Abide

Read: Joshua 12

Chapter 12 is almost a hall of fame recounting the deeds of God on behalf of the Israelites. The first 12 chapters of Joshua were the story of the how Israel entered the land and obeyed God and God is the real hero of the story because he is the one who did all the fighting for Israel – they were more or less along for the ride. Early on, God tells Joshua and the people of Israel to obey and bold and courageous. Throughout the book, God constantly reminds Joshua to not be dismayed and to not be afraid. He then gives Joshua instruction and Joshua relays these to the people. And through all this process of they were able to conquer the land. After having conquered the land, they received the inheritance because of their obedience.

The New Testament has what has been called the “Hall of Fame of Faith” in Hebrews 11. Hebrews walks through the history of Israel citing examples of people who were believed God and followed his commands. Hebrews notes that the world was not worthy of such people. The promise that was revealed was found in the person of Jesus. Hebrews 5:7-9 explains that Jesus came to the earth and fulfilled the law and became salvation for those who obey. Jesus became obedient unto death (Philippians 2:5-8). The obedience of Jesus provided the way to eternal life and the redemption of man – even more feats that God accomplished through those who obey him.

Recounting the feats of God in one’s own life can serve as a means of encouragement to the believer and as evidence for the faith that one has. It also shows the pattern through which God works in his people: a commitment of faith, a reception of instructions, and then execution of instruction in conjunction with the workings of God. At the end of the day, one can really only look back and give God the credit for what was accomplished because the results are often times larger than anything any human being to accomplish. God conquered Canaan for Israel and did countless other deeds through and for people through the ages and is still working through and for his people today!

Lord, help me have the faith and the obedience so you can work mightily through me!