In what ways can we renew our commitment to God like in Joshua 5:3? The Moment at Gibeath-haaraloth “So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the sons of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth.” (Joshua 5:3) The whole nation stopped on the threshold of the Promised Land to reinstate the physical sign of God’s covenant given to Abraham (Genesis 17:9-14). Their obedience marked a fresh start of wholehearted allegiance to the Lord before taking their next steps of faith. What Covenant Renewal Teaches Us • Obedience comes first. Israel acted immediately on God’s command (Joshua 5:2). • Renewal often requires a cutting away—removing what hinders full devotion (cf. Deuteronomy 10:16). • God’s people pause, consecrate themselves, and only then advance (Joshua 3:5; 5:10-12). Practical Ways We Can Renew Our Commitment Today 1. Examine the Heart – “Let a man examine himself” (1 Corinthians 11:28). – Invite the Spirit to search motives, attitudes, and hidden sin (Psalm 139:23-24). 2. Repent and Remove Obstacles – Confess specific sins (1 John 1:9). – Break with habits, relationships, or media that dull spiritual appetite (Hebrews 12:1). 3. Reaffirm Covenant Signs – Remember your baptism—our New-Covenant “circumcision of Christ” (Colossians 2:11-12). – Participate in the Lord’s Supper regularly, proclaiming His death until He comes (1 Corinthians 11:26). 4. Renew Your Mind with the Word – Daily Scripture intake transforms thinking (Romans 12:2). – Memorize and meditate on key passages about commitment (Psalm 119:9-11). 5. Re-establish Priorities – Put first love for Christ above every pursuit (Revelation 2:4-5). – Schedule uninterrupted time for worship, prayer, and study (Mark 1:35). 6. Re-join in Community Obedience – Submit to godly leadership and fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25). – Serve the body with your gifts (1 Peter 4:10-11). 7. Re-commit to Mission – Share the gospel intentionally (Matthew 28:19-20). – Look for ways to bless neighbors and nations (Acts 1:8). Living the Renewal Daily • Draw near “with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:22). • Depend on the Spirit’s power, not self-effort (Galatians 5:16-17). • Celebrate small steps of obedience; they compound into lasting change (Philippians 1:6). • Keep short accounts with God—confess quickly, obey promptly. Like Israel at Gilgal, every believer can pause, obey, and step forward freshly aligned with God’s covenant purposes, ready to inherit all He has promised. |
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