With God’s direction, Israel overwhelms and defeats Ai, the people who defeated them in battle a couple of chapters ago (when Achan had sinned and kept the devoted things). Upon conclusion of the battle, Joshua builds an altar.
“At that time Joshua built an altar to the Lord, the God of Israel, on Mount Ebal, just as Moses the servant of the Lord had commanded the people of Israel… And they offered on it burnt offerings to the Lord and sacrificed peace offerings. And there, in the presence of the people of Israel, he wrote on the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he had written. And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessing and the curse, according to all that is written in the Book of the Law. There was not a word of all that Moses commanded that Joshua did not read before all the assembly of Israel, and the women, and the little ones, and the sojourners who lived among them.” (v30-32,34-35)
Why do you suppose Joshua takes the time to write all the words of the law on the stones of the altar and then read them in the presence of all the people? Didn’t Moses just do this a little while ago? From my own personal experience, I would suggest that people have short memories (especially myself). There are times I can’t even remember the response I was given to a question by the time I return to my office… pretty sad, I know.
Both God and Joshua know this all too well – those who do not consistently spend time with God, studying His commands and praying, are the first to become distracted and tempted. This is still true today. I can honestly say that without a daily relationship with God (time in scripture and prayer) I would forget God far more easily and rely on myself (or the world) far too often. Reminders of who God is, and who we are (His people) in comparison, are very important to have on a consistent basis.
Jesus uses this analogy: “Jesus answered them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you… I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.’ ” (Jn 6:26-27,36)
Jesus calls himself the bread and water of life. He knows that physical hunger can only be satisfied temporarily, and the same could be said of spiritual hunger. My challange for today is to abide in the source of spiritual sustenance – we must keep returning to that which satisfies, because we cannot sustain ourselves any other way. The moment we turn away from Jesus, we will hunger again, but we will fill up with “junk food” (worldly sources) instead of life-giving food which truly satisfies.
Father God, our strong and mighty King, holy is Your name. We praise and thank You for Your consistent presence in our lives. We acknowledge that You are the only source that satisfies our souls. We ask that You please help us to be reminded of our dependence upon You, with the consistent hearing of Your word. Father please help us to seek Jesus daily, the bread and water of life, for only He can truly satisfy. In the name of Jesus we ask this, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training