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Jesus, the True Joshua

Today's Reading: Numbers 27, Psalm 70-71, Isaiah 17, and 1 Peter 5.

Gospel Summary: Left to ourselves we are like sheep without a shepherd and our lives would be directionless and doomed for destruction. Yet the Good Shepherd Jesus, the true Joshua has come and leads us to a bountiful and glorious future in his presence in heaven, though we don't deserve it. He suffered in our place on the cross, then rose again victorious so that now we can walk in victory, if we follow him.

Prayer: Father in heaven, thank you that Jesus lead me out of my sin to himself. Help me follow his leading and stay clinging to his side at all times. I am so easily mislead by the deceitful promises of sin, but help me keep looking heavenward where you lead on. In Jesus' name, amen.

Key Verse: "And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory." -1 Peter 5:4

Hymn: "I Have A Shepherd" by Leonard Weaver

I have a Shepherd, One I love so well;
How He has blessed me tongue can never tell;
On the cross He suffered, shed His blood and died,
That I might ever in His love confide.

Refrain:
Following Jesus, ever day by day,
Nothing can harm me when He leads the way;
Darkness or sunshine, whate'er befall,
Jesus, the Shepherd, is my All in All.

Pastures abundant doth His hand provide,
Still waters flowing ever at my side,
Goodness and mercy follow on my track,
With such a Shepherd nothing can I lack.

When I would wander from the path astray,
Then He will draw me back into the way;
In the darkest valley I need fear no ill,
For He, my Shepherd, will be with me still.

When labor's ended and the journey done,
Then He will lead me safely to my home;
There I shall dwell in rapture sure and sweet,
With all the loved ones gathered round His feet.

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