February 26 - Joshua 22-24
The time comes for the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh to return to their inheritance east of the Jordan. They had been faithful to help their brothers fight for the whole Land. Now as they went home, they built an altar of witness to show all generations that they belong to Israel even though the Jordan river separates their lands. This story teaches the lesson that we should not assume anything, and we should especially not assume the worst about someone. The other tribes were ready to go to war over the presence of the altar, before they knew its meaning. That was very dumb, and we often look dumb when we assume things before having the facts.
The time for Joshua's death comes, so he takes one final opportunity to encourage the people to follow the Lord. He begs them to love the Lord and to be obedient because disobedience would bring God's punishment. He says that his family will serve the Lord no matter what every one else does. Then, the people respond to his call to commitment. They renew their covenant to serve God only. This sets the stage for Joshua to die and for the people to settle into the Land. There is hope for a great blessing, but it will depend on their faith.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Judges 1-3.
The time for Joshua's death comes, so he takes one final opportunity to encourage the people to follow the Lord. He begs them to love the Lord and to be obedient because disobedience would bring God's punishment. He says that his family will serve the Lord no matter what every one else does. Then, the people respond to his call to commitment. They renew their covenant to serve God only. This sets the stage for Joshua to die and for the people to settle into the Land. There is hope for a great blessing, but it will depend on their faith.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Judges 1-3.