Day 66

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Be Faithful in Challenging Each Other

Scripture

March 6–Joshua 22-24: Challenge to Unity and Obedience

Observation

After dividing up the land and designating the cities for Levites and accused manslayers, Joshua commands the two-and-a-half tribes desiring to settle east of Jordan to "go home now to the land given you by the Lord's servant Moses" (22:4). This simple directive is complicated when a stone monument erected on the banks of the Jordan causes a dispute. The western tribes mistakenly interpret it as a pagan idol, and only quick work by Joshua prevents civil war. As Joshua's life draws to a close, he addresses the leaders of the nation, exhorting them to "follow the Lord your God" (23:8). Then he calls together the nation and delivers a ringing call to commitment: "Decide today whom you will obey...but as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord" (24:15).

Application

Put yourself in this situation. You have just learned that you have only a few weeks to live. Your pastor, knowing of you condition, invites you to give a farewell address to your church. What do you tell him? What do you tell the church?

Joshua found himself in a similar situation. He knew he would soon die, so he seized the last hours of his life to address the nation on matters of vital importance. He began by reviewing God's past dealings with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Moses. He traced God's faithfulness through Egypt, the Red Sea, the wilderness and Canaan. He reminded the people again that obedience brings blessing and rebellion brings destruction. And, he called for commitment.

What will our farewell address be like? The names of godly people that God has brought in our life? The promises God has kept? That eternity is real and how we should be longing for heaven? Perhaps, we should write out our thoughts on what really should matter to people we will leave behind and should share our thoughts.

Prayer

Dear Lord, we want to live our life in such a way that we will lead people into wanting the promises you made to us who believe. We want them to know how temporary this life is and there is eternity waiting for us. Thank you, Jesus!

Looking Heavenward!






© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2019

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