READING: Joshua 22:1-24:33
In some ways, the book of Joshua works toward a close in the same way it began: with a call to obedience. You might remember from Joshua 1 that God’s word to Joshua was, “Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left” (Josh 1:7). God made it clear to the Hebrews as they prepared to enter the Promised Land that He would tolerate nothing less than complete obedience.
As Joshua later faced his own death, he again reminded God’s people of His requirement: “be very careful to obey all the commands and the instructions that Moses gave to you. Love the Lord your God, walk in all his ways, obey his commands, hold firmly to him, and serve him with all your heart and all your soul” (Josh 22:5); “So be very careful to follow everything Moses wrote in the Book of Instruction. Do not deviate from it, turning either to the right or to the left” (Josh 23:6); “So be very careful to love the Lord your God” (Josh 23:11); “So fear the Lord and serve him wholeheartedly” (Josh 24:14). Apparently, even the people who could recall God’s incredible calling and care for them throughout their history needed recurrent reminders to obey. Yesterday’s victories are great, but obedience is present-tense.
You and I need those reminders, too. Our obedience needs to be present-tense, too.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: What reminders do you need to hear today?
TODAY’S PRAYER: “God, help me to walk in Your ways today.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Judges 1:1-3:30