Today's Reading:

Joshua 23
Joshua 24
Judges 1

Congratulations on the completion of book number 7 in the Old Testament. Joshua’s farewell speech was reminiscent of Moses’ final speech. These were two very strong leaders who were faithful servants to God. They listened to their calling and kept His Chosen people together and on the righteous path (as well as any humans could). God gave the tools and wisdom needed to lead; now, whether the leader heeds those instructions, we will find out in the next few books. We are reminded that God provides for leadership, and the real test is whether leaders (and we) actually heed His instructions. Have you ever had a leader in church, work, family, or even yourself who started off strong like Moses and Joshua, but later drifted? What do you think makes the difference between staying faithful and falling off course?"

 

Joshua’s farewell speech recounted the victories that the Lord fought for Israel and reminded them of the unclaimed land still to be inhabited. They were to continue the mission to fulfill the Promised Land and be God’s Chosen people. Joshua reminded them that to stay in the Promised Land was conditional on keeping away from the other nations- do not associate with the people, intermarry, or worship pagan gods. God would not drive out the other nations on their behalf if they disobeyed and turned to idolatry. Instead, He would bring banishment, and the nations would be a thorn in their eye. God has been faithful to each and every one of His promises from the beginning of time, and He will also keep His promise of judgement.

Chapter 24 was a quick recap of Israel’s history, including the story of Balaam (remember the talking donkey) as he gave blessing after blessing upon Israel when Balak called on him to curse them. Joshua declared that it was imperative they now choose whom they would serve: the Lord God or the pagan gods. One of the most famous passages from Joshua is verse 24:15, “As far as me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” The new generation understood their parents' failures and history, and they were ready to set their hearts to God. Joshua warned them that it was not so simple, telling them, “You are not able to serve the Lord,” because He is holy and jealous, and a careless or rash commitment would not last (Joshua 24:19). Later, the New Testament echoed this same theme of devotion.

• Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
• Romans 6:16-18 “Paul explains that people are slaves to the one they obey- whether sin leading to death or obedience to righteousness with God.

The book of Joshua ends with Joshua’s death and burial and records the final burial of Joseph’s bones at Shechem. In Genesis 50:25, Joseph made the Israelites swear that when God brought them out of Egypt, they would carry his bones up to the Promised Land. Moses faithfully took Joseph’s bones with them during the Exodus, as Exodus 13:19 describes, and they were carried throughout the forty years in the wilderness. Finally, in Joshua 24:32, Joseph was laid to rest at Shechem, in the piece of land Jacob had purchased—an early piece of the Promised Land for Abraham’s family.

The book of Judges began the Israelites’ cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, help through a judge (mostly military and temporary leaders) to keep them from the chaos when there was a cry for help, and deliverance. The cycle repeated itself over and over with the judges helping to save the nation and restore some peace, going from good to bad and worse judges. These were not the same as the judicial officials that Moses and Joshua used to help settle everyday legal issues among the people.

After Joshua died, Israel had a good start by seeking God to see who should lead them against the Canaanites. God chose the tribe of Judah, who allied with the tribe of Simeon, and they defeated many. They defeated Adoni-Bezek, whose thumbs and big toes were cut off; ironically, he had done the same to 70 leaders prior, which showed God’s justice. Judah also captured the city of Hebron (where Caleb drove out the sons of Anak and gave his daughter in marriage to Othniel). The recount of history was to reference that Israel did not drive out all the Canaanites. Multiple tribes still had Canaanites living among them. God gave repeated warnings that if Israel did not drive out the remaining Canaanite nations, then they would be thorns in their sides. The original command came from Numbers 33:55, with a warning repeated in Joshua 23:12-13. And just as God said, what they allowed to remain would later bring destruction and hearts that turned from Him.

Today's Discussion question: 

We are reminded that God provides for leadership, and the real test is whether leaders (and we) actually heed His instructions. Have you ever had a leader in church, work, family, or even yourself that started off strong like Moses and Joshua, but later drifted? What do you think makes the difference between staying faithful and falling off course?

 
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