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March 29th
The Bible reading for today finishes up the book Joshua...chapters 22,23,24.
Israeli soldiers from the eastern lands...tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh...kept their promise to help their brothers secure the western territory for their families.
Joshua and all of Israel praised God and praised them for being faithful “promise keepers”. Quote: “Today we know that God is in our midst because you didn't break your word to us.”
Oh, friends, this reminds me just how important covenant relationships are. When I am a faithful “promise keeper” to my wife and family...it helps them to know that God is near...when I am a faithful “promise keeper” to my church family, they will praise God and know that He is in their midst.
Covenant meant “commitment”...God to Israel...Israel to God...and Israel to each other. Covenant also meant cut/blood...sacrifice.
The eastern tribes had their land secured. But they were “covenant committed” to their brothers...to help them...even at great cost or sacrifice if need be.
What a picture of Jesus...and His covenant commitment...His sacrifice...on the cross for us, His little brothers and sisters in the faith. Thank You, Jesus!
Continuing in the text...
The three eastern tribes built an altar on the bank of the Jordan. It was not for offerings or separate community celebrations and worship apart from the Tabernacle in Shiloh. The eastern people of Israel named the altar, “Witness”. It stood as a witness to the forever promise and commitment to follow the Lord right along “with” the rest of the tribes in the promised land, even though they were separated by the Jordan River.
When someone becomes a Covenant member of the Alamo Ranch Community Church, the elders, for the church, give the new members a special coin. The coin is only valuable as a “Witness”. It reminds us of God’s commitment to us...our commitment to Him...and our commitment to each other. In God’s family, we are a family of “promise keepers”... to the glory of God ...and to the support of each other in Christ.
Continuing in the text...Joshua seems to give two farewell messages in our reading. ..one at Shiloh, when the Tabernacle was pitched there...and another at Schehem...north of Shiloh about 15 miles.
In both prophetic occasions, Joshua addressed leaders and the congregation of Israel as a whole. God would lead Israel through these spiritual leaders of the congregation. By and large, the people knew this.
But Joshua was pressing two truths...
1. How important it would be for the elders themselves to guard their own spiritual hearts and lives before the Lord.
And...2. How important it would be for the congregation to be courageous themselves in finishing what had been started in establishing the new nation in the promised land.
Why two farewell messages?
Maybe God had more to say through His faithful servant...like...Dear friends....“Choose you this day whom you will serve....And as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”
Ive enjoyed reading Joshua with you...but there is much more to the story...meet you there
Have a great day
