“One man of you shall chase a thousand, for the Lord your God is He who fights for you, as He promised you. Therefore take careful heed to yourselves, that you love the Lord your God.” (Joshua 23:10,11)

Joshua, the great leader of Israel, is addressing the nation. The mission has been accomplished, and Canaan has been conquered. Before retiring, Joshua delivers his final charge to the nation. It is full of encouragement, warnings about the future, and reminders of the past.

God has already delivered the enemy into their hands, and he will continue to do so. Even today God's people have adversaries, but victory is assured. Even when it looks like the odds are against us, God is by our side fighting for us. He strengthens us through prayer, and directs us with his marvelous word.

Connected with this promise, is an admonition: “take careful heed to yourselves, that you love the Lord your God”.  A perfect love of God involves a  strong relationship with him. It is manifested in our delight of his law, our implicit trust, our yielding obedience, and our longing for his presence.

Why would Israel need such a reminder? Simple. Israel's past was not always pretty. Through the wilderness wanderings there was a yearning to go back to Egypt. Throughout their journey there were times when Israel lapsed into licentiousness and idolatry. It is still easy for God’s people to look back and be tempted by their past sinful life. Thus, we need to “take heed”!

In addition to the past influences there are current challenges. There are times when God’s demands seem unreasonable and painful. We live in a world where our peers are self-serving. These temptations may blind us from the heavenly vision.

But scripture encourages us to devise a plan and press on. Too much is at stake if we fail. God could withdraw his help, and we could miss the home God has prepared for us. Thus, we must frequently meditate on God's wonderful character, and the blessings that he offers.

God is still calling his people to be a holy people, separate from the world.  He promises them victory over the enemy and finally a marvelous inheritance. Therefore, we must “take heed”.

By George Slover  

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert. (Isaiah 35:5,6)

The marvelous imagery presented here not only represents a time of national joy, but also foreshadows the healing and grace of the Messiah. The reader must also recognize the marvelous work of Christ, as Isaiah vividly depicts the transforming influence of the gospel of Christ. 

John, the Baptist had heard from prison about the activity of Jesus and inquired, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?”  (Matthew 11:2)  On this occasion Jesus claimed to be the fulfillment of this prophecy. “Jesus answered and said to them, “ Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them.”  (Matthew 11:4,5)

The work of Christ is depicted here in marvelous pictures. During his earthly ministry he was moved with compassion toward the lame and the blind. His healing work and marvelous signs not only prove his claim to be God’s Son, but was a glimpse of his great work of healing and saving souls.

Christ also has power over sin, which is man's greatest ailment. The power of Christ is able to make those who are crippled and blind by worldly ambitions, and transform them into fruit bearing souls for God.

The overall tone of these thoughts are within the context of a hymn of joy. “The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose; It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, even with joy and singing.” (Isaiah 35:1,2)  The accomplishments of Christ is like a refreshing stream in a wasteland that is full of heartache, disappointment, pain, and guilt. The friendship of Christ is a source of joy and peace – like streams in the desert.

Recognizing these words as messianic in scope, they describe the transforming effect of Christ on those who receive him. When the gospel of Christ is allowed to work in the lives of men, it's effect is wonderful.

By George Slover

 

He is the Rock, His work is perfect; for all His ways are justice, a God of truth and without injustice; righteous and upright is He.”  (Deuteronomy 32:4)

Four times in this song God is called “the Rock", the unchangeable refuge and stronghold of the people. The Hebrew word "sur" means a very large rock or boulder. This name for God appears mainly in this song and later in the Psalms. Jesus Christ is also called a rock.  (see Matthew 16:18;  1 Corinthians 10:4)

During the time of Israel's wilderness wondering they would have seen a lot of rock. It was at the rock of Mt. Sinai the law was proclaimed. When Moses "saw" God he hid in the cleft of the rock. From a rock Israel received water. When David hunted in the wilderness he too would find refuge in a rock.

"Rock" is a symbol of who God is. The verse says "for all His ways are justice, a God of truth and without injustice”. The broad context is a contrast between the moral excellence of God and Israel’s sin. (verse 15) This description of God also symbolizes his eternal existence (Psalm 90:21), his might and power (Daniel 4:35), his wise counsel (Isaiah 40:13), his steadfast purpose (Psalm 33:11), and the faithfulness of his word (Psalm 119:89,90).

These remarkable attributes of God thus translate into what God is to his people. Like a rock, God provides shelter from the elements (Psalm 46:1-3), he is protection from the enemy (Psalm 18:2). God and his word provide a solid spiritual foundation. (Matthew 7:24,25)

As Israel passed through the wilderness, God their rock was a source of refreshing water, shelter from the storm, and a source of wise counsel. Later Psalmists used the same figure to describe what God meant to them. Today, Christ the solid rock, the "Rock of of Ages" will provide shelter to any who wish to receive him.

By George Slover
 

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16)

Gods people have a mission. As the salt of the earth and the light of the world, they are to make the world a better place to live. Each disciple, through their righteous character, must impact those acquaintances on which they have influence. 

Salt preserves that on which it is sprinkled. This figure represents a society that is trending toward corruption. The disciple’s calling is to counteract that corruption. God's people by pursuing holiness and purity can surely make the world, nation, city, and neighborhood, a better place to live. The presence of good men and women in the world tends to keep it sound and healthy.  However, if salt loses its flavor, thus blending in with society, disciples fail to extend their leavening influence for good. 

Light vanishes the darkness and shows the way to security and peace. Ultimately, Jesus is the “true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world”. (John 1:9) But, like the Lord, Jesus’ disciples must also show the way to God through their righteous character.

Like a city on a hill God’s people are called to boldly live for God. Their lives must reflect God's moral excellence. While most of the world will not care, Christians are not to be ashamed of their confession. Their light streams out by means of good works appointed by God. (Ephesians 2:10) Through these good works they can lead others out of the entrapment of darkness.

True disciples, by shining their lights, must not draw attention to themselves. Christians desire, through their good works, to draw the world to the true Light, the Lord Jesus Christ.  Their wish is to cause others to glorify God.  

One cannot calculate the immense influence a few good men and women have in preserving the mass of society. Dear reader, if you're tempted to conceal your faith in order to avoid persecution, listen to Jesus: “let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

George Slover  

The princes of Judah are like those who remove a landmark; I will pour out My wrath on them like water. (Hosea 5:10)

The removal of a neighbor’s landmark constituted trampling on the rights of others. "You shall not remove your neighbor's landmark, which the men of old have set, in your inheritance which you will inherit in the land that the Lord your God is giving you to possess”. (Deuteronomy 19:14) It was regarded as reckless and contemptible. In this context Jewish nobles and higher officials were guilty of this treachery. 

The people of Israel had also sinned. She had turned from God, and given themselves to the worship of idols. The prophets compared the sin to harlotry. (vs. 7) Israel was full of pride and vain confidence. She had abandoned the important landmarks of serving Jehovah and keeping his law.  Even today civil and religious leaders of our nation promote immorality in the name of tolerance and political correctness. Our national leaders have removed the boundary stones. They have broken down important moral guidelines, and the people have followed.

First, God's inspired word, the Bible, is God’s moral code of conduct. Because it comes from God, one cannot find a better moral compass. Sadly, the values of family, community, and personal moral behavior taught in the Bible have been rejected. 

But, an even more fundamental moral landmark is the existence of God himself. With the rise of industrialism in America, men decided that they alone could create a utopia here on earth, thus concluding they didn't need God. They decided that God was dead. God was gradually removed from every institution of our society – Government, schools, and churches.

The removal of these two important fundamentals, Scripture and God, has led to an age of so called tolerance. We live in a world where there are no longer distinct boundaries between right and wrong. We ask concerning certain worldly pleasures – "where is the harm"? Instead of asking – "where is the good"?

In the midst of such moral turmoil, God’s people must maintain a steadfast faith in the unseen Ruler. We must trust in God who shapes all events for His purpose. We must: “Rest in Jehovah, and wait patiently for him.” (Psalm 37:7)

By George Slover