2022-Mar-27: Fourth Sunday in Lent
2022-Mar-27: Fourth Sunday in Lent Joshua 5:9-12 With the entry of the Jews into the promised land of Canaan (Genesis 12:1-4, 15:7, 13-16; 17:8) and the mass circumcision (Joshua 5:2-8) as a sign of Jewish fealty to Yahweh (Genesis 17:9-14). According to Pentateuchal law, every male who participated in Passover had to be circumcised (Exodus 12:48). Yahweh allows the celebration of the Passover to show that the exodus from slavery was over. So too the cessation of manna signified the forty year wandering in the wilderness was officially over. The two central events at Gilgal, circumcision and Passover, become the final acts of the nation prior to possession of the land. Like the Israelites, we are called to remember God’s provision of deliverance and freedom. In such moments, we celebrate the fulfillment of God’s promises and our new life as God’s people. The people had arrived and they feast on the plenty of the land - but who planted/toiled to pro...