This is an excellent pattern for ministry. The preaching came first and then the signs following. Signs are meant to follow believers, instead of believers following after signs.
The final verse continues to this day. The followers of Jesus are still preaching everywhere, the Lord is still working with them, and He is still confirming His word through accompanying signs. Amen!
9And the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” And so the name of that place is called Gilgal to this day. 12And the manna ceased the day after they ate of the produce of the land. And there was no longer manna for the people of Israel, but they ate of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year.
God’s provision for us lasts exactly as long as we need it and not one day more or less! He is so mighty!
What grace that disciples who did not believe the good news even after being told multiple times, are then commissioned with the power of Christ to proclaim the truth to the world. How the Lord forgives and restores in service unworthy sinners.
6And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him.
Joshua 5:12 stood out to me today: “And the day after they ate from the produce of the land, the manna ceased. Since there was no more manna for the Israelites, they ate from the crops of the land of Canaan that year.”
God’s provision was just enough, just at the right time. When the produce from Canaan was accessible and enough, the miracle of manna stopped. Not that God stopped working, but He provided in another way. I see manna as being bland and plain, but the produce of Canaan (as known from other passages) makes me think of beautiful, abundant harvests of colorful fruit and vegetables. God is always enough & knows what we need. He provides where it seems impossible. And always provides the very best.
It’s crazy to think that they followed Gods orders silently, especially considering that what they were doing was so out of the norm! I think that itself is a point I need to really hone in on in my life!
What’s interesting about the verses within the brackets (verses 9-20) is that many scholars believe they were not written by the original author, Mark. You can maybe tell that the tone changes, things aren’t as urgent as they have been. We also lose a lot of specifics in these verses, “those who had been with him”, “he appeared in another form..walking through the country”. Mark has always been very detailed up to this point, but only giving the necessary details. Why would he identify Mary Magdalene as the one who Jesus cast seven demons from when prior she has just been identified as Mary Magdalene? That’s an unnecessary detail, Mary Magdalene is enough to identify her. I think I agree with those scholars who believe this is not Mark writing. The ending at verse 8 may feel incomplete, but isn’t that the point? The story isn’t over yet, we are currently living out the rest of this story. That to me is a better ending than the one at verse 20. It means that we are all called to go out and proclaim the gospel even in our fear and trembling.
Mark 16:10-13. 10 She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. 11 But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it. 12 After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. 13 And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.
Lord, in my life you’ve blessed me immensely. But still, because I am a human, I doubt. When trouble hits, I struggle to rely on your grace. help my unbelief
This is a true call to practice what we preach – “15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” I am so thankful for the reminder that we should not treat such acts as extraordinary but rather, as a natural consequence or manifest characteristic of being a true believer of Christ. This is indeed challenging stuff!
All I can think of is VeggieTales… “Keep walking, you won’t knock down our wall. Keep walking, she isn’t gonna fall. It’s plain to see that your brains are very small. So keep walking, you won’t knock down our wall!” Anyone else this behind? :/
Joshua 4:24 “that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, so that you may fear the Lord your God forever.” Seeing God’s works should cause people to believe, reverence, and worship
“Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” – Joshua 5:15
From the book BELIEVING GOD by Beth Moore:
“That place, that circumstance is holy because God stands on it with you. You don’t have to fill His shoes… Take off your sandals and walk barefoot in His wake.”
I just got this app and I’m loving it! I’ve been looking for an app like this. I love today’s reading because like you said it’s all about faith and trusting in God. This is something I’m working on in my life…giving God complete control. It’s hard sometimes especially for me because I am very in-control in my life, but I know when God is in-control ALL things are possible! I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s reading.
I just got this app too! So far I’m loving it! Im like that too, I feel like I need to plan and know everything beforehand, but we just have to let that up to God, he is the one in control, always :)
Joshua 5:9 stood out to me this morning — bondage to former things will hold you back from moving forward. Makes me think about all the things in my life, like sin I’ve refused to repent from or people I’ve refused to let go of, that could possibly be preventing me from getting closer to the place God wants to bring me.
Sometimes different facts stand out when I reread a familiar passage. Today, it was not just that they didn’t shout on days 1-6 when they marched, but the were silent. Can you imagine looking out the window and seeing foreign people marching around your city – silently? I can only wonder what that must have been like to hear the shout on the 7th day.
Archaeologists have found where Jericho was and indeed it is as the Bible says. The walls of the city were pushed down flat into the earth. So cool when archaeological finds back up the bible! :)
It’s just so cool that God had the Israelites bring down Jericho in a non conventional way that was totally outside of their own strength. I need more faith in my own life, depending on His strength to conquer struggles. Not my own ways.
I totally agree, Amy!! He ordered them to do something which forces us to trust that it was Gods power which took down those walls! But can you imagine getting the orders to march around the city and then shout and the walls will fall?! I would have been very skeptical haha. I love this story for it’s lesson on faith!
Everyone should read a book about praying big prayers called “the circlemaker.” The author mentions this passage and I’m so excited to finally read the actual passage! The priests who marches around the city walls were probably confused and probably a little doubtful. But they didn’t stop and God proved to them his glory!
15 The captain of the Lord’s host said to Joshua, “Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.
I never realized this happened outside of the burning bush!
Lydia,
I saw the same thing! I was so excited because it shows the anointing of the Lord on Joshua. earlier in the passage it said the Israelites revered Joshua as they had revered Moses. this verse just reinforces God’s call on Joshua.
I had the same thought and did a quick search..just makes me want to know more though. She was a disciple, and possibly the sister of Mary (the mother of Christ). Anyone else have deeper knowledge?
❤️
Gos is good! God is risen!
What an amazing God we serve!
❤️
❤️
Rahab was saved and all with her
❤️
❤️
Yes! Signs follow believers not believers following after signs!
He is not here. He is risen. Amen!
✔️
Mark 16:19-20 reflection:
This is an excellent pattern for ministry. The preaching came first and then the signs following. Signs are meant to follow believers, instead of believers following after signs.
The final verse continues to this day. The followers of Jesus are still preaching everywhere, the Lord is still working with them, and He is still confirming His word through accompanying signs. Amen!
♥️
✅
Is this the same Rahab that’s in Jesus’s lineage?
Yes it is!! Amazing who God uses in the lineage of Jesus.
❤️
9And the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” And so the name of that place is called Gilgal to this day. 12And the manna ceased the day after they ate of the produce of the land. And there was no longer manna for the people of Israel, but they ate of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year.
God’s provision for us lasts exactly as long as we need it and not one day more or less! He is so mighty!
15And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. -ellie
What grace that disciples who did not believe the good news even after being told multiple times, are then commissioned with the power of Christ to proclaim the truth to the world. How the Lord forgives and restores in service unworthy sinners.
Yes!! Such a gift from God who uses and redeems our broken nature!
The Rahab in today’s chapters from Joshua is the same Rahab that is in the ancestry lineage of Jesus.
6And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him.
Joshua 5:12 stood out to me today: “And the day after they ate from the produce of the land, the manna ceased. Since there was no more manna for the Israelites, they ate from the crops of the land of Canaan that year.”
God’s provision was just enough, just at the right time. When the produce from Canaan was accessible and enough, the miracle of manna stopped. Not that God stopped working, but He provided in another way. I see manna as being bland and plain, but the produce of Canaan (as known from other passages) makes me think of beautiful, abundant harvests of colorful fruit and vegetables. God is always enough & knows what we need. He provides where it seems impossible. And always provides the very best.
It’s crazy to think that they followed Gods orders silently, especially considering that what they were doing was so out of the norm! I think that itself is a point I need to really hone in on in my life!
I was thinking the same thing. There was power in their silence as they trusted the Lord to work it all out.
❤
Looks like our God has been in the business of moving big, bothersome stones for many many years. lol!
What’s interesting about the verses within the brackets (verses 9-20) is that many scholars believe they were not written by the original author, Mark. You can maybe tell that the tone changes, things aren’t as urgent as they have been. We also lose a lot of specifics in these verses, “those who had been with him”, “he appeared in another form..walking through the country”. Mark has always been very detailed up to this point, but only giving the necessary details. Why would he identify Mary Magdalene as the one who Jesus cast seven demons from when prior she has just been identified as Mary Magdalene? That’s an unnecessary detail, Mary Magdalene is enough to identify her. I think I agree with those scholars who believe this is not Mark writing. The ending at verse 8 may feel incomplete, but isn’t that the point? The story isn’t over yet, we are currently living out the rest of this story. That to me is a better ending than the one at verse 20. It means that we are all called to go out and proclaim the gospel even in our fear and trembling.
Mark 16:10-13. 10 She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. 11 But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it. 12 After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. 13 And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.
Lord, in my life you’ve blessed me immensely. But still, because I am a human, I doubt. When trouble hits, I struggle to rely on your grace. help my unbelief
Amen! Those verses stood out to me as well. They so vividly portray how powerful faith is.
This is a true call to practice what we preach – “15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” I am so thankful for the reminder that we should not treat such acts as extraordinary but rather, as a natural consequence or manifest characteristic of being a true believer of Christ. This is indeed challenging stuff!
All I can think of is VeggieTales… “Keep walking, you won’t knock down our wall. Keep walking, she isn’t gonna fall. It’s plain to see that your brains are very small. So keep walking, you won’t knock down our wall!” Anyone else this behind? :/
I am still working on catching up…
Joshua 4:24 “that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the Lord is mighty, so that you may fear the Lord your God forever.” Seeing God’s works should cause people to believe, reverence, and worship
“Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” – Joshua 5:15
From the book BELIEVING GOD by Beth Moore:
“That place, that circumstance is holy because God stands on it with you. You don’t have to fill His shoes… Take off your sandals and walk barefoot in His wake.”
I just got this app and I’m loving it! I’ve been looking for an app like this. I love today’s reading because like you said it’s all about faith and trusting in God. This is something I’m working on in my life…giving God complete control. It’s hard sometimes especially for me because I am very in-control in my life, but I know when God is in-control ALL things are possible! I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s reading.
I just got this app too! So far I’m loving it! Im like that too, I feel like I need to plan and know everything beforehand, but we just have to let that up to God, he is the one in control, always :)
Welcome!!
Joshua 5:9 stood out to me this morning — bondage to former things will hold you back from moving forward. Makes me think about all the things in my life, like sin I’ve refused to repent from or people I’ve refused to let go of, that could possibly be preventing me from getting closer to the place God wants to bring me.
Sometimes different facts stand out when I reread a familiar passage. Today, it was not just that they didn’t shout on days 1-6 when they marched, but the were silent. Can you imagine looking out the window and seeing foreign people marching around your city – silently? I can only wonder what that must have been like to hear the shout on the 7th day.
Yes, I was thinking that, too! The suspense & uncertainty of what they were seeing!
Prayers for being faithful to the Lord and trusting him with our lives! Have a blessed day ladies!
Archaeologists have found where Jericho was and indeed it is as the Bible says. The walls of the city were pushed down flat into the earth. So cool when archaeological finds back up the bible! :)
I love that!!!
It’s just so cool that God had the Israelites bring down Jericho in a non conventional way that was totally outside of their own strength. I need more faith in my own life, depending on His strength to conquer struggles. Not my own ways.
I totally agree, Amy!! He ordered them to do something which forces us to trust that it was Gods power which took down those walls! But can you imagine getting the orders to march around the city and then shout and the walls will fall?! I would have been very skeptical haha. I love this story for it’s lesson on faith!
Everyone should read a book about praying big prayers called “the circlemaker.” The author mentions this passage and I’m so excited to finally read the actual passage! The priests who marches around the city walls were probably confused and probably a little doubtful. But they didn’t stop and God proved to them his glory!
15 The captain of the Lord’s host said to Joshua, “Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.
I never realized this happened outside of the burning bush!
Lydia,
I saw the same thing! I was so excited because it shows the anointing of the Lord on Joshua. earlier in the passage it said the Israelites revered Joshua as they had revered Moses. this verse just reinforces God’s call on Joshua.
I have read this before and didn’t notice Salome. Anyone know who she was?
I had the same thought and did a quick search..just makes me want to know more though. She was a disciple, and possibly the sister of Mary (the mother of Christ). Anyone else have deeper knowledge?
Here is site that tells about her. https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/all-women-bible/Salome-No-2
He was a prince in Israel and he married Rahab.
Oops, wrong passage. :)
“6 ……..He has risen! ”
And we are saved.