Monday, May 31 - Joshua 24:1-18 – David Parish

At the end of the book of Deuteronomy Joshua becomes the leader of the Israelites upon the death of Moses –‘Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him.’ Joshua had clearly been prepared by God to be the next leader of his chosen people. What an incredible position for Joshua to be placed in; but what an incredible responsibility at the same time. Joshua was a brilliant military leader and a strong spiritual influence. He recognized that the key to his success was his submission to God.  When God spoke Joshua listened and obeyed.

At the end of the book of Joshua, Joshua knows that his earthly life is almost over. He gathers all the leaders of the Israel together. He reminds them of what God has done for them since the time of Abraham. He specifically recounts all that happened after they crossed the Jordan River and entered the Promised Land. He tells how they conquered their foes with God’s help. He also points out how God let them be defeated when sin had entered their midst. Joshua finishes by urging the people to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully. One of our more recognizable passages from the Bible is found here - ‘But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord’. In the early 1900s, Oswald Chambers wrote that we must rise to the occasion – do what the trial demands of you. May God not find complaints in us anymore but spiritual vitality – a readiness to face anything He brings our way. Sounds a lot like Joshua, doesn’t it.

So where does that leave us today at Central? We have been on a journey the last several years with the 2010 Odyssey. We have participated in the Reveal Survey to learn more about ourselves. We have made some major decisions in the recent past. Have we been faithful to God as a congregation? I firmly believe that we have.  Has God been faithful to us? Absolutely! God has equipped us for every step that we have taken as a congregation. What does the future hold for us as a congregation of God’s people? I don’t have any better answer to that question than you do. But I do know that if we listen to God and obey him like Joshua did there are no limits to the possibilities of things that will happen!

Father God, you have given us a wonderful example in Joshua. Show us how to be like Joshua and put our complete trust in you in all circumstances. ‘As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord’. Amen.