What can we learn about God's character from Joshua's testimony in this verse? Setting the Scene Joshua, now an elderly leader, gathers Israel for final words. Looking back on decades of conquest and settlement, he points to one unshakable reality: every single promise God made has come true. Key Verse “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 has given you has failed; everything was fulfilled for you; not one promise has failed.” (Joshua 23:14) What This Reveals about God’s Character • Promise-Keeper – Joshua’s testimony is sweeping: “not one…has failed.” – Cross-reference: Numbers 23:19—“God is not a man, that He should lie…Has He said, and will He not do?” – Application: When God speaks, future events are as certain as past history. • Absolutely Faithful Over Time – Israel waited more than 400 years from Abraham to Canaan’s settlement (Genesis 12:7 ➔ Joshua 21:43-45). God’s timing never altered His faithfulness. – Hebrews 10:23—“He who promised is faithful.” • Perfectly Good – Joshua highlights “all the good promises.” God’s commitments flow from His goodness (Psalm 145:9, 13). – Even when discipline came, the end goal was good for the people (Deuteronomy 8:5-10). • Sovereign and Powerful to Fulfill – Conquering fortified cities and giant-occupied territory required more than human effort; God’s power secured every promise (Joshua 10:12-14). – Isaiah 55:11—His word “will not return to Me empty.” • Consistent and Unchanging – Joshua can speak for “all the earth” because God’s reliability never varies with place, culture, or era (Malachi 3:6). – 2 Corinthians 1:20—“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes.” • Personal and Relational – “You know with all your heart and soul.” God’s faithfulness isn’t abstract; it can be tasted and proven by each believer (Psalm 34:8). – Lamentations 3:22-23—new mercies “every morning” invite daily trust. Living in Light of These Truths • Remember specifically how God has already kept His word—thanksgiving fuels faith. • Anchor hopes to Scripture’s promises, not to shifting circumstances. • Expect God’s goodness in future challenges, because His past record is flawless. • Share personal testimonies, as Joshua did, so others see God’s unbreakable reliability. |
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