Prioritizing God’s Word

Text: Joshua 8:30-35 Theme: Joshua read and renewed the whole law to the whole assembly Key verses: “Then Joshua built on Mount Ebal an altar to the Lord, the God of Israel…He built it according to what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses…On it they offered to the Lord burnt offerings…” (v. 30-31) “There in the presence of the Israelites, Joshua copied on stones the law of Moses, which he had written.” (v. 32) “Afterward, Joshua read all the words of the law – the blessings and the curses – just as it is written in the Book of the Law. There was not one word of all that Moses had commanded that Joshua did not read to the whole assembly of Israel, including the women and children, and the aliens who lived among them.” (v. 34-35) What God said to me: Dwayne, I’m glad you made time for me and my Word early this morning. Joshua made time for my Word in this passage. He prioritized and renewed that which is most important. Notice the emphasis here on exactness and wholeness or completeness. Joshua made sure they did everything exactly as Moses had commanded during this assembly. He built an altar, and he built it according to the divine specifications laid out in my Law. He copied every word exactly as it was in the Law of Moses. Then Joshua read the whole law to the whole assembly. Every person in Israel heard the entire law that day. They heard the blessings and cursings which I spoke through Moses. Even and especially the children and aliens heard my covenant renewed and repeated for my people to understand and heed. Dwayne, what they did – in standing there while Joshua copied the law, then standing there while he read the law – took a lot of time. This was a major commitment of time and energy. But that is really the point: There is no other undertaking as important and life-rewarding as focusing on and prioritizing my Word in your life. Yes, I’m glad you rose early and met with me. But you should be even more glad and thankful and humbled that you have my Word to rise to and read. Now, don’t just hear it, do it. What I said to God: Lord God of my fathers, God in heaven come down to earth, both Jehovah and El Elyon, I give You praise and thanksgiving today. I am indeed humbled that You would make time to meet with me and show me amazing insights from Your Word. You are Faithful God! Forgive me for the many days when I don’t make reading and meditating on Your Word the priority of my day. Forgive me when I don’t live out these precepts and teach them to my children and family. Thank You a thousand times for Your Word and for making it available to us. Thank You for the Holy Spirit who reveals to us and illuminates our minds to the truths You want us to see and grasp in the Bible. May I/we be faithful to do all that is written therein.