Today's readings are Joshua 23.1-16 and Acts 12.1-25.
Today we see an old Joshua. He has been present with the Israelites from their departure from Egypt until now, when they have taken much of the Promised Land. He was present when God sent him as a spy into the land. He was present when God delayed their entry into the land while the scoffers perished in the wilderness. He was there when the Israelites crossed the Jordan on dry land. He was there in conquest after conquest. Here's what Joshua knows. He knows the Lord does not change. He knows that the Lord's will is for the good of his people. He knows that it is only by belief on God and his promises that any good comes to us. He knows that our own efforts at righteousness will fall short. He knows also that our striving after God's inheritance on our own terms will surely bring destruction upon us.
What does Joshua call the people to do? What does God through Joshua call us to do? Hold firm to the promises of God. Realize those promises by belief, not by works. Know that the Lord is the same yesterday, today, and forever. See that God has provided deliverance for his people, has given them an inheritance, has adopted them as an everlasting possession, on his own terms, not on human terms. Look to the Lord. Cling to that faith.
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Dave Spotts
blogging at http://capnsaltyslongvoyage.blogger.com
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