Thoughts on the readings for June 5th (Joshua 23, 24, Isaiah 29, Hebrews 12)

Joshua 23 is Joshua’s final charge to Israel’s leaders. As the leader’s life nears its end Joshua summons the nation’s leaders to pass on the baton of responsibility to these men. Joshua draws their attention to the mighty acts of Israel’s Omnipotent Sovereign on behalf of His people. Joshua reminds them of the need to complete the subduing of the Canaanites. He counsels the tribal leaders to give diligent attention to Yahweh’s Word. In verses 6-9 the charge he gives them is a reflection of the words of his God, and of Moses’ counsel, to himself. Verses 10-13 Joshua reminds them of the words of the covenant from the book of Deuteronomy. Verse 14 he tells the leaders of his impending death. He tells them of the results of failure to obey God.
Chapter 24 speaks of Joshua’s gathering of the nation to Shechem to counsel the entire nation to cleave unto their God and to serve Him faithfully all the days of their life. In verses 2-13 the nation is told their history from the time of Abraham’s calling; their sojourn in the Land of Promise; their afflictions in Egypt; the mighty hand of the LORD in their miraculous deliverance from Egypt; the providential care of their Father in the wilderness; and, the incredible and miraculous aid provided to them in the conquest of the Promised Land. Verses 14-28 record Joshua’s appeal to his people to serve Yahweh in sincerity (spirit) and truth – compare Jesus’ own instructions on this John 4:23-24. Joshua declares his wholehearted commitment that was evident throughout his entire life that he and his household would serve Yahweh. Interestingly enough we have no record of Joshua having any descendants and in this he was like his Lord Jesus Christ – Hebrews 2:10-13. He challenges the nation to make the same commitment. In verses 16-18 the people respond by acknowledging the LORD’s faithfulness and their determination to follow Joshua’s example. Joshua says that even though they have promised to serve God they would fail to carry out their obligations. Joshua tells the nation what the consequences of departure from the covenant would mean. The nation would be chastened by their Father for failing to keep their promises. Yahweh is a Jealous God who demands of His children a fulsome love and service. The words of the covenant were written in the Book of the Law of God and placed near a large memorial stone and set under a terebinth tree. Joshua told the nation that the written words were a witness against the nation. The assembly was dismissed and sent to their homes. Verses 29-33 record faithful Joshua’s death and burial at 110 in his allotted inheritance. They also tell us of Joseph’s bones (a faithful forbear of Joshua) finally being laid to rest. These two men of faith rest in the wonderful hope of resurrection to receive their eternal inheritance in the Promised Land. The book closes by telling us that the just Phinehas would endeavour to guide Israel in the way of the LORD.

Isaiah 29 is about the siege of Jerusalem and the outcomes that would achieve. The chapter commences with a woe on Ariel – another name for Jerusalem – David’s capital city. The name Ariel means “the lion of God”. It was called this for two reasons: 1) when Israel would roar forth to battle against the enemies of the LORD see Joel 3:16 and 2) it was the site of the Temple and of the altar where flesh was devoured. But as verses 2-7 explain the situation would be reversed when a multitude of nations would be gathered to destroy Jerusalem. This prophecy focuses on the future, for although other nations accompanied the Assyrians in their siege in the days of Hezekiah, its ultimate fulfilment is at the end time of Armageddon – see Ezekiel 38, Joel 3, Zechariah 14 and Revelation 16. Verse 8 outlines poetic pictures of the way the events seemed to those who found themselves besieged – it was like a dream that provided no satisfaction. Verses 9-10 speak derisively to the proud leaders of the nation. The nation would be staggering like a drunken man whose head was spinning due to the rapidity of problem upon problem with seemingly no way of solving their dilemmas. Verses 11-14 speak of the ways in which the nation’s leaders refused to accept any responsibility for their situation. Verse 13 tells us that there was no true worship of their Sovereign – they merely gave lip service to the Almighty’s call for their love and living of His Truth. There was a failure of leadership to accept responsibility for guiding the people in the Word of God, which alone could have averted their current peril and would fortify them in their time of trouble. Verses 15-16 pronounce a further woe upon those who had inverted the divine order. Verses 17-21 tell of the time to come which will follow the humbling of God’s people. All pretence will be gone and consequently the time of blessings will come. Verses 22-24 tell us of the reconciliation of the Almighty Father with His children.

The 12th chapter of Hebrews is about patience in hope. The first two verses in some ways belong to the previous chapter. The “cloud” of witnesses refers to the faithful mentioned in chapter 11, plus us (hopefully – 11:39-40). A cloud is formed by the action of the sun, which draws vapour from the masses of water in the sea and other places. Twice in v1 of chapter 12 do we hear those watchwords of resolution – “Let us …”. We commence the race for eternal life when we are baptised into our Lord Jesus Christ. In this race we follow our Lord who is our “archegos” ie the author, or founder of faith. Jesus has run the course and has entered into eternal life. Having finished the course he is running towards us and bringing the finishing tape with him. None of us will attain to life through our efforts. The writer of Hebrews speaks of the “sin that so easily besets” – the Greek expression is talking of “the sin that sits comfortably” with us ie the sin that we do not want to give up because we see it as not being of great importance. Yet the writer says that sin is impeding our path to the kingdom. But God has done in His Son what we cannot complete. What the Father asks of His children is that they believe, and follow and run with patience and endurance this race. Verses 3-17 is a lesson to be understood by all of the Father’s children ie to patiently endure. If ever any of us should feel that the struggling against sin is too difficult – then think again. Consider the Lord’s endurance cost him his life and even though he benefits from his sacrifice Jesus died to take away our sins. Then take heart and lift up the hanging hands and the feeble knees and press on. The Proverbs addresses these issue and through His Word the Father makes His appeal to each of us. The writer says that the fact we are suffering is proof that our Father is developing character in His children. The Father’s aim is to have us live as His children ie in holiness that He might live with us perpetually in His kingdom. Present suffering is unpleasant, but we need to be longsighted and realise the eventual benefit of present trials. The writer says that the faithful are not like Esau who only lived in and for the present. Verses 18-29 reminds us that whatever can be shaken is temporary and transient. By contrast the kingdom prepared by the Father for His family is future. It is the centre of our hope. It is not momentary it is eternal. Verses 18-24 contrasts the terror experienced by Israel at Sinai with the uplifting sevenfold blessings that belong to Zion’s children, freeborn of Jerusalem in Christ Jesus our Lord (see Galatians 4:21-31). I encourage each of you to explore those blessings in verses 22-24. The writer appeals to the listeners to heed the heavenly voice so as not to perish as those who are enslaved by Law and legalism. Verses 26-29 describe the benefits of the faithful, those enduring in hope, in receiving an unshakable, immovable and eternal kingdom. And so the writer directs our minds to the words of Haggai 2:6-9.