Reinforcing the Truth

 Moses was God's faithful servant and prophet to lead Israel and to share the truth of God with them. He gave them all that God told him very plainly so everyone could understand it. Then, he wrote it down for them to read, as he was inspired by the Spirit. When Joshua took over leading the people, he declared all of the truth to them, just as God told him. This included making sure all of the people knew the blessing and the curse God had told them would come based on their obedience or lack of obedience. However, when the men attacked Jericho, Achan violated God's law, and that brought the curse on Israel. They were defeated by the small town of Ai until Achan was punished and God's will was done. Right after that Joshua read to all the people all that was written in the book of the law again. (Joshua 8:34) That included reading the blessing and the curse again to reinforce the truth to their hearts. This was very wise for Joshua to do, and it is very wise for us today.

How often do we forget the truth of God or neglect to do what we know we should do? I am afraid it happens much more than we would like it to happen. Then, we receive the "curse" or the punishment of God for our disobedience. Until we listen to the Spirit, confess our sin, and are restored to walking in God's Spirit, we will see the effects of our sin. That is why it is so wise for us to have the truth of God reinforced every day and every week, as we have our time with the Lord in His Word, and our time at church with His people. We never know enough that we do not need to have it reinforced. In fact, we need to hear it in Christian music, podcasts, and other forms, too. Then, when it is ingrained in us, and the Spirit uses it to lead us strongly, we will sin less and receive the blessing more than the curse. I pray this would be the case for all of us today and every day.

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Tomorrow, I intend to read Joshua 9-11.