This Too Shall Pass

O. T. #490 "This Too Shall Pass"
March 30, 2015
Joshua 21-Part 2
There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass.  Joshua 21:45,KJV
Not a word failed of any good thing which the LORD had spoken to the house of Israel. All came to pass. (The David Jeremiah Study Bible)

LET IT GLOW

When times are difficult, I often say, "This too shall pass." And it does. Nothing lasts forever, except Jesus, eternity, and God's Word. Things will either change or cease to exist. Sometimes it is good to be reminded of this, especially when I am going through hard times. However, there is one thing we can count on to not pass away-God keeps His promises. Israel found that out. Read on.

In verses 43-45, we read of the promises of God. According to our key verse, all came to pass. God did it all, nothing was left undone. Not a word of the Lord's failed.

What was it that God gave Israel?

1. He gave all the land which He swore to their fathers. (verse 43) This often repeated promise of a Promise Land where God's chosen people could live, possess, and worship Him is found in Genesis 12:7, And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him. We find God's covenant with Abraham in Genesis 22:15-18. The Lord mentioned three elements of this covenant: blessings, land, and seed (family).
2. Israel possessed the land and dwelt there. (verse 43)
3. The Lord gave them rest all around. (verse 44) Even their enemies were at peace with Israel. Hebrews 4:9-11 tells us: There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into His rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from His. Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest...
4. There stood not a man of all their enemies before them; He delivered all their enemies into their hand. (verse 44)

The Christian is but a stranger and pilgrim in this life, laboring and seeking the rest from his labors which only comes when he reaches his home and his inheritance (Phil. 3:20-21; 1 Peter 1:3-4). (Falwell)

The Canaanites were in check, under military conquest as God had pledged (Joshua 1:5), not posing an immediate threat. Not every enemy had been driven out, however, leaving some to stir up trouble later. God's people failed to exercise their responsibility and possess their land to the full degree in various areas.  (MacArthur)

LET IT GROW

Israel had rest from traveling through the wilderness and rest from wars. It was no contradiction to the promise of Israel's enemies being all removed. God said that He would not drive them out all at once, but by little and little. In the process of time, Israel should become numerous enough to replenish them and conquer all. (Although some tribes were slothful and a cowards, then became idolaters as their enemies living around them.)

2 Peter 3:9a says, The Lord is not slack concerning His promise... This is talking about the return of Christ. We are looking for a new heaven and a new earth. (verse 13) Friend, it is coming. Be prepared.

LET IT GO

Hold onto God's promises, for they are Truth.

Rest in Jesus, because He is at work.