Joshua 23:1-16 "Out of Sight, Out of Mind"

Joshua 23:1-16 "Out of Sight, Out of Mind"

"But cleave unto the LORD your God, as ye have done unto this day." (v.8)

This passage contains Joshua's farewell sermon. He has gathered Israel's elders, leaders, judges, and officials to deliver his final exhortation. 

Joshua emphasizes three key points: first, to follow Moses' law without deviating to the left or right; second, to avoid intermingling with the remaining Canaanite peoples; and third, to stay close to God.

Then comes a warning. Since God has faithfully kept His promise in giving them this land as a gift, Joshua warns of the consequences should they fail to keep their covenant with God. He cautions that the pagans will become snares, traps, whips at their sides, and thorns in their eyes, causing them great suffering. Ultimately, they would perish from this gifted land.

God is faithful. God loves Israel. This is why He gave the Promised Land to the Israelites as a gift. He personally fought their battles and secured victory to present them with this land.

The key to preserving this gift is staying close to God. The word "cleave" in verse 8 means to "cling to" or "adhere to." It's the same expression used to describe the intimate relationship between husband and wife (Genesis 2:24). We are called to stay close to God as spouses do - like a couple who wake up together, begin their day together, go about their separate tasks, and then return to share their bed at night. It's about starting and ending each day in God's presence.

"Out of sight, out of mind" - how true this can be in our relationship with God. How close are we staying to Him? How often do we seek His face? When God disappears from our sight, He tends to fade from our hearts as well. This is why Joshua so earnestly urges the people to stay close to God.

Prayer: Faithful God, help me to stay so close to You that I never forget Your presence. Enable me to remember and follow Your good will. Holy Spirit, grant me strength and courage. Amen.