Joshua 22: Security in God

We just about wrapped up Joshua Chapter 22 on Wed and should be starting Joshua 23 next meeting. We'd love to see you there to discuss this deep winding down of Joshua.

An observation on Chapter 22. As you will recall, back in the first chapter God gave this exhortation to Joshua before sending him out on his mission to conquer the promised land:

Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:7-9)

Joshua followed these commands. For over a decade he carried out God's will for him and subdued the promised land, a land of milk and honey. God gave the Jews a paradise; houses they didn't build, wells they didn't dig, vineyards they didn't plant and orchards they didn't sow. Joshua trusted his Lord and was rewarded with heaven in return. Is it any wonder then that after his work was done, and the three tribes whose land was east of the Jordan river prepared to depart for home, Joshua left them with this advice:

"And now the Lord your God has given rest to your brothers, as he promised them. Therefore turn and go to your tents in the land where your possession lies, which Moses the servant of the Lord gave you on the other side of the Jordan. 5 Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, to love the Lord your God, and to walk in all his ways and to keep his commandments and to cling to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.” (Joshua 22:4-5)

Sound familiar? Joshua never forgot the source of his blessing and the precepts which guided his path. God never changes. His words are true yesterday, today and tomorrow. You can trust him, just as Joshua did, through his son Jesus Christ. Has the world let you down? Have you faced difficulties in this harsh economy? Have you faced betrayal or rejection by another person? Do you feel there's nothing you can truly believe in or rely on? If you recognize any of these feelings then try turning to Jesus Christ. Jesus will never let you down - he never changes, his promises and precepts always stay the same. With Jesus, you too can be like a humble man in Palestine 3000 years ago who led his people into the Kingdom of God.