How should Joshua's reminder in 23:14 influence our obedience to God's commands? Joshua’s Farewell Reminder “Now behold, today I am going the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Everything has been fulfilled for you; not one promise has failed.” (Joshua 23:14) Key Truths About God’s Character Highlighted Here • God’s track record is flawless—every promise kept • His faithfulness is experienced personally (“You know with all your heart and soul”) • His reliability remains unchanged even as leaders come and go Why God’s Unfailing Promises Motivate Obedience • Confidence: If He never lies (Numbers 23:19), we can follow His commands without hesitation • Gratitude: Fulfilled promises stir thankful hearts that want to respond in loving obedience (Psalm 103:17-18) • Accountability: Certainty that blessings follow obedience—and discipline follows disobedience—sharpens our choices (see the warnings in Joshua 23:15-16) • Hope: Knowing every future promise will also come true fuels perseverance when obedience is costly (2 Corinthians 1:20) Practical Ways to Live Out Obedience Today 1. Recall His faithfulness daily – Keep a written record of answered prayers and fulfilled Scriptures 2. Obey promptly and completely – Partial obedience questions His integrity; full obedience affirms it 3. Guard loyalty in mixed environments – Israel was surrounded by idolatry; modern equivalents (materialism, relativism) demand the same vigilance 4. Teach the next generation – Share concrete stories of God’s kept promises so children link faithfulness with obedience (Deuteronomy 7:9) 5. Let love be the motive – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) Encouraging Scriptures That Echo Joshua 23:14 • 1 Kings 8:56: “Not one word has failed of all His good promises…” • Psalm 145:13: “The LORD is faithful in all His words and kind in all His actions.” • Hebrews 10:23: “Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” Closing Thoughts Joshua’s dying words are a living call: because not one promise of God has ever failed, not one command should be treated lightly. Trust fuels obedience; obedience displays trust. Let His flawless record move you to wholehearted, joyful submission today. |
    |