Scripture Text: Joshua 24:25-27
So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and put in place statutes and rules for them at Shechem. And Joshua wrote these words in the Book of the Law of God. And he took a large stone and set it up there under the terebinth that was by the sanctuary of the Lord. And Joshua said to all the people, “Behold, this stone shall be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words of the Lord that he spoke to us. Therefore it shall be a witness against you, lest you deal falsely with your God.”
Joshua 24:25-27
Before Joshua died at the age of 110 years (v. 29), he dealt with the people of Israel and made a new covenant to the Lord and this was written in the book of the Law. Joshua set up a large stone by the Tabernacle to remind the Israelites of their promise and duty to serve the Lord, who fulfilled every promise in bringing them into the land.
Joshua emphasized that the stone or rock shall be a witness against them whether they broke their promise to God or not. Then Joshua said to the people, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen the Lord, to serve him.” And they said, “We are witnesses.” (vv 22, 27). Joshua continued to encourage and challenge the Israelites to seek more the Lord—to love, to obey, and to serve Him faithfully as witnesses of His great and divine works.
Thank God because He preserved and fulfilled His covenant to His people through His Son our Lord and only Savior Jesus Christ. The above account is also a good reminder for us as Gentile followers and believers of God through His Son Jesus Christ who received His extended grace, that we may be truly the witnesses of His goodness, faithfulness, and greatness forever.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Reflect
God is a God who fulfills His promises. When He said He is going to take His people out from Egypt, indeed He fulfilled it regardless of time and circumstance. It was too difficult to free people from the ruthless world power. But without such impossibility, God cannot be called sovereign, almighty, all-knowing, wonderful, amazing God.
Remember
As people of God, we need to pursue His righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness in our lives. Our job as believers is to apply continuously the good fight of our faith in Jesus Christ in the presence of many witnesses.
Read
Hebrews 12:1-2; 1 Timothy 6:11-12
Pray
Dear God, thank You for every lesson and wisdom You give to us from Your words and thank You for the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Please help me and guide me to meditate it well, share it well and apply it well in my daily walk with You as one of Jesus Christ's witnesses in this world. In Jesus' mighty name. Amen!
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