S) "34 Then afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessing and the curse, according to all that is written in the book of the law. 35 There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded which Joshua did not read before all the assembly of Israel with the women and the little ones and the strangers who were living among them."
Joshua 8:34-35 (NASB)
O) Joshua and the Israelites won the day over the city of Ai, as the LORD had again delivered the city into their hands. God devised an ambush, where Joshua and his people feigned defeat. While they fled from the front of the city, the inhabitants were drawn out to pursue them, and another contingent of Israelite warriors came from behind the city to set it on fire. This was sophisticated warfare for such an ancient day. The LORD guided them through all of it. After taking from the city, only what God told them, and after building an alter to God and sacrificing various sacrifices on it, Joshua copies the law at the alter. Then, as we see above, he read the law to the people. Notably, he read both the blessing and the curse. He did not allow the emotions of their victory to distract from their calling and God's purpose. He didn't focus only on the blessings, since God had just given them a great victory. He read the law in its entirety, blessing and curse, so the people would remember what was at stake.
A) There is a tendency I have (although I'm sure I'm not alone), that when things are going well I have a temptation to "ease up" in my pursuit of God. Relating it to a race as the apostle Paul did, if I am running hard while times are rough, pursuing God because I feel my need of Him, then when things are going well I'm tempted to slow down, get distracted, "rest," or something like that. I need to follow the example that Joshua gives here, though. When God is giving me great victory in something, perhaps answering a prayer of great need, I need to press on with the same focus and commitment I had up until that point. If running hard got me there, what makes me think that running hard is not exactly what I should keep doing? I am not saved by works, don't get me wrong, but if devotion, commitment, focus, and earnestly seeking the Lord blesses me, then why should I be content to do anything else but seek Him earnestly, with focus, commitment, and devotion? When God blesses me while I am obediently following Him, actively pursuing Him, then I must be careful to not become content in that momentary blessing, at the expense of obedient, active discipleship to Christ.
P) Father, Your blessings are great and marvelous, and full of Your grace. No matter how well I might follow You, no matter how well I might obey or do good works, I acknowledge that none of that happens outside of Your grace. It is only the Holy Spirit working within me that even empowers me to this kind of obedience, faith, and work. I confess that I have a tendency toward being lazy, though. I have a temptation to pursue my own selfish desires after You have given me victories in areas of my life. When I think of this soberly, Lord, I am truly ashamed. Forgive me for this laziness, selfishness, and conceit. The blessings You give me should prompt me toward more obedience, more devotion, more pursuit of You. Change my heart in this area, God. Change my desires, and show me - remind me - that I will find satisfaction, joy, peace, and love through You. Be the greatest desire in my heart, Father God. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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