Joshua 24 is a covenant chapter. The main point of the chapter is the covenant that the people enter into with God (Josh 24:25). Covenants are agreements entered into by the active parties; they are entered into freely and are based on commitments on both parts (usually).
As Joshua begins, he reviews the history of Israel from their calling through Abraham (Josh 24:2-3), through the Exodus from Egypt (Josh 24:5-6), through the provision in the desert wanderings (Josh 24:7), and through the conquest of Canaan (Josh 24:11-13). The point of the rehearsal of history was for Israel to see what God had already committed on their part.
Placing faith in God is not a blind faith...as though we do not know how or if God will act. God has and always will act consistently with His character and His promises. If you know who God is at His core (essence), and you know what He has promised to do..then you know how God will act in any given situation....maybe not the specifics of the method...but the outcome is clear. When Joshua challenges the people to covenant with God...He first rehearses who God is and what God has done for them personally.
Then, Joshua explains the criteria for the next stage of their relationship with God (Josh 24:14-15). To continue to experience the fullness and power of a relationship with God...the people must "fear" Him, and serve Him from their heart...and in a manner consistent with His Word (truth). Nothing else is acceptable. It may not be easy at all times...but the standard is what it is. When the people committed to the challenge, Joshua gave them their next step (Josh 24:23-24). You must remove foreign gods (seek holiness) and pursue God. There is a turning from and an inclining toward...involved in this commitment. It is not enough to stop doing bad...we must do good.
Joshua's legacy was powerful. The people followed his leadership and the leadership of those that followed him after his death (Josh 24:31). This is the fruit of living a life that honors God in all respects.
Proverbs 14:12 is the takeaway today. In our own minds, we can devise some of the best possible ideas ever. Even the bad ones seem good. Ultimately though...the truly good ideas are those that come from God. He alone is the basis of Truth and the key to doing the best things is to know and do His will in everything.
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2 comments:
Thank you for taking me through Joshua. I have read Joshua several times but must admit I learned some things through this blog. I am going to sound a little silly but I am going to be vulernable. I was talking with Jason about this chapter and got it all put together... so all of that blood and war that I complained about earlier... yeah, I didn't realize that was the promise land. I am still in preschool, I imagine the promised land as some amazing land with green green grass and waterfalls and flowers everywhere. I have watch a few too many cartoons. Once I understood this was the promise land I so understand why there was so much fighting and Joshua leading the way. He had seen it all... He was ready to claim what God had promised his people. I wasn't going to post this but it was really bothering me so I wanted everyone to know how lost I was through this entire book but how God showed me the truth about his word. I know there is still more He will show me next time we read it and I am excited about that too!!!
amanda,
Thanks for the post. You reminded me why it is important for me to clarify things I might otherwise take for granted. I caught something in your post that I thought was neat. Joshua fought so hard in taking the land because he had seen it all and was ready to claim what God had promised. Maybe that is a challenge to all believers...but especially to those of us who are leading. We have to see it (God's promise) and then lead others to seize it!
Good word.
C.
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