In Joshua 23, Joshua is old and advanced in years as he encourages Israel:
Josh 23:6-8
Therefore, be very strong to keep and to do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, turning aside from it neither to the right hand nor to the left, 7 that you may not mix with these nations remaining among you or make mention of the names of their gods or swear by them or serve them or bow down to them, 8 but you shall cling to the Lord your God just as you have done to this day.
What are the things that can lead me astray?
1. Not doing the things that are in the Bible. Not being in the Word daily leads to not remembering what I need to do.
2. Not turning to the right or left. That means I must not add to God’s Word by making up things to do or thinking that some things I know I need to do are not for me.
3. I’m not to mix with the nations. Romans 12:1 “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect,” comes to mind. I just read in today’s paper that a Pentecostal church in South Africa engages in mass polygamous marriage ceremonies on Easter as it has incorporated African culture.[1] This is an extreme example of mixing with the nations.
Rather than do the things that will lead me astray, I am simply to cling to the Lord my God. In the rest of the chapter, Joshua encourages Israel and me.
1. He has driven out the nations (Josh 23:9) – Jesus has driven out sin by His death on the cross. We still have a war to fight though. I am a citizen of a new country, the Kingdom of God and Christ (Phil 3:20).
2. Remember that none of God’s promises has failed (Josh 23:14). I can remember all the promises Jesus has given to tell me that I have eternal life.
3. I can abide in Jesus as He says in John 15:1-11. When I abide in Jesus, I will bear the fruit of a Christian.
Thank you, Jesus, that what Joshua had to say to Israel still applies to me today.
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