Devotion
Big shoes to fill
David Jacobs
My father was a devout man and an excellent father. He was patient, strong, caring, and intelligent. He was far more open and loving his family than most men are, giving my siblings and I an excellent example of a loving male role model. I am lucky, but because of how extraordinarily good my father was, I felt that I had giant shoes to fill when I had children of my own. In fact, I delayed having children due to my feelings of inadequacy, because I truly felt that I could never live up to the high level that my father had set. Regardless of whether or not I am as "good" a father as he was, my father did not raise his family well for competitive reasons. Once I learned that I had a blueprint on how to raise a family right, my insecurities faded away.
In Joshua's case, Moses had just led the Israelites out of Egypt, through the desert, and was revered by all of the people. With Moses' passing, a massive void in the Israelite community was created. Someone needed to fill it, but who would want to follow the most important Israelite that had ever lived? The pressure and feelings of inadequacy would be almost impossible to overcome alone. Luckily for Joshua, God steps in, showing him the same level of intimacy, care, and guidance that He had shown Moses. God promises not to fail Joshua, the same as He did with Moses. All Joshua needs to do is be strong and courageous. The size of the shoes doesn't even matter; what matters is that Moses had set an excellent example of how to lead. Similar to my father, they didn't leave gigantic shoes to fill, they gave us a map that we could follow so that we could effectively lead.
Prayer
My Father in Heaven, you have always led me to where I needed to go. Like a stubborn horse, I have not always listened to you, but you have always been patient with me. Lord, I pray that I hear your instructions and shed my anxiety about leading. You have shown me the way, been a lamp at my feet. With this prayer I vow to be strong and courageous, like Joshua before me. In your name I pray, Amen.
Night Prayer
The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.
Inspiration
When a king rules with fairness and justice, his kingdom will flourish. If the same king accepts gifts or bribes, his kingdom will fall. We've all observed a person in a leadership position who acted wrongfully. Perhaps a boss did not discipline employees fairly, or a political leader accepted kickbacks for legislation decisions. These corrupt actions lead to their demise. Scripture advises leaders to maintain justice with fair decision-making. As leaders, we must reflect on the mercy and grace God shows to us and lead others in the same fashion.
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for coaching us in our leadership endeavors. We have faith in Your Words and will lead Your people accordingly. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Devotion
The Widow of Naim
Frances Taylor
This story of Jesus' raising the son of the widow of Naim gives us some information that lets us know just how important it was for this widow. At that time, women had no way to earn a living. They were property of their parents until they became property of their husbands, and actually moved into the home of the husband. Now that this widow's son had died, she had no one to take care of her. The compassion that Jesus showed meant life to that widow. I'm sure the leaders weren't too happy that the power of God to raise someone from the dead rested in Jesus. There must also have been those who were saying, "Why her and not me?" We all will die and we will all lose someone we love including those of us who have and will lose children. We can easily read this passage and question. It can be difficult to understand God's plan for us, even though we keep trying. It is better to concentrate on the positive than the negative. A priest I once knew lost ...
