Read Joshua 23
Questions for Littles: How much time has passed in Joshua 23:1? What is Joshua’s condition at this point? For whom does he call in Joshua 23:2? What does he say about himself? What does he say that they have seen (Joshua 23:3)? Whom does he say has fought for them? What has Joshua already done for them in Joshua 23:4? What does he remind them, in Joshua 23:5, that needs to be done still? Whom does he say will do it? What must the Israelites do (Joshua 23:6)? What must they not do (Joshua 23:7)? With what phrase does Joshua 23:8 summarize the keeping of God’s commandments? What has the Lord done so far (Joshua 23:9)? What can one man do, if the Lord fights for him (Joshua 23:10)? Again, what must the Israelites do (Joshua 23:11)? What would be the opposite of loving the Lord (Joshua 23:12)? And what will happen if they mix with the world (Joshua 23:13)? What has not failed in Joshua 23:14? What kind of word will also not fail, according to Joshua 23:15? What will happen to Israel if they break the covenant (Joshua 23:16)?In this week’s Old Testament reading, we see the great faithfulness of God to His Word. He has brought Israel into the promised land. He has given them victory over their enemies. He has driven out before them great and strong nations. He has divided to them by lot the nations that remain.
The main point of the passage is clear. Not one word has fallen. Twice in Joshua 23:14. Not one word has failed!
For us, this certainty is underlined even more. For, Israel did not love Yahweh their God (Joshua 23:11) and cling to Him (Joshua 23:8). They were instead happy to have the same priorities as the world, and to intermarry with them—choosing rather to fit in with the nations around them, they chose that friendship of the world which the Scripture tells us is enmity with God (cf. James 4:3-4). And what happened? Exactly what the Lord’s prophet said would happen. The anger of Yahweh burned against them, and they perished quickly from the good land which God gave them. No falling words.
Now, the Lord has given us infallible words too. He has told us that the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His might angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, punishing them with everlasting destruction that comes from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power (2 Thess 1:7-9). Not one of these words will fail.
But the Lord has also told us that Christ came down from above for sinners, and that having died for their sins, He rose again from the dead—that if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in Your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. That through this faith comes righteousness, and when your mouth’s statements are the expression of such heart belief, that this is also a word that cannot fail. Whoever thus believes on Him will not be put to shame. Whoever thus calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:6-13. These words, too, cannot fail. Hallelujah!
How sure do you know God’s words to be? Which of His never-failing words is true about you?
Suggested songs: ARP29 “You Sons of the Gods” or TPH265 “In Christ Alone”
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