Today’s reading marks the end of the book of Joshua, the end of Joshua the man, and the end of a unique era. What an era it has been! Victory, the possession of land, towns, vineyards, and the fulfillment of every good promise God made to Israel!
And I sent terror ahead of you…It was not your swords or bows that brought you victory. I gave you land you had not worked on, and I gave you towns you did not build—the towns where you are now living. I gave you vineyards and olive groves for food, though you did not plant them. (Joshua 24:12–13, NLT)
What an era! Yet, past blessings do not guarantee future blessings. As Joshua nears the end of his life, he echoes Moses’ concerns from a previous era. The danger is that though they possess the land, not all enemies with their gods have been driven out from among them. So what does Joshua say to the people in his farewell address?
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….cling tightly to the LORD your God as you have done until now….be very careful to love the LORD your God. (Joshua 23:6–11, NLT)
This morning, the phrase that stood out to me was, “…be very careful to love the LORD your God.” Each day, Israel would need to be filled with care to follow what Moses had written and cling to the LORD, loving only Him. Loving God is not automatic; it is an active, intentional work—and anything intentional for God, especially love, will be challenged by the enemy.
As believers, our day and time are really no different. Our enemies, the flesh, the world, and the devil all actively challenge our love for God. In fact, speaking of a time that will come, the Bible says sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. (Matthew 24:12, NLT) Yes, we, too, must be careful to love God as Israel was to be careful. So how do we do this?
So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. (Ephesians 5:15–17, NLT)
Being careful to love God means being thoughtfully obedient to God. As we refresh our minds by remembering His ultimate act of love, dying for us on the cross, God’s goodness will fill us with care to love Him! How often do we take the time to think about what God did for us by offering up His Son?
As believers, let us rejoice in our God, who has vanquished our enemies through His cross! Let us never tire of this new life He has given us! Let us carefully and thoughtfully walk in His light so our love for Him may abound!
Thank you for joining with me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from Joshua 22:1-24:33.