Good morning, today we finish the book of Joshua. Congratulations, you have completed six books. To reward you, tomorrow will be a very light reading day with only two chapters of Judges.
Have integrity
Today’s reading begins with Joshua calling the Reubenites, Gadites and the half tribe of Manasseh together and setting them free of their obligation. They had asked for land west of the Jordan, and the deal was, they could have it as long as their soldiers went across and helped Israel take the rest of the land on Canaan.
Fulfilling our obligations is important. As Christians, we need to have the integrity that Jesus has. Showing the same steadfastness to complete any agreement we make. When people look at us, they should see Jesus in all we do.
Since these tribes had fulfilled their commitment, Joshua, likewise, was keeping the promise Moses had made. He allows them to return to their homes.
Don’t jump to conclusions
Along the way home, they build an altar. This causes confusion as the Israelites assume they plan to worship foreign gods there.
We often jump to conclusions. We judge a book by its cover.
I published the book, Moving Ahead: How To Make America Godly Again. To promote this book, I have had a few book signing events. One was at an art market with a clientele that leans towards liberalism.
The book focuses on Psalm 144, and the series of sermons I preached on how David prepared for battle, trusted God in the battle, and rejoiced in victory because God delivered him. I relate how faith is under attack in America. Therefore, I had the statue of David wrapped in the American flag.
I also had the title of the book on the cover, which included the words America and Godly.
It has been appalling at how many of the people walking by would turn their nose up at the cover. Rejecting even a free bookmark.
They don’t realize that Christianity cares about all people. Our command is to help, share, and provide for those in need. I write about how compassion is a characteristic of Jesus.
The difference is the Bible teaches us to count upon God alone. He is the source of all we need. Not governments, or programs, or charities, even.
I could feel their disdain over the American flag, and more so when they read the word God. They would put the book down so quickly, you would think it was burning their hand.
I feel the content is faith based, scripturally centered and as politically neutral as I could be without contradicting the Lord.
Define your purpose
Joshua shows us they built this altar so they would never forget their shared service to the same God.
Maybe I am judging people by their covers as well? Yet, I need to keep reaching out to the lost, verse 22:23 reminds us that tolerated sin impacts those near us.
Finish well
Progressing to chapter 24, we read how Joshua closes his life out. Realizing he is coming to the end. His last act was to remind them all of everything he had witnessed.
Many of them had seen it with their own eyes, but newer generations were coming along and when we stop sharing the truth, it ceases to exist.
He takes them their an abbreviated history of the exodus from Egypt and the Law. He warns them violating the covenant would end in disaster.
None of us knows how many days we have left, or the people we meet. We have to have this same sense of urgency to share everything we know about the Lord when we have the opportunity. If we don’t, we may not get another chance.
