ODJ: five words

June 2, 2013 

READ: Joshua 22:1-9 

Love the Lord your God, walk in all His ways, obey His commands, hold firmly to Him and serve Him with all your heart and all your soul (v.5).

A 2012 survey of people aged 18 to 24 uncovered an interesting trend. The study, led by the PublicReligion Research Institute, revealed that one in four young adults chose “unaffiliated” for their religious commitment. But 55 percent of that group had “identified with a religious group” when they were younger. They had simply walked away from the faith they once embraced.

Sadly, many believers in Jesus turn away from their “first love” (Revelation 2:4 NKJV). Knowing that the people of ancient Israel were prone to wander away from God, Joshua called together the “eastern tribes” to commend them and give them counsel. He commended them for faithfully following God’s commands as they helped to clear Canaan (Joshua 22:2-3). The Promised Land had been claimed and was now prepared for God’s people.

But as he sent the three tribes (Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh) back to their homes on the east side of the Jordan (v.4), Joshua also had some instructions for them (v.5):

• “Love”—To maintain their relationship with God, they needed to love Him deeply.

• “Walk”—To stay in step with God, they needed to follow His ways completely.

• “Obey”—To honour God, they needed to obey His commands unceasingly.

• “Hold”—To stay strong in their faith, they needed to hold firmly to God uniquely.

• “Serve”—To live out their faith, they needed to serve God sincerely.

To make sure you don’t begin moving away from God—slipping from unashamed believer (Romans 1:16) to unaffiliated non-believer—consider the five words Joshua spoke to the people. As we love, walk, obey, hold and serve in our relationship with God, our hearts will stay rooted in Him (Joshua 22:5).—Tom Felten

› Daniel 6:1-28

MORE
Read Joshua 1:6-9 and see what God told Joshua at the onset of Israel’s claiming of the Promised Land. 
NEXT
How is your love for God being tested? Which of Joshua’s five words do you most need to consider today in your relationship with God? Why? 
1 reply
  1. min xiong
    min xiong says:

    2Chronicles14:2,4,John12:43,48,Romans8:1,2
    Thank God,distribute gospel bullentine to public outside hospital,few days ago saw on paper people injured due to road accident and were send to hospital.Also thank God,I was hit by a barrier at ork place,but no injury,thank God,a car stop on the left side while i was walking straight not notice the car until it stop on the left that I notice(also in work place).Thank God for his mighty protection,healing,strong arm cover,pardon our sin,help,protect us in all area,pray in the name of our Lord Jesus, amen

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