Joshua 23 Joshua's Charge to Israel's Leaders

Joshua was able to see with his own eyes the fulfillment of God's promise to Israel concerning the land. Israel marched in and conquered the territory marked out for them and gave all their attention to its allotment and occupation. They saw the hand of God at work on their behalf against the nations in the land. Lord God Almighty fought for Israel to make all of this possible. But now that Joshua is of age, he calls the leaders to remind them of the covenant.

One of the most important things that Joshua wants the leaders to understand is that the covenant is conditional. God will continue to fight for Israel before the nations as long as they are faithful to him. Some of the things that Joshua highlights are: the keeping of the Law of Moses and avoiding the adoption of the religions of the surrounding nations. The prohibition against mixing with the nations and intermarrying with them was religious and not racial. Israel was to remain faithful to the covenant to continue to receive its benefits. To achieve this, Israel had to remain ready for battle at any moment.

On the other hand, if Israel disobeyed and was unfaithful to the covenant, it had to face its consequences. The main consequence of their disobedience is that God would no longer drive the nations before Israel. The nations would become a "snare and a trap for you, a whip on your sides, and thorns in your eyes until you perish." Basically, the surrounding nations would fight and dominate Israel and even take possession of the land promised. Their unfaithfulness would kindle the anger of the Lord against them until he has destroyed them from off the land.

In the new covenant with Christ, he requires me to do the same. I must be willing to wage battle with the world in which I live. Of course, it is not physical battle, but spiritual. Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of darkness. I am called to remain faithful to my Lord. I am called to avoid even the appearance of evil. I am called to abstain from the sinful desires that wage battle within my soul.

I am called to separate from the world and never adopt its sinful lifestyle. I am called to be in the world, but not of the world. I am called to never conform to its ways and standards. Am I waging the battle of faith day by day? Or have I given in to the ways of the world? Has materialism, power, greed, and religious syncretism gripped my heart? Is it choking the life of Christ out of me?

Lord, help me be faithful to you every day. Fill me with your Spirit that I may discern your ways and walk in them. Don't let me settle with the ways of the world. Deliver me from evil. Amen.

Joshua 3:1-17 Israel Crosses the Jordan

The promises of God are true. But they are not always unconditional. In order to enjoy the blessings of God it is necessary for us to listen to God and follow his guidance. The people were called to prepare in consecration and then follow the ark of the covenant as it was carried by the priests. They were not to make a move on their own without God and the appointed leadership.

Consecration is not a word you use every day. It means to dedicate to a purpose. The conquest of the promised land requires total dedication. It is not a mere hobby or a sideline job. It is a full-time commitment. It is a lifestyle. All of my life must be devoted to this one cause: the kingdom of God and its establishment upon the earth! I cannot serve two masters. I must consecrate myself to my God and his purposes for my life.

Total dedication to God's kingdom and its establishment upon the earth is demonstrated in obedience. The ark of the covenant is the place where the Israelites enjoyed the manifest presence of God. God led his people through the ark and the appointed leaders. They were called to follow his lead and obey his instructions. The establishment of God's kingdom requires me to unite with the brethren and follow in obedience God's commandments.

It is very obvious that the establishment of God's kingdom is not something I can pull off on my own. It is not a "lone ranger" type of rescue. It is the corporate consecration and obedience of God's people in the pursuit of his purposes. I must see myself as part of a whole: the body of Christ. My contribution is only a piece of the puzzle. The body becomes ineffective, even paralyzed, if I try to do my own thing. 

Lord, I consecrate my life to you and the establishment of your kingdom upon earth. Help me be faithful to your purposes and obedient to your commands. May I seek unity and teamwork within the body of Christ for your glory and honor forever. Amen

Matthew 5:1-12 The Beatitudes

It is written in the Declaration of Independence that we have the right to pursue our happiness. I believe everyone is out seeking it with all their might. I'm not so sure that we are pursuing it in the right places. Natural man tends to think that happiness is all that brings temporary satisfaction no matter the source. 

But true happiness comes only from God and must be judged in light of eternity. Happiness is to be blessed by God. It is to enjoy his favor upon us. Unfortunately, I think that God will favor me all the time no matter what I am or what I do. The Scriptures teach me that if I want to enjoy the favor of God in my life, I must live by certain principles that will bring that blessing upon me. God's love is unconditional, but God's blessing is conditional - still by grace, but conditional.

God's blessings follow the principle of the harvest. What I sow, I will reap. There are many blessings that are the exception to this principle because God's grace is extended by his sovereign hand as he pleases. But as a general principle, God's blessings come upon those who are and act according to kingdom principles.

God blesses the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemaker, and the persecuted. It must be understood that each and every one of these "virtues" are tied to the kingdom of God and for its sake. I need to grow so much in each and every one of these! 

Lord, help me understand that your blessings are poured on the righteous. May my life follow you in every way to enjoy the many benefits that you offer. May I be willing to suffer in the here and now to enjoy the blessings that last forever.