Promised Land Living: Following for Generations: Josh. 24

I. Joshua’s Review vs. 1-13

A. Joshua goes all the way back to when Abraham was called out of idolatry. They (the Israelites) could have been just like the Canaanites. I Cor. 6:9-11

1 Corinthians 6:9–11 NASB95

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.

B. Yahweh had blessed them, over and over again. He even provided for Esau.

C. The Lord had given them this land.

II. Joshua’s Covenant vs. 14-28

A. Yahweh wants people to follow Him from a pure heart, not because they have to!

B. Joshua had determine he was going to follow Jesus, and so was his house or family. Joshua couldn’t make them, but he could lead them, be the example, and pray for them.

C. The people promised to do this, but ultimately failed. Judg. 2:10

Judges 2:10 NASB95

All that generation also were gathered to their fathers; and there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord, nor yet the work which He had done for Israel.

D. Joshua wasn’t perfect, but was a good leader. You can’t control over what happens after you leave.

III. Joshua’s Homegoing vs. 29-33

A. Joshua passes away, as well as the other leaders.

B. Joseph had made them promise to bury his body in the promised land some 450 years later. Gen. 50:25-26

Genesis 50:25–26 NASB95

Then Joseph made the sons of Israel swear, saying, “God will surely take care of you, and you shall carry my bones up from here.” So Joseph died at the age of one hundred and ten years; and he was embalmed and placed in a coffin in Egypt.

C. We must make sure that we finish what we started, and make sure the next generation is good too. I believe they saw what the previous generation didn’t do, so it wasn’t even a priority for them at all.