Remember What The Lord Has Done For Us
Joshua 24:13 says, “And I have given you a land for which ye did not labour, and cities which ye built not, and ye dwell in them; of the vineyards and oliveyards which ye planted not do ye eat.”
With God’s assurance and guidance (Josh 1:5), Joshua and the children of Israel successfully defeated their enemies and claimed the promised land (Ex 12:25). They are now able to settle down for a time of peace and prosperity. But Joshua warns that they are also in danger of forgetting where they came from (Deut 4:9), and how the Lord led them to their place of blessings (Josh 23:15). There is a danger of adopting the idolatrous practices of the heathens living around them (Lev 18:3). There was also the danger of letting their guards down and falling into a state of complacency (Amos 6:1)
. Therefore, Joshua gives them a clear message to “fear the Lord, and serve Him in sincerity and in truth” (v. 14). These are also “perilous times” (2 Tim 3:1), for all bible-believing churches today! Many are practicing the lukewarm characteristic of the church in Laodicea (Rev 3:15). They have everything they need, except for the power and presence of God! Just as Joshua calls them to remember who they are (v. 2), where they came from (v. 3), and how the Lord delivered them from Egypt (v. 6), it would also do us good if we would always praise Him “for His goodness, and for His wonderful works” (Ps 107:8) upon our lives. May we be reminded of the past victories that we enjoyed and all His blessings (Jms 1:17)!
As God’s children, we need to remember where He found us (Ps 40:2), and contemplate on what He did for us (1 Jn 4:10). How He supplies all our needs (Php 4:19), and answered our prayers “according to His will” (1 Jn 5:14). We don’t deserve any of them, but by His marvelous grace, He has given us more than anyone can understand or even imagine. Let us always give thanks and praise Him for His great power in our lives! God bless you!
- Pastor Melito Barrera
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