READ JOSHUA 23
GO DEEPER
If you were given one final opportunity, what valuable knowledge would you wish to share with the world?
This was the premise to a lecture series held at Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania known as "The Last Lecture." In Joshua 23, we witness Joshua delivering his final speech, as stated in verse 8, "but cleave unto the LORD your God, as ye have done unto this day."
To cleave or to hold fast is to persevere and push through difficulties and to remain steadfast in one's beliefs despite opposition from others.
The Israelites had to avoid repeating the mistakes of their ancestors, who worshipped a golden calf in Egypt. They needed to have a deep understanding of and faithfully follow God's laws, steer clear of associations with followers of other gods, and align themselves with fellow believers. Though their faith was strong yet shaky, Joshua encouraged them to resist any temptations that could lead them astray.
What does it mean for us to cleave or to hold fast? Our mission is similar to that of the Israelites, but we have Jesus on our side! With Jesus and His Holy Spirit actively guiding us, hold fast becomes our rallying cry. We are called to deeply understand Jesus' love and carefully follow His teachings (Matthew 16:24). Our faith should not be shaken by the challenges of the world, as we believe that Jesus has already overcome the world (John 16:33). Through the power of the Spirit, we can show love to those around us while remaining steadfast in our commitment to the one true God. To cleave, we must remain focused on Him, ignoring the overwhelming obstacles that may cause fear on one side or the divisive conflicts that may arise out of pride on the other.
QUESTIONS
1. What insights can you gain about God's character from this chapter?
2. Why do you believe Joshua emphasized and urged the Israelites repeatedly to remember God and adhere closely to His commands?
3. What challenges in your life hinder you from staying steadfast in your faith in Jesus? What is one step you can take to release your grip on your circumstances and strengthen your faith in Jesus?