Meditation
HOLD FAST TO THE LORD
Text: Joshua 23-24
31 August 2014
FAREWELL SPEECH OF JOSHUA
The last two chapters of the Book of Joshua record the last words of Joshua to the children of Israel. These words were delivered with great emotion and deliberation!
1. With Deep Emotion
a) Joshua spoke of being “old and advanced in age” Joshua 23:2
b) He spoke of what he had done to help the children of Israel to inherit the land
Joshua 23:4
c) Joshua had devoted his entire life to serving the Lord
i) As Moses’ assistant
ii) As his successor
2. With Deliberate Emphasis
a) Joshua urged the people to do the following things
i) To be courageous in keeping the word of the Lord Joshua 23:6
ii) To be faithful and never to swerve in following the Lord Joshua 23:7
iii) To hold fast to the Lord Joshua 23:8
b) Joshua warned the children of Israel of dire consequences should they be unfaithful
i) The danger of idolatry Joshua 23:7
ii) The danger of transgressing the Covenant of the Lord Joshua 23:16
iii) Instead of doing good, the Lord would have to chastise them in
righteous anger Joshua 23:16
TAKING TIME TO REVIEW HISTORY
The Lord spoke to the children of Israel through Joshua. They must not forget their history! The following are important facts that must never be forgotten!
1. God’s Calling of Abraham Joshua 24:3
2. God’s Covenant with the patriarchs Joshua 24:4
3. God’s Deliverance of the children of Israel from Egypt Joshua 24:5-7
4. God’s Leading through the wilderness Joshua 24:7
5. God’s Conquest of the land of Canaan Joshua 24:8-13
AN IMPORTANT CHALLENGE
Joshua’s last few words encouraged the children of Israel to do the following:-
1. To fear the Lord Joshua 24:14
2. To serve the Lord Joshua 24:14
A SIGNIFICANT REPLY
The children of Israel responded valiantly to this challenge. They made a strong commitment to serve the Lord and to obey Him always (Joshua 24:18). May we too determine that we will always serve the Lord faithfully.