Promises, Promises
Opening Prayer
Faithful God, I thank You that You keep all Your great promises and never, ever forget even one!
Read Joshua 23:12-16
[12] “But if you turn away and ally yourselves with the survivors of these nations that remain among you and if you intermarry with them and associate with them, [13] then you may be sure that the LORD your God will no longer drive out these nations before you. Instead, they will become snares and traps for you, whips on your backs and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from this good land, which the LORD your God has given you. [14] “Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed. [15] But just as all the good things the LORD your God has promised you have come to you, so he will bring on you all the evil things he has threatened, until the LORD your God has destroyed you from this good land he has given you. [16] If you violate the covenant of the LORD your God, which he commanded you, and go and serve other gods and bow down to them, the LORD’s anger will burn against you, and you will quickly perish from the good land he has given you.” Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What warning(s) did Joshua give his people here?I recently read an article which argued that in the twenty-first century no one expects people to honor their promises any longer. It is as though promises are seen as a quaint throwback to a past now long gone, recalled only in the pages of classical novels and old black-and-white movies. In Monday’s reading, we recalled that Caleb waited 45 years for God to honor a promise. How many of us would even remember a promise we made 45 days ago, let alone 45 years? Here Joshua reminds us that none of God’s promises have ever failed (14). He also points out that God’s promises can sometimes come in the form of a warning (15) as well as an encouragement. When we buy a new item, it has a manufacturer’s promise (guarantee). The guarantee is only valid, however, if its terms and conditions are met. In the same way, Joshua reminds the people that God’s promises are valid as long as they follow his terms and conditions: to remain pure (12) and give him all the honor and glory (16). Those are good words for us to remember, also.
Apply
What promises of God are special to you? Are you waiting for their fulfillment? Ask God to help you keep trusting.
Closing prayer
Lord, I do trust in You to keep Your promises. When my patience or faith wavers, help me, I pray.
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