Between all the battles in Joshua (that's another discussion!) there are two more events that are sometimes called, "Covenant Renewal." This is when Moses, or in this case Joshua, gathers the people around and renews everyone's loyalty to God. Chapter 24 of Joshua has an especially good example of this. He recites an abbreviated history of Israel, mostly talking about the many ways that God has saved them from trouble. Then the people are challenged to respond to these saving actions of God. Joshua says, "Choose this day who you will serve!"
It seems to me like these periodic reminders are helpful. Many married couples find it helpful to renew marriage vows. Even yearly anniversaries can be helpful in renewing promises and remembering why they were made in the first place. In some ways, our weekly worship services are a bit of covenant renewal. Do we need more? What do you think?
God helps those who call on him......when we are
ReplyDeletetroubled, we find peace, through other Christians
giving encouragement and support. And we find
comfort from our spouses too. This Bible study
has been good, to bring more conversation....:>)
v.griffith
When we do something too often, it sometimes loses its impact. I hadn't really thought of the worship services as a covenant renewal, yet it could be. I have always thought of it as a way to give praise and thanksgiving for who He is with fellow believers.
ReplyDeleteI am most reminded of the responsibility and gift of my covenant with God and the church when I participate in communion. The very practice always fills my heart with awe, joy, and a feeling of responsibility. I am reminded that it is through God's grace and my choice, to follow Him. It is solemn and uplifting.
I wonder if periodic times of meditation about our transformation to a believer and all that entails would make a difference in our lives. Hmmm
I finished reading the book of Joshua on Friday night and was struck by the similarity between they behavior of the Israelites and my own life. God promised that they would be able to take possession of the Promised Land and to overcome all of the peoples inhabiting it. They were told to eliminate all of the people and things that were there. So, the book of Joshua is about battles. At the end, we learn that Gods promise has been fulfilled (Joshua 21). However, we also learn that the Israelites didn't claim all of the land the Lord promised them, and that they didn't totally eliminate the inhabitants. Rather, they allowed some to live amongst them. Were the Israelites lazy, or just too complacent? I feel like I do the same thing in my life. I know God's promises, and I strive to live my life in a way that glorifies Him. Sometimes, when I am working on a specific area of my life, I begin to eliminate the temptations and areas of sin that distance me from Him. After awhile, I feel partially successful, and I decide that I have done enough and can now rest. Bingo! All of a sudden, that temptation or area of sin has grown back in and tried to take over! That is just what happens to the Israelites, when the pagan rituals and gods begin to take over their lives. Am I lazy? Complacent? Does God show us this in the lives of His chosen people, the Israelites, so that we know how difficult it is? Just something I was thinking about and wonder if anyone else had that thought.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Lynda...the Bible is such a compelling story for us because it is OUR story. The lives of these ancient people aren't all that different from our own. Thanks for showing how to draw some of those connections.
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