The tribes of Israel from beyond the Jordan returned to their homes. Remember they swore to Moses that they would come to help the other tribes conquer Canaan. They had indeed kept their word, and Joshua now released them from their vow. However, they got themselves into hot water when they erected an altar at the border, and the other tribes mistook it as an altar to another god. Civil war was averted when they explained their reasons for building the altar, which was to remind them and their descend- ants that they serve one God and will always remain faithful to Him.
Then, at the close of the book of Joshua, the great leader gathered everyone
together to give his farewell address. In that address, he reminded Israel, “Be
careful to love the Lord your God. If you turn away from Him and intermarry
with the nations remaining among you (which would cause them to worship other
gods), they will be a snare to you and a trap, a pain in your side and a thorn
in your eyes, and you will be wiped out from this good land...” (23:11-13).
Next, Joshua challenged the people to “choose whom they would serve,”
the false gods of the nations or the One True God who had brought them this
far. As the people swore their allegiance to God, Joshua warned them, “You will
not be able to serve the Lord, for He is a holy and jealous God...” (24:19).
What does it mean that God is jealous? Typically, that word has
negative connotations, but there are times when one can be right in his or her
jealousy.
For example, in marriage, when a woman is caught in an adulterous affair, would
not her husband be right to be jealous? Yes, of course. In the same way, God
had “betrothed” Himself to the people of Israel; they were bonded together in a
covenant. But, as we will find in our reading, and as Joshua prophesied, God’s
“wife,” the chosen nation of Israel, will commit adultery with other gods, and
cause Him to become jealous for her. Likewise, as we in Christ have covenanted
ourselves together with Him, we must be diligent to love Him with
all our heart, making sure that He is the lone receiver of our affection.
Daily Reflection
List here some of your “loves” in life. Name some of your favorite
people, possessions, activities, and aspects of life.
How can you ensure that none of these “loves” in your life will
eclipse your love for the Lord?
Beware of idols in your life, other loves that will compete for your
attention. Christ is your first love. Guard your “marriage” and daily
recommit to your vow of faithfulness. The Lord is a jealous God. He has given
you His affection. Will you give Him yours?
BiAY.org | Day 89 — 276 Days to Go
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