Scripture Text: Joshua 23:1-16
The Lord gave Israel peace from their enemies around them. He made Israel safe. Many years passed, and Joshua became very old. At this time Joshua called a meeting of all the older leaders, heads of families, judges, and officers of the Israelites. Joshua said, “I have grown very old. “It is almost time for me to die. You know and really believe that the Lord has done many great things for you. You know that the Lord your God has not failed in any of his promises. He has kept every promise that he has made to us.
Joshua 23:1-2, 14
Some Bible characters in the Old Testament like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, David, etc., were used by God and maximized their time on earth up to the last breath to fulfill the divine covenant. First, they were focusing on praising and thanking God for the goodness He has done for them. Second, they were encouraging, reminding their successors, leaders, and all people to seriously and faithfully obey, honor, praise and worship the only Creator, the true God and Savior and serve Him until their last breath.
In Joshua's case, he boldly emphasized to the Israelite leaders that God truly fulfilled His promises and He never failed! The Lord fought for them and has given victory over their enemies and He gave the land inheritance. That's why Joshua urged them to carefully love the Lord (v. 11) and carefully obey His command (v. 6).
Joshua addressed also his message as reminder and word of wisdom to them not to commit any sin against the Lord because if they do wrong and do bad things, like serving and worshiping idols, intermarrying pagan people, God will force them also to leave the good land. Joshua urged them not to break the covenant with the Lord to avoid future consequences. He warned the leaders that disobedience will bring future disaster.
However, in the New Testament, God used the disciples'/apostles' lives to serve and fulfill the divine mission of Jesus Christ with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. One of them was Paul, he was sent to the world to save especially the Gentiles. When he was already old, Paul continued to do his ministry to preach and teach the word through his letters despite being in prison.
Therefore, Paul reminded all the believers-followers of Christ (Jews and Gentiles) about the goodness, love, grace, mercy of God and urged them to obey and be faithful with Jesus Christ forever! The Lord was pleased and glorified with Paul's life and with all who followed His will.
Reflect
Do you want to please and glorify God now and forever?
Remember
The more we serve the Lord, the more He prolongs and blesses our lives!
Read
Ephesians 3:1-13, 4:1-7; 2 Timothy 1:8-14
Pray
Dear God, You are everlasting. Your word is forever. From generation to generation, Your word was, is, and will be timeless. Many years passed, You were, You are, and will always be the everlasting God.
You made the covenant, and have been faithful keeping it. We enjoy all your benefits. It is but natural to be truly grateful for who You were, for who You are, and who You will always be.
It would be a misery if we are unable to pass on to our offspring the knowledge and experience of your "godness" and "goodness". Therefore Lord, put in our hearts to exert deliberate effort to ensure that our family knows and experiences who You are, and be able to pass on the same to their own offspring to seriously and faithfully love You, and obey Your word.
So when we say our own great farewell, we rest peacefully knowing that Your word never dies in the hearts of my family.
In Jesus' mighty name. Amen!
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