Category: Joshua

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

Verse 31 is one key verse to understand the spiritual import of this the first prophetic book in the Old Testament. This verse sets the scene for the rest of the Earlier Prophets – Judges, Samuel and Kings. It reveals the importance of Jesus’ resurrection – we must have a living Saviour, else we too will slip away.

SJA Notes

What an ending to the book of Joshua!

We see a renewal on the people’s side of the covenant between them and the Lord.

We see Joshua truth-telling to them, exhorting them to obedience (faithfulness to the Lord), but also warning them of disobedience (idolatry).

The people push back in a sense, and commit to the Lord.

And for a generation, perhaps two, the people renew their side of the covenant after the cleaning out of Israel. They saw the work for them, within them, before them. They saw the Lord at work, His power and effectiveness.

But Joshua knew the truth. That they already had idols amongst them (v23), and that they were prone to turn away and serve other gods (v19-20).

Over the next few books of God’s word we will see the truth that rings from Joshua’s words.

As well here in this passage we have this wonderful statement from Joshua after he calls Israel to choose whom they would serve,

“But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

In Jesus, our greater Joshua, we too are able to grasp hold of this covenant theology. We are able to struggle with and meditate upon what it means for us, the practical outworking as we live our lives in this world.

* Dear Lord God,

Thank You for Joshua’s words here, the clear exhortation to be singular in our devotion to You, to work at the covenant bond in whatever the family units are that we have (that You have given us) – So that we can say with Joshua,

We will serve You!

Amen.

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

Joshua gives Israel a farewell speech. He gives them with a great commission to finish what he has begun. Our greater Joshua – Jesus Christ – has also given us a similar great commission to preach the Gospel to all the world. Our Joshua lives! It is no accident that the three Synoptic Gospels end with Jesus’ ascension and His great commission.

SJA Notes

We are now getting toward the end of Joshua, the first book of prophesy (following the books of the law).

Truth-telling, the kingdom being built (which has symmetry with what Jesus did on earth in a much fuller more complete and better way).

So here we read Joshua’s farewell speech.

Joshua the son of Nun is going the way of all things. He gives his farewell exhortation (in today’s and tomorrow’s readings), and then he dies.

His words are for the exhortation and encouragement of Israel, for them to continue in faithfulness and obedience to the Faithful God, the LORD.

But Joshua, the great leader of Israel, he dies.

Jesus, the greater Joshua, also gives a farewell speech of sorts in the great commission (after rising again from the dead, before ascending into heaven).

However – He is coming back!

Unlike Joshua the son of Nun, Jesus the Son of God is a leader whose word goes on, because He is not dead. He is alive!

Praise God, what a Saviour!

* Gracious and merciful God,

Thank You for Jesus, our ever-living king, whose word continues on undiminished through all the span of time!

Thank You for giving to us Your word, please write it on our hearts this day and onwards.

Please open the eyes and ears of our hearts to see and hear what You want us to know today.

Amen.

Reading

Audio, Visual

SAA Notes

Read Matthew 18:15,16. This is the principle at work in this chapter. It headed off a potentially violent confrontation between the tribes. The two and a half tribes from across the Jordan wanted to remind the others that the Lord was their God too. Our true unity is in the Lord our God and not in location or origin.

SJA Notes

This is why we need Jesus. Because in Him we have a new covenant, where boundaries are not physical, and all are saved, Israel and Gentile.

Reuben, Gad and Manasseh wanted to remind the other tribes that they too were part of the Lord’s people. So they built an altar.

The rest of the tribes saw the altar, mistakenly, as idolatry.

It’s pretty cool that they were so quick to jump on that, which shows that the generation were wanting to obey the Lord (which we hear about a bit more at the start of Judges).

For us, it’s a good reminder to be careful when jumping to spiritual conclusions. There are absolutes, but our perspectives and motivations and actions can be easily misunderstood from person to person, from church to church, from nation to nation.

And it’s also a wonderful reminder of why we need Jesus.

In Him there is no boundary of living outside of His kingdom. We are His kingdom, from east to west across the entire face of the earth, regardless of physical location.

“Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.'” Mark 1 v14-15

Praise God that we are His people, with Jesus as King, reigning over His kingdom.