JUL 22

Joshua 23:1-16
Memorise Joshua 23:10
“for the LORD your God, he it is that fighteth for you”

Yes, as you might have guessed, the book of Joshua is about Joshua! With the death of Moses at the end of the book of Deuteronomy, Joshua has risen to a position of prominence as the leader of Israel. He was the one responsible for actually leading the children of God into the Promised Land, and helping them attain the final component of what was needed to make them a full and complete nation – a land to call their own.

There are three major sections in the book of Joshua. The first section from chapters 1-13 is about Joshua leading Israel to enter into and conquer Canaan, and the various battles that they faced, including the famous victory at Jericho. The second from chapters 14-21 is the division of the land, apportioning lots to each tribe as they settled into the Promised Land. The final section is from chapters 22-24, where Joshua gave them some final instructions and exhortations, before he died, to follow God and obey Him.

The message of Joshua is quite simply summed up in Joshua 23, as Joshua called upon the Israelites to remember all that God had done for them in giving them this Promised Land. He reminded them that it was indeed God Himself who had fought for them, as every single battle they faced and won was only made possible because God was with them. Thus he exhorted them to continue to be courageous, to obey the commandments of God, and to cleave to Him. As long as they continued to obey, they would be blessed and their land would have peace. However, the moment they departed from God, He would leave them as well, and His anger would be kindled against them.

The very same simple principles apply in each of our lives as well. The lessons are simple: Obey God, keep His commandments, and never depart from Him. This is the simple formula we must all apply if we want success in life. This was the exhortation to Joshua at the beginning of His leadership (read Joshua 1:1-9), and he obeyed it faithfully throughout his conquest of Canaan. He was successful, in that his life was approved by God and well pleasing in His sight. If we want the same spiritual successes in our lives as well, we must heed the words of Joshua, to love the Lord, and cleave to Him.

Thought: Love, cleave, serve and obey.
Prayer: Lord, may You grant me spiritual success in all my battles as well, as I wholly lean upon You