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A reading from the book of Joshua. After the death of Moses, the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua, the son of nun Moses, assistant Moses, my servant is dead. Now therefore arise. Go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel, every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon, I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon, as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, to the great sea toward the going down of the sun shall be your territory. No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant, commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. And Joshua commanded the officers of the people pass through the midst of the camp and command the people, prepare your provisions for within three days you are to pass over this Jordan to go in to take possession of the land that the Lord your God is giving you to possess. And to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, Joshua said, remember the word that Moses, the servant of the Lord commanded you, saying, the Lord your God is providing you a place of rest and will give you this land. Your wives, your little ones and your livestock shall remain in the land that Moses gave you beyond the Jordan. But all the men of valor among you shall pass over armed before your brothers and shall help them until the Lord gives rest to your brothers as he has to you. And they also take possession of the land that the Lord your God is giving them. Then you shall return to the land of your possession and shall possess it, the land that Moses, the servant of the Lord gave you beyond the Jordan, toward the sunrise. And they answered Joshua all that you have commanded us, we will do. And wherever you send us, we will go. Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you only. May the Lord your God be with you, as he was with Moses. Whoever rebels against your commandment and disobeys your words, whatever you command him shall be put to death. Only be strong and courageous. A reading from the Book of Psalms. The Lord reigns. Let the earth rejoice. Let the many coastlands be glad. Clouds and thick darkness are all around him. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. Fire goes before him and burns up his adversaries all around his lightnings light up the world. The earth sees and trembles, the mountains melt like wax before the Lord. Before the Lord of all the earth. The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the people see his glory. All worshipers of images are put to shame who make their boast and worthless idols worship him. All you gods. Zion hears and is glad. And the daughters of Judah rejoice because of your judgments, O Lord. For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth. You are exalted far above all gods. O you who love the Lord, hate evil. He preserves the lives of his saints, he delivers them from the hand of the wicked. Light is sown for the righteous and joy for the upright in heart. Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name. A reading from the Book of Acts. And when we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cosmic, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Padyra. And having found a ship crossing to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left, we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre. For there the ship was to unload its cargo. And having sought out the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. And through the Spirit they were telling Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. When our days there were ended, we departed and went on our journey. And they all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed and said farewell to one another. Then we went on board the ship and they returned home. When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day. On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea. And we entered the house of Philip the Evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied while we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, thus says the Holy Spirit, this is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, what are you doing weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned, but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, let the will of the Lord be done. After these days, we got ready and went up to Jerusalem. And some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us, bringing us to the house of Nason of Cyprus, an early disciple with whom we should lodge. When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. On the following day, Paul went in with us to James. And all the elders were present. After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. And when they heard it, they glorified God. And they said to him, you see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed. They are all zealous for the law. And they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or walk according to our customs. What then is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come. Do therefore, what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow. Take these men and purify yourself along with them. And pay their expenses so that they may shave their heads. Thus all will know that there is nothing in what they have been told about you, but that you yourself also live in observance of the law. But as for the Gentiles who have believed, we have sent a letter with our judgment that they should abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols and from blood and from what has been strangled and from sexual immorality. Then Paul took them in, and the next day he purified himself along with them and went into the temple, giving notice when the days of purification would be fulfilled and the offering presented for each one of them. When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him, crying out, men of Israel, help. This is the man who is teaching everyone everywhere against the people and the law and this place. Moreover, he even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place. For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city. And they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple. Then all the city was stirred up, and the people ran together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple. And at once the gates were shut. And as they were seeking to kill him, word came to the tribune of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion. He at once took soldiers and centurions and ran down to them. And when they saw the tribune and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. Then the tribune came up and arrested him. And ordered him to be bound with two chains. He inquired who he was and what he had done. Some in the crowd were shouting one thing, some another. And as he could not learn the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks. And when he came to the steps, he was actually carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd. For the mob of the people followed, crying out, away with him. As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the tribune, may I say something to you? And he said, do you know Greek? Are you not the Egyptian, then, who recently stirred up a revolt. And led the 4,000 men of the assassins out into the wilderness? Paul replied, I am a Jew from Tarsus and Cilicia, a citizen of no obscure city. I beg you, permit me to speak to the people. And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the steps, motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language, saying.
Podcast Summary: Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry
Episode: April 15, 2025
Scripture Readings: Joshua 1; Psalm 97; Acts 21
Host: Crossway featuring Jackie Hill Perry
In the April 15 episode of "Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry," listeners embark on a spiritual journey through pivotal scriptures: Joshua 1, Psalm 97, and Acts 21. Jackie Hill Perry guides the audience through these passages, offering reflections that bridge the Old and New Testaments, and provide profound insights into faith, leadership, and perseverance.
Key Themes:
Notable Quotes:
Insights: Jackie emphasizes the seamless transition from Moses to Joshua, highlighting the theme of continuity in God's plan. She reflects on the necessity of courage in leadership, drawing parallels to contemporary challenges faced by believers today. The injunction to meditate on the law underscores the role of Scripture in guiding actions and decisions, fostering a life aligned with divine purpose.
Application: Listeners are encouraged to embrace their own leadership roles with confidence, trusting in God's presence. Jackie suggests practical ways to integrate Scripture into daily routines to navigate life's complexities with wisdom and strength.
Key Themes:
Notable Quotes:
Insights: Jackie delves into the imagery of Psalm 97, illustrating God's omnipotence and the natural world's response to His reign. She contrasts the fleeting nature of idols with the enduring glory of God, urging listeners to place their trust solely in Him. The psalm’s call to rejoice reinforces the joy that comes from recognizing and honoring God's sovereignty.
Application: Encouraging listeners to shift their focus from worldly distractions to the divine, Jackie offers ways to cultivate a heart of worship and gratitude. She challenges believers to reaffirm their faith in God's ultimate authority, especially in times of uncertainty or adversity.
Key Themes:
Notable Quotes:
Insights: Jackie explores Paul's internal and external struggles as he approaches Jerusalem, highlighting his dedication to his mission despite warnings and opposition. She discusses the significance of Paul's citizenship and how it empowers him to navigate legal and cultural challenges. The episode underscores the importance of obedience to God's calling, even when faced with personal risk.
Application: Listeners are inspired to reflect on their own missions and the obstacles they may encounter. Jackie encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, utilizing their unique identities and backgrounds to further God's kingdom. She emphasizes the value of trusting in God's plan, even when the path is fraught with difficulties.
In this episode, Jackie Hill Perry masterfully intertwines the leadership lessons from Joshua, the majestic praise in Psalm 97, and the missionary fervor of Acts 21 to present a cohesive message of faith, courage, and devotion. Listeners are left with actionable insights to strengthen their spiritual journeys, emphasizing the timeless relevance of Scripture in guiding, inspiring, and sustaining believers.
Key Takeaways:
This episode serves as a profound reminder of the enduring principles found within the Bible, encouraging listeners to apply these truths in their daily lives for personal growth and the advancement of God's kingdom.