The basic charge the Lord gave Joshua back in chapter 1 as he began to lead the people was:
Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go (1:7-9).
Joshua now gives a very similar charge to the leaders of Israel, as he prepares to step down as leader:
Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left. Do not associate with these nations that remain among you; do not invoke the names of their gods or swear by them. You must not serve them or bow down to them. But you are to hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have until now (6-8).
As leader there is one basic charge from the Lord, help the people to obey the Lord’s Word. Keep God’s Word near; learn and grow from it. And do not mix God’s Word with anything else. Keep it pure.
What was good for Joshua and for the leaders after him is good for me and all Christ-followers still today. Keep God’s Word near, lean on it, learn from it, trust it and obey it. And don’t let yourselves become polluted by any worldly human philosophy. Trust in the Lord and He will be with you always…
A good word to ingest and meditate upon…
Gracious God, thank You for giving Your Word. Help me to treasure it, study it, live by and obey it. I pray through Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord. Amen.
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