TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Joshua 13:8-33
But to the tribe of Levi, Moses had given no inheritance. - Joshua 13:33
TODAY IN THE WORD
Ralph Waldo Emerson, the author and philosopher, has an interesting take on the motivation behind courage. He writes, “Courage charms us, because it indicates that a man loves an idea better than all things in the world, that he is thinking neither of his bed, nor his dinner, nor his money, but will venture all to put in action the invisible thought of his mind.” Joshua and Moses before him found their courage in a greater source than just an idea—it was God Himself. It certainly wasn't mere material gain they were after.

As we read through the description of the land Moses had allotted to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, we're twice reminded of what Moses didn't assign. The Levites had yet to receive an inheritance of land. At first we see that as their inheritance, Levi was to receive the burnt offerings given by the other tribes to God (see Deut. 10:9; 18:1). This practice of offering for the sustenance of the priests reminded the Levites and the rest of Israel that God provided all they had.

But the material inheritance wasn't really the issue here; rather it's a symbol for a better, more important inheritance. Verse 33 states it differently, saying that the Lord Himself is the inheritance of Levi. It might seem like a small distinction, but think back over the battles of Joshua. How easily was the land obtained by Israel? If the land of promise and a peaceful existence were so easily gained, how quickly could it also be lost? Material inheritance is fleeting. The food the priests ate from burnt offerings only satisfied for a moment. But the Levites had an enduring, intimate connection to God that could not be invaded or stolen.

And isn't that Israel's greatest inheritance of all? The Promised Land was wonderful, and Israel enjoyed it. But they were only able to receive these parcels of land because God was with them. God's presence, the divine spiritual inheritance, rewarded them beyond any material gift. The relationship symbolized by the ark of the covenant was far superior to the real estate that came as a result. The Levites weren't missing out on an added bonus—knowing God is a reward in itself.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
God has blessed all nations of the earth through the descendants of Abraham. He has given us the inheritance of eternal life. Not just living forever, but living with a superb quality of loving communion with God. We have faith in Christ, we're indwelled by the Holy Spirit, and we commune with the Father. With that immense stockpile of blessing, why do we still grasp for material pleasure? If your focus has shifted to stuff, turn your attention to the blessings of your inheritance in Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Joshua 14:1-15:19
So here I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out. - Joshua 14:10, 11
TODAY IN THE WORD
Billy Graham knows something more than the courage of battle or victory over oppression. His legacy is of moral courage, winning spiritual battles in an age of immorality. He said, “Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened.”

Caleb had that kind of courage. It's hard not to smile when reading his words. He's 85 and still as strong as ever. Bring on the Anakites!

The conversation between Joshua and Caleb must have been a sight to behold. Joshua was probably about one hundred years old (24:29). No one else in the entire country would have been within twenty years of those two venerable leaders. And Caleb brings us back in time to when he and Joshua were the lone voices of courage among the spies. That courage hadn't dwindled in either of them, and it's so refreshing to hear confident words of faith from men who had walked with God for decades.

Notice that Caleb doesn't want his portion to be any of the lands conquered thus far. He specifically requests an inheritance in the land that is protected by fortified cities. He wasn't content just to have faith in God, he wanted to put his faith in action.

If you were to read past Joshua and into the first chapter of Judges, you'd see Caleb's story from chapter 15 repeated almost verbatim—Caleb delivered on his promise to drive the Anakites out from the land. But in the other battles recorded at the outset of Judges, Caleb is the only one mentioned who drove out the enemy from the land he inherited (Judg. 1:20). Every other tribe in that passage failed to rid the land of their opponents. An interesting note awaits us at the conclusion of chapter 14. The land changed names because Caleb drove out the descendants of the man for whom it was originally named.

Despite all the land Caleb received, a finer reward was the compliment he received in verse 14: “He followed the Lord, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly.” No inheritance can ever take the place of such a legacy.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Caleb's example is an inspirational reminder of purpose for believers of all ages. Retirement was definitely not in Caleb's vocabulary. That isn't to say that retiring from a vocation is unbiblical or undeserved. Rather, following God with courage and confidence is a lifelong pursuit. And for those far younger than Caleb was in today's reading, remember that the end goal of life is not to rest from all labor but to serve Him wholeheartedly for as long as we can.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Joshua 15:20-63; 2 Samuel 5:1-12
This is the inheritance of the tribe of Judah. - Joshua 15:20
TODAY IN THE WORD
Rosa Parks didn't set out to change a nation or start a revolution. When she courageously refused to move to the back of the bus fifty years ago, her reasoning was simple. As she put it, “All I was doing was trying to get home from work.” It was an eventful trip home that helped bring rest, not just to Rosa Parks, but to entire generations of Americans as well.

The trek home for the tribe of Judah was not without incident either, although today's reading simply describes the landscape to which they arrived. We have to peel back the layers of history in order to appreciate today's text more fully.

Among the tribes of Israel and the land that they inherited, Judah is especially significant, because it was out of this tribe that Israel would find her king. Interestingly enough, it was King David who would finally finish the job of claiming the land exclusively for Israel.

The tribe of Judah was not able to drive out the Jebusites from Jerusalem (Josh. 15:63). But this was to be the permanent home of the line of kings and the temple. Occupation by worshipers of other gods was unacceptable.

After David was anointed king in Hebron, the next action we see him take is the attack on the Jebusites in Jerusalem. After their perseverance through many years of Israel's residence in the land, the Jebusites seemed to have developed a rather arrogant attitude. Whatever courage they had was misplaced, however, for David won and claimed the fortress as his own.

For Israel, the courage to fully claim the land that God promised came a few generations later, but God didn't waver in His faithfulness. It's another example that Joshua's campaign is an example of God's grace and mercy. Even though Israel failed in completing some of the tasks God had commanded them, God remained true to His covenant with them.

Seeing David capture the palace and validate his reign on the throne of Israel foreshadows an even mightier King who would walk the streets of Jerusalem and emerge from the line of David, a Savior who could permanently wipe out sin from any fortress and any heart.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As David showed us, strength and courage are indispensable in battle—but they're also a necessity in the fight against sin.

Don't believe the lie that you simply can't overcome sin in your life. The Lord is with us! Ask the Holy Spirit to help you drive out sinful attitudes and protect you from unrighteous behavior and reactions. Don't be discouraged and don't wait for the next generation to fight the battle for you. We have victory through Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Joshua 16:1-17:18
Though they are strong, you can drive them out. - Joshua 17:18
TODAY IN THE WORD
Before his days as President, Lyndon Johnson served in the House of Representatives, as a lieutenant in the Navy, in the Senate, and as the Vice President. He knew something about being a leader and the dangers of growing complacent. In an address to Congress after World War II he said, “I pray we are still a young and courageous nation, that we have not grown so old and so fat and so prosperous that all we can think about is to sit back with our arms around our money bags. If we choose to do that, I have no doubt that the smoldering fires will burst into flame and consume us—dollars and all.”

Joshua may have had similar concerns about the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh (the two tribes of Joseph) when they complained of insufficient inheritance in today's reading. The first request posed to Joshua was perfectly legitimate. The daughters of Zelophehad were following up on a command the Lord had given to Moses when they originally petitioned him for their rightful inheritance (Num. 27).

Ephraim failed to drive out the Canaanites from their land (v. 10). Joshua was from the tribe of Ephraim (Num. 13:. Their lapse in faithfulness was likely to be particularly disappointing for him. The same thing occurred with Manasseh; they were unable to dislodge the Canaanites. Although they lacked the courage to take on the iron chariots, they had the nerve to ask Joshua for a larger inheritance. When Joshua proposed another option, the combined tribes admitted that they lacked the strength to take hold of the land God was handing them (17:15).

But here is an example of Joshua's purposeful leadership in action. Although they probably deserved it, Joshua doesn't scold them for their disbelief. Instead, he boldly reassures them of their strength, commands them to take and clear the forest country for themselves, and encourages them that iron chariots will not be enough to prevent them from completing their task.

From Judges we learn that they weren't completely successful, but forcing the Canaanites into submission was an improvement on their initial inability to occupy the land at all (1:27-29).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Have you been asking God for something only to become frustrated when He doesn't seem to deliver? Take heart and learn from the tribes of the son of Joseph. First of all, don't lose your sense of gratitude for the abundance of grace God has given you. And secondly, make sure that you are being faithful to obey God. Faith is not a passive journey. God may answer your prayer through your own courageous obedience.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Joshua 18:1-19:51
How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land? - Joshua 18:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
John F. Kennedy wrote, “The courage of life is often a less dramatic spectacle than the courage of a final moment; but it is no less a magnificent mixture of triumph and tragedy.” Today's passage is filled with courage that might go unnoticed. Casting lots and setting boundaries might seem like an uneventful chore, but each area was filled with towns and villages, and the land still had its share of less-than-friendly Canaanites.

Even after such a long period of wandering in the wilderness, the Israelites needed some encouragement from Joshua to go possess their inheritance (v. 3). If you haven't already done so, you'll probably want to consult a map of Israel at the time of the conquest of Canaan (you may have one at the back of your Bible). After the tribes of Gad, Reuben, Judah, Manasseh, and Ephraim had their allotments, the remaining tribes (with the exception of Levi) cast lots and laid their claim to what was still a sizeable portion of the land. Any additional fighting may not have been significant enough to record, but obediently stepping into the prime real estate of the Promised Land still required courageous faith.

We do learn of one specific battle involving the tribe of Dan, but if you compare Bible translations you'll notice some uncertainty about the details. While the NIV translates the first Hebrew phrase in Joshua 19:47 as “But the Danites had difficulty taking possession of their territory,” the NASB reads, “And the territory of the sons of Dan proceeded beyond them.” The former view indicates that some of the Danites were forced from their southern inheritance to live instead in the north. The latter paints a more positive picture of Dan as dislodging a troublesome faction above and beyond their assigned responsibility. This latter view seems more consistent; both versions indicate that Dan fought valiantly at least once. Many Bible scholars conclude that courage was the rule for Dan rather than the exception.

After a long, courageous bout with the enemy, Joshua received his well-deserved inheritance among his tribe. Finally, the assignment of the land God promised was finished.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
You don't have to be in a dramatic climax of life in order to show courage. Following God through mundane stretches of time requires much spiritual fortitude. Sometimes we get complacent and need to hear words similar to Joshua's speech to the unsettled tribes. How long will you wait to take the inheritance God has given you? If you're enjoying still waters, today plunge into the depth of God's love through prayer and meditation on His Word.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Joshua 20:1-9; Numbers 35:9-34
Do not pollute the land where you are. Bloodshed pollutes the land. - Numbers 35:33
TODAY IN THE WORD
Through his character Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle tells us that courage is more than brashly ignoring danger. He writes, “It is stupidity rather than courage to refuse to recognize danger when it is close upon you.” That bit of wisdom applies quite well to the crux of today's reading in a couple of different ways.

For the nation as a whole, it would have been foolish to deny the possibility of tragic deaths, either accidental or malicious, especially now that the people were spread out across a wide array of settlements. Without a plan to handle such a situation, the Promised Land could have closely resembled the chaos of the American Old West. God in His foresight provided Israel with a justice system that would apply to the whole land and could help see to it that patience and truth would prevail over irrational rage.

The quote also applies to the person who causes a death—it would be doubly foolish to think that no punishment would come as a result of costing a man his life. A man in that position no longer needs courage; he needs protection.

The passage in Numbers gives us a more detailed account of the philosophy of justice for murder, and it's much different than what we're used to today. When evaluating the incident, at least two witnesses needed to testify about the death (v. 30); in our society, one eyewitness can be evidence for conviction.

If the accused was convicted of murder, a relative of the victim was permitted to avenge the murder by taking the life of the guilty person (v. 19). Even if he was deemed innocent of malicious, intentional murder, causing a death was still a serious offense, and the offender couldn't leave the city of refuge until the death of the high priest without fearing for his life (vv. 26-28).

We may wonder at this, but God wanted to stress that all life is valuable, and there is punishment for murder and consequences even for accidents. Yet God still demonstrates His mercy by instituting protections in the legal system and by providing cities of refuge.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Hopefully the specifics of today's reading don't come into play in your life any time soon, but there's an important truth in the text that applies to all of us. God places tremendous value on human life. He would do anything to save a life, but He can't ignore justice to do it. Jesus died on the cross to save us, suffering the penalty that sin imposed on all mankind. We need to value human life in the same way; tell someone the good news today. Introduce them to the refuge of grace.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Joshua 21:1-42; Numbers 35:1-8
The towns you give the Levites . . . are to be given in proportion to the inheritance of each tribe. - Numbers 35:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
A proverb about courage attributed to Aesop reads, “It is easy to be brave from a safe distance.” The Levites were not afforded that luxury. One might think that the priests of Israel, the Levites, would have been set apart and isolated from the other tribes of Israel, but God didn't plan it that way. They weren't a safe distance away from the people they were supposed to lead spiritually, and as God's handpicked representatives, they were to be close to the Almighty as well.

Several times throughout Joshua we've been reminded that the Levites' inheritance was the Lord Himself; serving Him was their reward. But they still needed a place to live. God provided for them in a unique way, bringing provision from every other tribe in Israel. Consulting a map will show that the Levites were spread so evenly across the land that no one was very far from a city of priests.

This wasn't a last-minute decision. God commanded Moses that the land be shared with the priests in this way. The book of Numbers describes the parameters for the Levite cities, and they include generously sized pastures around each one. God didn't overlook His priests; He was determined to show His provision to them in a way that creatively taught the truth of God with unforgettable permanence and profound symbolism.

God's pattern for sustaining the priests had always been for the people to support them according to each one's possessions and income. The distribution of Levite cities was no different. God commanded the larger territories to yield more cities and the smaller to give up less. This fair and wise method provided ample space for the Levites and even distribution of priests throughout the land. It also rooted all of the tribes in the truth that the land was given to them by God and should be shared generously with His servants.

Six of the Levite cities also became the cities of refuge we read about yesterday. It's interesting to note that God chose priests to be a symbol of protection in times of trouble. “City of refuge” may sound like a military term, but it's men of faith, not weapon-bearing warriors, who provide asylum from vengeance.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As salt and light in the world, we can't be satisfied living a safe distance from the world.

God has placed you in a position to be a spiritual leader to those around you. Stay close to Him through your personal time with God, and make the most of your place in the world so that the spiritually needy can come to you for help. The Lord will be with you; don't fear those who don't believe. God is greater than the world, and He can give you victory over your own flaws and fears.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Joshua 21:43-45
The Lord gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their forefathers. - Joshua 21:44
TODAY IN THE WORD
A quote from one of the characters in Harper Lee's masterpiece novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, speaks to a different kind of courage: “It was times like these when I thought my father, who hated guns and had never been to any wars, was the bravest man who ever lived.” Joshua's courage led Israel through divinely victorious battles into the promise of God's peace from war; but the true test of Israel's courage wasn't in how they fought, but how they lived after the battle.

The last portion of Joshua 21 is an amazing statement, given all that Israel was up against. They were a people prone to disobedience. Physically, they were dwarfed by the Canaanites. But nothing stood in the way of God's promise to Israel during the reign of Joshua; neither physical enemies nor spiritual failures could prevent God from showing His love.

Think for a moment about how improbable it was for Israel to enter Canaan. Consider everything that happened in between God's covenant with Abraham and today's reading. Israel had started as a nation of one, and that one wasn't even born until after Abraham and Sarah were well beyond childbearing years. But that one became a multitude—through sacrifices and substitutions; stolen birthrights and switched brides; a coat of many colors and the plotting of many brothers; imprisonment and empowerment; captivity and deliverance; plagues and a Passover; grumbling and wandering; and finally, strength and courage—the nation of Israel had their land, and they had their rest.

Everything we've learned of Israel to this point in their history shows that they were a nation prone to wander, contentious and disobedient. There was nothing in their character as a people that set them apart as decidedly godly or sanctified—nothing, that is, except for a constant thread of faith. There was always someone in Israel who showed faith in God.

When we read that not one of the Lord's promises failed, we know who deserves the glory. God is faithful above anything Israel deserved. He held on to Israel by a lifeline of faith, and no matter what happened after Israel claimed their land, they had ample evidence that God reigns supreme.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Joshua and Israel had missteps of their own along the way, but God kept His promises to them.

We can take heart in that invaluable lesson about God's longsuffering love. Don't get discouraged by your failures and your weaknesses—we all have them. Instead, take courage that God has given you faith and forgiveness. The Lord is mightier than the world around you and the sin inside you. Serve Him with confidence and praise Him today!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Joshua 22:1-34
Far be it from us to rebel against the Lord. - Joshua 22:29
TODAY IN THE WORD
Susan B. Anthony, a leader in the reforms that brought about a woman's right to vote, was not the most popular figure in her time. But her courage to face negative public opinion made her a hero in American history. She said, “Cautious, careful people always casting about to preserve their reputation and social standing, never can bring about a reform.”

Courage in the face of popular opposition was exhibited on both sides of the conflict between the tribes east and west of the Jordan. The tribes east of the Jordan feared that their decision to claim the pasturelands of Gilead would be interpreted as an intentional withdrawal from the rest of Israel. Although they proved their loyalty by arming themselves and joining in the conquering of Canaan, they wanted to provide a lasting reminder of their allegiance to Israel and their unity in the Lord. They wanted future generations to know that a natural boundary could not separate their supernatural connection, so they boldly built a very large replica of the altar that stood before the tabernacle.

The tribes west of the Jordan reacted with courage as well. They were prepared to go to battle to defend the honor of the Lord and prevent the punishment of God's wrath. It's remarkable that Israel had really seemed to learn from the lessons of the past. They knew that God would punish them for worshiping other gods (Num. 25:1-9) or for claiming ownership of what was rightfully God's (Josh. 7). In the past, Israel had been slow to take action against blatant rebellion against God, but in this case they reacted swiftly and collectively at the mere possibility of a sin among their people. Their courage should be applauded!

But they didn't just react in haste; they confronted the eastern tribes to allow them to explain their actions. Those tribes responded to the reaction with appropriate humility and grace. They explained that their altar was in no way intended to take the place of the true tabernacle altar or to be used to worship other gods. By their response it was obvious their hearts were in the right place.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
It can be a very scary thing to confront sin, but ignoring it is even more terrifying. The Israelites had seen their brothers die because sin had gone unchecked.

Although we're tempted to overlook sin, gossip about it, or even join in the sin, the appropriate approach is to confront it firmly, clearly, and lovingly. Even if it's a misunderstanding, as in today's reading, God is glorified when we risk being unpopular for the sake of righteousness.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Joshua 23:1-16
So be very careful to love the Lord your God. - Joshua 23:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
Theodore Roosevelt gave a famous speech: “It is not the critic who counts. . . . The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes short again and again, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause, who at best knows achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”

Joshua wasn't perfect, but he was faithful with the task God gave him. Yesterday's reading was a testament to the profound results of Joshua's leadership: his people had hearts inclined toward righteousness. Joshua trusted God in battle; no matter how many swords, spears, and chariots came his way, he held strong. It seems clear by their obedience that the nation of Israel noticed.

Joshua assembled the leaders of Israel for a farewell speech, and reminded them of the victories God has won for them. He assured them of the victories yet to come in completing the command to drive out the enemy. As God had done for him at the outset of the campaign, Joshua gave the leaders very clear instructions.

Be strong. Obey God. Don't serve or worship the gods of the people you conquered. And Joshua really seems to link the trait of courage with the battle of compromise, because he reminds them of their victories as a reason for staying true to God. And when Joshua says, “one of you routs a thousand,” he's not exaggerating (v. 10). The leaders of Israel have seen firsthand what the Lord can do for them.

But they've also seen what God can do against them, and Joshua reminds them of the consequences of unfaithfulness. You might feel a chill down your spine when you read verse 13, because it foreshadows the whips and thorns of Christ's suffering that came at the hands of a more powerful foreign nation. As strong a leader as Joshua was, he was not powerful enough to erase the devastating effects of sin.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Joshua's warning is a powerful reminder that the all-inclusive nature of our culture doesn't mesh well with God's plans. Today's false gospel of “whatever god you worship is okay,” has no place with the faith described in the Bible. At times you might be disappointed with the imperfect people who believe in the exclusive claims of God, but our faith is not in men. Our entire hope is placed in the only One who can bring us eternal life and victory over sin—Jesus Christ, Son of the one true God.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Joshua 24:1-13
So I gave you a land on which you did not toil and cities you did not build. - Joshua 24:13
TODAY IN THE WORD
General Douglas MacArthur paints an interesting portrait of a soldier: “The soldier, above all other men, is required to perform the highest act of religious teaching—sacrifice. In battle and in the face of danger and death he discloses those divine attributes, which his Maker gave when He created man in his own image. No physical courage and no brute instincts can take the place of the divine annunciation and spiritual uplift which will alone sustain him.”

Joshua was a teacher. He was particularly capable of demonstrating for Israel precisely how to follow God. Most of the time he taught by example, but today is more of a history lesson with a lecture provided from the Lord (v. 2). In it, we retrace the mobile journey of Israel from Abraham's original home in Ur, through a tour of Canaan, the journey into Egypt, the Exodus out of Egypt, the prolonged wandering in the desert, and the conquest of the Promised Land. Joshua also clearly states that at every step of the way, Israel was never alone. God was with them, clearing the way for them to complete their journey into a permanent home of blessing.

Verses 12 and 13 punctuate that point. It was not Israel themselves who defeated their enemies. What's more, they inherited more than just land; it was developed land at that (v. 13). Joshua makes a very subtle point here. The Promised Land was occupied by wicked people who worshiped false gods, but the one true God raised them into prominence to build cities for His people to enjoy. In a sense, the Canaanites had been Israel's forced labor before they ever set foot in the land.

In effect, Israel didn't have to expend their strength to take the land, nor did they have to toil and sweat to make the land livable. God, in His sovereign wisdom, provided Israel with the perfect inheritance, ready for them to enjoy. It remained to be seen how Israel would handle the privilege of having everything they could have hoped for. Tomorrow, our focus will shift to the future commitment of Israel. The lesson of today, though, is that God had dramatically and unmistakably lavished Israel with everything He promised, and much more than they deserved.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
It's worthwhile to reflect on the history of our faith. It shows us God's divinely orchestrated plan to bring us into His family. Who is the person, or people, who helped lead you to know Christ? If you haven't already, try to learn how they came to faith. Trace back your spiritual lineage as far as you can go. You won't have to go far to be amazed at the intricate care the Lord took to include you in His plan of salvation.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Joshua 24:14-27
But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. - Joshua 24:15
TODAY IN THE WORD
Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “It is plain that there is no separate essence called courage, no cup or cell in the brain, no vessel in the heart containing drops or atoms that make or give this virtue; but it is the right or healthy state of every man, when he is free to do that which is constitutional to him to do.” Indeed, Israel's courage was rooted in their willingness to fulfill God's designed purpose: to serve Him.

Joshua emphasizes that purpose in no uncertain terms. It's really not that complicated. Ironically, this man whose driving purpose was to be strong and courageous begins his final charge to Israel by instructing them to fear. He said, “Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped . . . and serve the Lord” (v. 14).

Joshua doesn't just command Israel to obey; he gives them a choice and makes evident his choice to serve the Lord. And the people respond with conviction that they, too, would serve the Lord, recounting His great works on their behalf. Joshua reminds them that obedience, while simple to understand, is not easy to execute. He warns the people of God's holy nature and Israel's spotty record. Still, Israel resolutely professed the commitment to serve the Lord.

So there at Shechem, Joshua made a covenant for Israel in the same city where Abraham first made an altar to God in Canaan (Gen. 12:6). For a more detailed picture of the covenant and the decrees and laws, you may want to devote some time to read chapters 19-24 in Exodus when Moses performed a similar act on Israel's behalf.

Joshua once again provides an object lesson to teach Israel and their descendants the importance of following God's law. The rock under the oak tree stood as a witness against Israel if they ever strayed from their allegiance to God. In fact, all the people of Israel were witnesses against themselves, having testified that they would serve the Lord and not be moved to worship other gods. History shows us, however, that Israel did not long show the stability and fortitude of the rock. But while Joshua was leading them, as we'll study tomorrow, their commitment to the Lord was firm.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
You've probably noticed by now that a hallmark of Joshua's leadership was the frequent repetition of the law of God for all of Israel to hear. Israel's faithfulness under Joshua wasn't by chance. We can't expect to be faithful to God if we don't make His Word a fixture in our lives. Memorizing Scripture is a great way to give the Bible a permanent place in your heart. Why not start with Joshua 24:23?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Joshua 24:28-33
Israel served the Lord throughout the lifetime of Joshua. - Joshua 24:31
TODAY IN THE WORD
On the first day of the month, we looked at a quote from Andrew Jackson, and we'll revisit that thought today. He said, “One man with courage makes a majority.”

That sums up Joshua's life as a leader in Israel. Not many leaders in all of history could lay claim to what is said of Joshua in verse 31. His nation served the Lord until the day he died, and even after that throughout the lives of the other leaders who served under him.

Joshua died at the age of 110, and what an eventful 110-year period it was. When Joshua was born, Israel was under captivity in Egypt. When he died, they were enjoying the peace and riches of the Promised Land. He held the distinct honor of being buried in the same land as Joseph, of whom Joshua was a direct descendant. And the book of Joshua concludes with the burial of Eleazar, the High Priest. So in the land of the sons of Joseph were buried a general, a priest, and a forefather of the nation. We get the sense that an era of faithfulness is drawing to a close in Israel. The years that followed would be marked by a cycle of disobedience, judgment, and redemption, which makes Joshua's consistent leadership and Israel's faithfulness under him all the more remarkable.

Through a summary glance at Joshua's leadership, it doesn't seem difficult. God gave him clear directions, Joshua followed them, and Israel was greatly blessed. So why is Joshua's example such a rare item in the history of the world? Maybe because Joshua understood that he wasn't primarily a leader; he was a follower of the Lord. He let God call the shots. When Joshua acted without God's specific direction, he made mistakes. But when he did listen to God's commands, he followed them with unparalleled courage.

God commanded him to lead His people, which involved being strong, courageous, and obedient. Courage, strength, and submission don't often materialize in one man, but when they do, it makes for a powerful combination. Joshua did that. He lived up to the name Moses had given him: “The Lord brings salvation.”
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If you're looking for that secret ingredient that made Joshua a great leader, don't look at Joshua. Look to God. His power, His Word, and His faithfulness are all available to you. Then you have to look at yourself.

If making money, having fun, and being popular are among your top goals, you can never be the leader Joshua was. But if serving the Lord is your definition of success, God will give you the strength and courage to fulfill your purpose.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 58
Surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth. - Psalm 58:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
One of the most tragic incidents of social injustice in American history is the Triangle Waist Company fire in New York City on March 25, 1911. Because factory owners had locked the doors to prevent petty theft, garment workers were unable to escape when a fire broke out. In addition, though the city already had 800 skyscrapers, no fire department ladders reached above the sixth story, so the fire raged unchecked through floors 8 through 10 of the factory building. As a result, 146 workers died, most of them younger women who had been working long hours for low wages. The factory owners collected $60,000 in insurance, while the families of the dead workers received only $75 each.

Fortunately for the cause of justice, “there is a God who judges the earth” (v. 11). Sometimes we need to hear this, to remember that His love and patience are not oblivious or weak. This psalm, which might be called a prophetic lament, begins by calling leaders to account (vv. 1-5). The concern here is for systemic justice, for the protection of the poor and the powerless. Unfortunately, in this case the rulers were acting unjustly, with the psalmist describing their wickedness in poetic analogies to make his point. A judge who will not hear pleas for justice is like a deadly cobra deaf to the snake charmer's music. Snake charmers, often associated with royal courts or magic arts, had a long history in the Near East, stretching back at least as far as the court of Pharaoh in the days of Moses.

Thankfully, despite such leaders God promises that justice will be done (vv. 6-11). The series of images—broken teeth, evaporating water, blunted arrows, melting slug, stillborn child, feet bathed in blood—may be shocking to our cultural sensibilities, but our cultural sensibilities often forget how horrific evil really is. The point is that the wicked will be defeated, the righteous avenged and rewarded, and God's name glorified.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Because our God is altogether righteous and just, we as Christians are to be working for righteousness and justice in our societies. This is part of what it means to be “salt and light.” Today, consider specific ways in which you might take action against social injustice and sin. For example, as God leads you might champion the rights of the unborn, battle pornography, or stand up against racism. Choose a specific way to get involved—you might even ask a friend to join you for mutual encouragement and accountability.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 59
O my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God. - Psalm 59:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
Theologian J. I. Packer had these thoughts on power: “It is clear from the New Testament that God meant His power to accompany the gospel, and to find expression through its messengers and in the lives of those to whom the message comes.” As a result, he suggested the following: “It is right to aspire to use one's God-given gifts in powerful and useful ministry . . . It is right to want to be a channel of divine power into other people's lives at their points of need . . . It is right to want to be divinely empowered for righteousness, for moral victories, for deliverance from bad habits, and for pleasing God.”

In short, God is our strength for victorious living, the truth at the core of today's psalm (vv. 9-10a, 17). As the header indicates, David knew this truth from his experiences during the long years between his anointing by Samuel and his appointment to the kingship. Psalm 59 was written during those days, and no doubt used in later years in situations of war or natural disaster.

The prayer is for deliverance and protection (vv. 1-2). The main petition of a psalm is usually stated up front; if we lose the trajectory in a psalm, we can often return to the first verse or two to help us get back on track with the main idea. Interwoven with additional words of prayer, the situation is often then described, which is done here as well (vv. 3-8). David asserted that he wasn't in this crisis as a consequence of sin, but that “bloodthirsty men” conspired against him. Like packs of wild dogs, they harassed him. They seemed to believe they could get away with sin—but God laughs at and punishes such foolishness (vv. 10b-13).

Divine justice is poetic (vv. 14-16). The “dogs” return at the end of the psalm, but instead of being dangerous they're pathetic. The psalmist is no longer desperate but singing praises to his loving God.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In the imagery of the psalms, night often represents trouble or despair, while daybreak and sunlight stand for well-being and hope. To celebrate true Christian hope, conclude your devotional time today by singing “Morning Has Broken,” found in many hymnbooks. This song speaks of the morning of Christ's resurrection, surely the most triumphant sunrise in history. If this hymn is unfamiliar to you, you can hear the version that Michael Card sings on his 1998 album Starkindler.