It was not by your sword or bow. I gave you a land you did not labor for, and cities you did not build, though you live in them; you are eating from vineyards and olive groves you did not plant. Therefore, fear YHWH and worship Him in sincerity and truth. - Joshua 24:12-14
Just prior to his death, Joshua challenged the nation of Israel to remain obedient to God. The basis for his challenge was God's gracious gift of a homeland. For though they might have wielded a sword or bow in order to conquer the Canaanites, it was God who had given them the victory (including land, cities, and abundant provision). Joshua's argument was that in light of all that God had done, why shouldn't they remain loyal to the One who had given them so much?
Indeed, why not?
Yet, aren't we (at times) guilty of disloyalty even though we have received spiritual victory, a heavenly home, and abundant life in Christ? Why don't we, through surrendered lives, proclaim our loyalty to the One who has by grace afforded us so great a salvation?
Indeed, why not?
The thankful heart sees the best part of every situation. It sees problems and weaknesses as opportunities, struggles as refining tools, and sinners as saints in progress. - Francis Frangipane
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