Do Not Turn Aside
Scripture Passage: Joshua 23:1-7 (NASB)
1 Now it came about after many days, when the Lord had given rest to Israel from all their enemies on every side, and Joshua was old, advanced in years, 2 that Joshua called for all Israel, for their elders, their heads, their judges, and their officers, and said to them, “I am old, advanced in years. 3 And you have seen all that the Lord your God has done to all these nations because of you, for the Lord your God is He who has been fighting for you. 4 See, I have apportioned to you these nations which remain as an inheritance for your tribes, with all the nations which I have eliminated, from the Jordan even to the Great Sea toward the west. 5 And the Lord your God, He will thrust them away from you and drive them from you; and you will take possession of their land, just as the Lord your God promised you. 6 Be very determined, then, to keep and do everything that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, so that you will not turn aside from it to the right or to the left, 7 so that you will not associate with these nations, these which remain with you, or mention the name of their gods, or make anyone swear by them, or serve them, or bow down to them.
SUMMARY
The Lord God gave Israel rest from all their enemies. Joshua now is advanced in years and called all the leaders, judges, elders and officers to admonish and encourage them. He reminded them of God’s faithfulness and His unwavering commitment to fulfill all His promises. Joshua continued to prompt the Israelites that the God who fought for them (Joshua 23:2), will carry them through till the end (Joshua 23:5). He told them to keep and do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses and not to deviate from following Him. Lastly, Joshua admonished the Israelites not to associate with the nations that remain with them and be certain not to serve other gods.
REFLECTION
Joshua’s exhortation to keep the Law and not turn to the right or the left, was not to make the Israelites and lawful and religious nation, but rather, an obedient one.
In proverbs 4:25-27, it says, “Let your eyes look directly ahead and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. Watch the path of your feet and all your ways will be established. Do not turn to the right nor to the left; turn your foot from evil.” This is impossible to do as man, since we are all sinful in our nature, but God provides a solution. So how are we to obey and do what God requires?
In Isaiah 30:21 it says, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
And finally in Pslams 119:19, “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.” And we are all familiar with how God’s word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. As I mediate and reflect on God’s words, I get to know God’s heart and my relationship with Him deepens as a natural result. So His desire becomes mine and I die to my own desires a step at a time. God’s words are what purifies my thought and heart, it clearly shows me the way and even if I wasn’t sure, I know unequivocally and emphatically that I can not go wrong trusting Him to lead me.
APPLICATION
As my children are growing up, I see myself growing older. I still feel healthy and strong, by God’s grace, but my days are limited and I feel like I’m living on borrowed time. As I read Joshua’s pleas for the Israelites to obey God and not associate with the ungodly, I also feel a massive burden to pass this on to my children and the next generation. This heritage of faith is an eternal and priceless gift I want to pass on. No amount of wealth, trust, and estate will be as important as this. I sat down with my daughter during QT and shared this truth. She agreed, probably just as the Israelites did before Joshua. My job here is to point others to Christ, to direct the attention to His greatness and majesty, not to me. So I dedicate myself once again to not grow weary while I’m living this life, but to hear what the Lord says and how He directs me through His words daily. I’m ardent to share with my children every chance I get in following the Lord and not our culture. Also in my workplace and church, I will serve them humbly and try to be an example for the next generation.
PRAYER
Lord, Your law is perfect and it converts the soul, just as the Bible says. I thank You for giving us these words of life and most of all, Jesus who became the true living Word in the flesh. Forgive me Father for wanting to be like the world that does not fear or obey You. I turn from this and once again, turn back to keep Your ways and do what pleases You. This is what I’m called to do and I find my greatest joy and rest when I do Your will. Help our children and the next generation to devote themselves to fully and wholeheartedly follow You. Keep their feet from evil and help their focus to be straight on You. Father pour on them a double portion of Your blessing.
In Jesus name, amen.
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