March 26, 2020: SOAP #3766:  Joshua 23-24; Psalm 44; 1Corinthians 11

Scripture:  Joshua (NIV) 24:16 Then the people answered, “Far be it from us to forsake the LORD to serve other gods! 17 It was the LORD our God himself who brought us and our fathers up out of Egypt, from that land of slavery, and performed those great signs before our eyes. He protected us on our entire journey and among all the nations through which we traveled.

Observation:  There was a time (Exodus 32-33) where God told the Israelites that He would not go with them; He would send an angel to accompany them.  But to Moses this was unacceptable!  Moses interceded for them and demanded that God himself should accompany his people into the promised land.

Now that they are in the land and it has been divided among the tribes, their testimony is “the LORD our God himself” brought them from Egypt into the Promised Land.  God did not give them victory by sending an angel; He accompanied them HIMSELF!

Application:  As important as this was to Moses, to Joshua and to the Israelites—it is just as important to me!  My language and actions should demonstrate my great appreciation that God, himself, is with me!  May I always speak of God in a respectful way, acknowledging that He, himself, lives in me.

Prayer:  My Gracious God, thank you, Jesus, that you personally came to live among us, suffer and die for my sins!  Holy Spirit, thank you that you are with me right now.  You walk with me and you talk with me for you have made me your dwelling place!  We face life challenges together!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!