“The Israelites had moved about in the wilderness forty years until all the men who were of military age when they left Egypt had died, since they had not obeyed the Lord. For the Lord had sworn to them that they would not see the land he had solemnly promised their ancestors to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey. 7 So he raised up their sons in their place, and these were the ones Joshua circumcised. They were still uncircumcised because they had not been circumcised on the way. “And after the whole nation had been circumcised, they remained where they were in camp until they were healed. 9 Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” So the place has been called Gilgal to this day. 10 On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month, while camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, the Israelites celebrated the Passover. 11 The day after the Passover, that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land . . . ” Joshua 5:6-11 NIV
Lord God ,
Who took away their shame. Circumcision being the outward sign of a commitment to You God, Yahweh the great I Am. They belonged to You and to each other. They were no longer slaves even if they were not rich.
The New Testament in Romans (12:2) tells us now to look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and at down at the right hand of the throne of God. No longer do we need an outward physical sign bt we have the one who endured the cross for us who removes our shame, and writes faith into our hearts. We belong to His family. The Trinity. Slavery to sin is not an option. Slavery to shame should not be an option. We are released into forgiveness. We may live with consequences and regrets . . . but they have been forgiven.
The children of Israel celebrated Passover to remind themselves that death had passed over them because of the blood of the Lamb. It was an early promise that we would be able to be passed over by death through the blood of The Lamb, Jesus. So each time we take communion or share a meal we can remember we are loved, we are forgiven, our shame has been scorned, taken way we belong to God’s family. You, Lord God, Jesus and Holy Spirit. And all of those who have put their faith in You. Keep writing Your love in our hearts and leading us into the next chapter of our lives. One day at a time.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Tuesday 25th March 2025
A reminder to silence the lies of the enemy and a song and truth I wish all young people and older would listen to..
Are you past the point of weary?
Is your burden weighing heavy?
Is it all too much to carry?
Let me tell you ’bout my Jesus
Do you feel that empty feeling ’cause shame’s done all it’s stealing?
And you’re desperate for some healing, let me tell you ’bout my Jesus
He makes a way where there ain’t no way
Rises up from an empty grave
Ain’t no sinner that He can’t save
Let me tell you ’bout my Jesus
His love is strong and His grace is free
And the good news is I know that He
Can do for you what He’s done for me
Let me tell you ’bout my Jesus
And let my Jesus change your life
Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah amen, amen
Who can wipe away the tears from broken dreams and wasted years
And tell the past to disappear?
Oh, let me tell you ’bout my Jesus
And all the wrong turns that you would go and undo if you could
Who can work it all for your good?
Let me tell you about my Jesus
Chorus
Who would take my cross to Calvary?
Pay the price for all my guilty?
Who would care that much about me?
Let me tell you ’bout my Jesus, oh
Chorus
And let my Jesus change your life (change your life)
Lyrics: Matthew Joseph West, Jeff Pardo, Anne Wilson