Joshua 22:1-9 Eastern Tribes Return Home

Evidence that God had fulfilled his promises to Israel, as far as the land is concerned, is the fact that Joshua dismisses the Eastern tribes (Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh) so they are free to go back home. These two and a half tribes were sworn in the beginning of the campaign as they were entering the promised land to stick with their brothers to fight together until the whole land was in their hand. The ending of Joshua chapter 21 is clear:

43 "Thus the Lord gave to Israel all the land that he swore to give to their fathers. And they took possession of it, and they settled there. 44 And the Lord gave them rest on every side just as he had sworn to their fathers. Not one of all their enemies had withstood them, for the Lord had given all their enemies into their hands. 45 Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass."

Joshua blesses them and reminds them to be faithful to the Lord with the words: "5 Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, to love the Lord your God, and to walk in all his ways and to keep his commandments and to cling to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul." This is a very comprehensive charge that challenges my own life. Whether in turmoil or in peace, the Lord must be our everything at all times.

Be careful to observe the commandment and the law! I'm not so certain of how careful I really am in the observance of God's commandments. Many Christians have great difficulty reciting the ten commandments, never mind trying to carefully observe them. I must review God's commands and pay attention to my life to make sure I am observing them. I must keep his commandments.

If I have any doubts of what it means to observe the law, Joshua clears it up for me. It means to love the Lord. So many times I focus on the mechanical and ceremonial aspects of my spiritual practices, but forget that they are meaningless unless I truly love the Lord through them. The other pitfall with the law is to intellectually understand it and even be able to recite it, but forget to walk in his ways. My relationship with God requires a heartfelt devotion as well as a solid practice - they go hand in hand.

Also, observance of the law requires an intimate relationship with God - "cling to him." It is unfortunate that the practice of the Israelites over time became only a ritual without passion. But God gave the law for them to cling to him. He wants me to cling to him! Moreover, my relationship with God does not consist of mere ceremonies and rituals, but service. I must serve God with my life. Service is a very important aspect of my relationship with God. And that service cannot be a half-hearted commitment, but a passionate one. I must serve with all my heart and with all my soul.

Father, help me to memorize your commandments and be careful to observe them day by day. Fill me with your Spirit that I may be fully devoted to you. Make my practice and my passion one that honors you in every way. Amen