Final Words: Always, the LORD

“Joshua summoned all Israel, its elders and heads, its judges and officers, and said to them, ‘I am now old and well advanced in years. And you have seen all that the Lord your God has done to all these nations for your sake, for it is the Lord your God who has fought for you… And you shall possess their land, just as the Lord your God promised you. Therefore, be very strong to keep and to do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, turning aside from it neither to the right hand nor to the left, that you may not mix with these nations remaining among you or make mention of the names of their gods or swear by them or serve them or bow down to them, but you shall cling to the Lord your God just as you have done to this day. For the Lord has driven out before you great and strong nations… One man of you puts to flight a thousand, since it is the Lord your God who fights for you, just as he promised you. Be very careful, therefore, to love the Lord your God… 

“’And now I am about to go the way of all the earth, and you know in your hearts and souls, all of you, that not one word has failed of all the good things that the Lord your God promised concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one of them has failed. But just as all the good things that the Lord your God promised concerning you have been fulfilled for you, so the Lord will bring upon you all the evil things, until he has destroyed you from off this good land that the Lord your God has given you, if you transgress the covenant of the Lord your God, which he commanded you, and go and serve other gods and bow down to them. Then the anger of the Lord will be kindled against you, and you shall perish quickly from off the good land that he has given to you.'” Joshua 23:2-3,5-9a,10-11,14

Joshua was the son of Nun, Moses’s assistant and successor, and Israel’s brilliant military commander who led them in conquering Canaan. He had crossed the Red Sea on dry ground to escape Egypt, climbed Sinai with Moses to receive the law, and traversed the Jordan River at flood stage on dry ground into the promised land. But most of all, he was the Lord’s. His identity was not in pedigree, successes, or experiences but in Whose he was, and his words to Israel at the end of his remarkable life all resounded with Him. Remembering, admonishing, encouraging, warning- everything he had to say related to his Lord and His power, His promises, His provision. (Exodus 24:12-18; Joshua 3:7-16; 4:23)

When we ponder the sum of our life, is it a list of accolades, adventures, influential people we have known? Does advice rendered center around us, or promote self-focus and following passions? Or are we so enthralled with Jesus that His grace, salvation, love, and power define our legacy? How will we speak of Him today?

Lord, may all my words be all about You, to Your praise and renown.