Scripture Text: Joshua 22:1-6
Make sure you obey the law that Moses commanded you: love the LORD your God, do his will, obey his commandments, be faithful to him, and serve him with all your heart and soul.”
Joshua 22:5
The Lord commanded Moses to give the land at the East of Jordan to the tribe of Reuben, Gad, and half-tribe of Manasseh for their rest, and was fulfilled by Joshua. The said tribes already completed their commitment to the Lord to help the other tribes in conquering the land of Canaan as inheritance, home, and rest, for the whole Israel, that's why Joshua ordered them to go back to their home to the East of the Jordan and live peacefully there, and then Joshua blessed them (vv. 1-4, 6).
However, in verse 5, Joshua reminded them to obey God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength because there was a high tendency that they will forget the Lord in any moment of their lives due to the influence of the surrounding countries, by worshiping idols (Deut. 5:7-10), and marrying the inhabitant's women, which will cause them to be unrighteous in the sight of the Lord. That's why Joshua prayed to the Lord for protection for His people and deliver them from all evil works.
Our God continues to remind His people to obey Him and do only what is pleasing to Him through our Lord Jesus Christ and be righteous in His sight, by doing the same commands mentioned in the OT (particularly in Deut. 6:4-6), as well as mentioned in our passage (v. 5). The Lord Jesus Christ commanded His people, including us, up to the last generation, to obey God (Mark 12:30).
Therefore, as believers-followers of our Lord Jesus Christ, we must:
1. Love the LORD our God
2. Do His will as clearly shown by obeying His commandments
3. Be faithful to Him
4. Serve Him through His church
We need to value His sacrifice, love, grace, and mercy, because He saved us and adopted us as His children. Even Apostle Paul reminded us too, to do all the things that glorify our mighty God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Reflect
1. Do you glorify and please God through all your deeds?
2. Do you value His sacrifices, love, grace, and mercy only because you want to keep your salvation?
3. Do you value His death, resurrection, and His gospel?
4. Do you value all these, with the sole intention of glorifying and pleasing God?
Remember
Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel.
2 Timothy 2:8
We show our love for God by obeying his commandments, and they are not hard to follow.
1 John 5:3
Read
Numbers 32:20-32 / Deuteronomy 3:18-20
Joshua 1:12-15
Matthew 22:37 / Luke 10:27 / Mark 12:30
Pray
Dear God, I acknowledge Your faithfulness to Your people and Your words never cease. Thank You for Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, for His sacrifices, unending love, grace and mercy extending us. I ask the Holy Spirit to empower Your people to obey You always and do only what is glorifying and pleasing to You forever. In Jesus' Name. Amen!
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