Joshua dies

With all of the conquering God had allowed, Israel had quite a bit of momentum going. They were obeying God and he was blessing them, and the Israelites were not about to tinker with that winning combination! When they suspected their brothers across the Jordan of idol worship, they were ready to go to war with them to defend the honor of the Lord. This was a mountain-top for Israel. They were in the Promised Land, enjoying the favor of the Lord, and anticipating a future of blessings and prosperity. They "renewed their vows" just before Joshua died but the honeymoon only lasted one generation. We will read tomorrow that after the generation who had witnessed the events from the exodus to the conquest of the land had died, another generation grew up who did not worship the Lord. These were people who had not owned their faith but were riding the coattails of those who did. It is difficult to judge them, as they had no written word, no Holy Spirit, and no Jesus on which to build their faith. And many of us are guilty of the same thing today...borrowing the faith of our parents or grandparents. Being raised in a Christian home or surrounding ourselves with Christian influences (going to church or Christian school etc.) does not make anyone a Christian. Many kids exposed to all things Christian walk away from their faith when they leave home, because it was never their own. Borrowed faith does not work. The Israelites would soon learn that being "chosen people" and having the heroes of faith in their lineage would not be enough.

Tomorrow's reading:Judges 1-3:30