From Joshua 8:30-35
Israel as a people have experienced a lot since Joshua took up the mantle of leadership. They crossed the Jordan into the Promised Land, they watched the walls of Jericho fall before them, they witnessed the Lord’s judgement on Achan, and they were in the midst of a successful military campaign. In Deuteronomy 27:1-8, God had instructed His people to build an altar when they reached Mount Ebal in the Promised Land. In these verses, Israel has reached that point, so Joshua leads them in constructing an altar to God and offering the necessary sacrifices. He goes on to read from the Book of the Law to remind the people of Israel what God expected of them as a community.
My attention is drawn to this passage because of how God is instructing His people to operate. He told them to take time to worship Him, to gather as a community, and to spend time reflecting on the instructions He had handed down to them. Even this early on in Scripture, we see God calling His people together in worship and discipleship. Today, we don’t necessarily build altars at predetermined locations to make ceremonial sacrifices. But we’re still called to come together, to worship God, and to spend time hearing His Word.
Focus on God
We are reminded in these verses that God graciously guides His people back to Him.
Function in Our Lives
We are encouraged to spend time in community, worship, and God’s Word.
Topics to Pray About
- Thank God for the opportunities you have to be in Christian community.
- Confess to God the times where you don’t take advantage of those opportunities or take them for granted.
- Ask God to lead you into worship and faithful community.
In His Service,
J. LeBorious