our refuge, Man of war and the very present help in trouble (Ps. 46:1). He is still around during those hours of darkness you are facing. It is left for us to know this and be confident in Him. Knowing He is around us will also help us to behave ourselves well, else, He turns back from either leading us or following us. How do you know and are sure of God’s presence? Study to show yourself approved, pray without season be ye holy as your Father in heaven is holy, and then, follow peace with all men. May we not left alone to ourselves in Jesus’ name.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, wherever You stand, let me always find myself in Your Arms.
2. Lord, deliver those who are in captivity of evil men and women all over the world.
3. Father, please forgive Your ministers who have escaped from Your authority and bring them back under Your umbrella.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY: Amos 6 – 8