Read Joshua 23
Joshua is now advanced in age. He is
nearing death and is settling his affairs. First he calls the leaders of Israel
together. Joshua wants to leave a legacy. He wants Israel to continue following
God in his absence. The most effective way to ensure this legacy is to train
others to lead Israel in following God. Joshua reminds the leaders of all that
God has done so far. They have seen His power and His faithfulness. Now they
must be careful to serve Him. Joshua gives them both a blessing and a warning.
God is holy and just. If Israel obeys Him, he will surely drive out the nations
before them. However, if Israel strays from God and takes on the traditions of
other nations, God will surely punish them.
Prayer
and Journaling
1. Re-read this chapter. Ask the Holy Spirit
to speak to you personally through these words. Write down any verses that stick
out for your life and anything the Holy Spirit says to you through these
verses. Respond to what He shows you – have a conversation. Thank Him for
speaking to you today.
2. The best legacy we can leave is
encouraging others to serve Jesus wholeheartedly. Ask God for a step you can
take to do this today.
3. Pray for the parents in our church family
today. Pray that the importance of leaving a godly legacy would sink deep into
their hearts. Pray that they would love Him first. The ability to parent well
can only come from their relationship with Him. Pray that God would give them
creative strategies to raise each of their children. Pray that He would give
them physical, mental and emotional strength. Pray that He would surround
parents with godly, supportive community. Pray that parents who have struggled
to live like this would know that their families can be redeemed by Jesus.
