Time to Buckle Down

O. T. #494  "Time to Buckle Down"
April 6, 2015
Joshua 23-Part 1
Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside, therefrom to the right hand or to the left. Joshua 22:6

LET IT GLOW

Time to buckle down and be very courageous and take the remaining territory. That is how Liberty Bible Commentary puts it. Batten down the hatches, for the storm is coming.  We would do well to take that advice from Joshua. It is time for Christians to rise up in our nation and take it back for the glory of God. We cannot allow heathens to run it any longer, making laws contrary to God's laws and instructions. Will we courageously take a stand for Jesus? Or will we allow them to run our country into the ground with sin? Will we pray for our leaders who are willing to take the heat? Sounds like Joshua's charge to his nation before he departed.

What is happening in this chapter? Joshua called a final meeting with Israel. It was his farewell address, so to speak. There were two speeches give by him, found in chapters 23 and 24. A long time had passed since Joshua the conquest, more than 25 years had gone by since they crossed over the Jordan River to conquer their Promised Land, the inheritance given by their God. This great warrior and leader of the nation of Israel was 110 years old when he died (24:29), which time was quickly approaching for Joshua.
All of Israel was represented as their elders, heads, judges, and officers, who represented the people before God, appeared at Shechem or Shiloh to hear Joshua. (verse 2)

What is included in Joshua's speech?

1. A review of the past, remembering all that God had done for Israel. He had fought for them, (verse 3) driving out the enemies of Canaan. From the east to the west, their inheritance of the Promised Land was obtained and divided among the 12 tribes of the nation of Israel. (verse 4)
2. A promise for the future with along with a call of courage was given. (verse 6) Although some of the land was secured, the inhabitants were not all removed, in addition to not all of the territory was conquered yet. It was time to "buckle down" and be very courageous, as Falwell puts it. By remaining faithful to God and worshiping Him only, God would drive out the other nations from their land.

Remembering all that God had done for Israel in the past would give them courage for the future. We would be well to do the same. God is faithful in keeping His promises. Are we faithful to obey His Word?

LET IT GROW

Israel is instructed in verses 7-8 NIV:

• Do not associate with the nations remaining among them.
• Do not invoke the names of their gods or swear by them. (Not make mention)
• Do not serve them.
• Do not bow down to them.
• Hold fast to the LORD your God, as you have until now.

The word nations is used 7 times in this chapter and means a foreign nation, hence a Gentile.
These were the enemies of Israel, the ones still living around them, and among their cities, not driven out. These were idol worshipers, who could tempt the Israelites away from worshiping God.

Remember, God promises victory if they will stay faithful to Him. Verse 10 says, One man of you shall chase a thousand...

In other words, Israel was to associate with their brethren of believers, only mention Jehovah God and not the names of false gods, serve God alone, and only bow down to Him, not idols, as well as hold fast to God.

Sounds like words of wisdom for us to heed.

(We will discuss the third instruction given by Joshua in our next post.)

LET IT GO

Let go of the world's gods and substitutes for my God, as well as their ways of life.

Love, worship, and serve only God.

Associate with believers in Jesus as Savior.

Study God's Word so I can apply it to my life, not turning away from it.

Stand up for Jesus.