4.22.12 "Don't Forget What Got You Here"

"Don't Forget What Got You Here"

Joshua 24:1-33
Luke 21:1-28
Psalm 89:38-52
Proverbs 13:20-23

This is the last chapter of Joshua. He was Moses' successor, and one of the last ones to have really experienced the great things God had done in the wilderness. He died at the age of 110. 

I find it interesting what he did as his last major act before he dies. He called all the people together, and gave them a history lesson. He went back to Abraham & told the story of Jacob and Esau and then, of course, through the story of delivering them from Egypt. He told of the kings they had conquered and how God had done miracles in those victories. 

He told them the Lord says, "It was not your swords or bows that brought you victory! I gave you land you had not worked for and cities you did not build - these cities where you are now living. I gave you vineyards and olive groves for food, though you did not plant them." (Jos. 24:12-13)

What is the point of all of this? To bring it to this: "So fear the Lord and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols... Serve the Lord alone. but if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve... But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord." (Josh 24:14-15)

It is really important that we take the time on a regular basis to remember the great things God has done for us. We need to recount the miracles that he's done in our lives to save us and to free us. We can so often be caught up in our present situation, or concerned about the future that we've lost the wonder and awe of what God has brought us through. 

When we take the time to remember and re-tell these things, it's almost as if we tether ourselves to obeying God. Verse 31 says, "Israel obeyed the Lord throughout the lifetimes of Joshua and the other old men who had personally witnessed the amazing deeds the Lord had done for Israel." Basically, it's saying, those who've seen God obeyed him, and those who heard the stories of those who had seen God also obeyed him. 

No matter where you are at right now, God has done great things in your life. He saved you. He set you free. Praise him for the great things he has done. As you recall all of the victories he has given you, you are positioning yourself and those around you to obey God. 



Through the Power of the Spirit,
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Pastor Greg Lathe

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