Be very careful to love the Lord your God

“So be very careful to love the Lord your God.” (Joshua 23:11)

 

Joshua, as Moses’ successor, fulfilled his duties faithfully. When Joshua was appointed leader of Israel, he was in his 90s and was already the aged. And Joshua fought hard for 16 years after Moses’ death, and he finished conquering the land Canaan. The last of life has come close also to him. He spoke of the fact that all the process until then was done by God’s providence, and asked the people Israel to serve the Lord and to live according to the Laws of God. If you live according to the Bible without serving an idol, the Lord is responsible for everything of life. But if you don’t obey, you’ll have a snare and a stumbling block, and you’ll reach into ruin.

 

Joshua died at the age of 110 after 16 years of conquering Canaan, so he had become the supreme leader in his 90s. Even though the span of life that time was a little longer than now, but even so, he in time of old age had performed energetically his mission. You had sometimes heard that it is the daily life of old age to brag about one’s children or tell one’s past. But those who believe in Jesus Christ must maintain the passion of faith not to live bound by the age. The right attitude of faith does not overlook the fact that physical health is also important. You may have heard around you about cases where some people hurt their own health because of the purpose for their prayer. Moreover because of the fast Jesus did for 40 days, you must have heard that some tried to pray imitating Jesus but lost their own health.

 

The conquest of Canaan was accomplished through battles for a long period under the guidance of God. Canaan the land Israel took is called ‘the blessed land’, yet the process of taking the land was so difficult and desperate. Putting aside the time suffered in Egypt, after more than half a century since the exit out of Egypt, with 40 years of wilderness life and 16 years of conquest battles during the period. Until then, Israel had disobeyed God countless times, had been punished, also had repeatedly repented. Their journey of hardship they had shows wholly the life that Christians go through in the world. Canaan symbolizes the eternal Holy Land of salvation, and Israel is like a group that follows Christ. Christians fight the world and move toward heaven day by day. It is, with the guidance of the Almighty, they walk on that path overcoming the difficulties.

 

Joshua became the supreme leader in his old age, nevertheless his life was full of energy. He was truly a blessed man, for he fulfilled his mission among God’s grace and power from early including the 40 years he had been serving Moses. And yet he had to reach the end of the life. The end of life surely comes to everyone. Then, we should think deeply about how to live, what to do while we are alive. Remember the words in Romans 13:13~14, “Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” This is just what the Lord commands. It will be a great blessing for you if obey that words.

 

If you live according to God’s word, God is responsible for all problems of you. But if you don’t obey God’s words, everything in your life may act against you as a stumbling block and a snare. The life of obedience in faith is like a smooth road of pavement. On the other hand, the life of disobedience is an unpaved road with stones and obstacles. Then what is the Lord telling me to obey on what? It is, do not serve idols, but follow the words of life in God. Through Jesus Christ, we must wholly serve Jehovah God, receive lessons from the Bible every day, and live by keeping the word. You must not just record your name as a member at church and go back and forth. You don't be redeemed by being received a position of duties and putting on airs or putting on airs with money. Those who love God Jehovah are saved only by being careful of themselves in Christ.

 

On the premise that you look at yourself honestly with an objective attitude, it is yourself who knows you best. However man cannot see oneself right without looking at God. And you can make own life be careful by looking at yourself correctly. Now, let it be the ones who look at the Lord rightly. Moses’ face was radiant, come down from Mount Sinai. If we live looking at Christ, our life will be fragrant and radiant. Away with meaningless and negative words, and only look at Christ politely, then everything of your life will be okay.

 

(Written by Koonoh, Pastor of JDO Presbyterian Church in Korea, on July 9th 2023)