The Covenant Renewed

Joshua 24:21 “But the people Said to Joshua, ‘No! We will serve the Lord.’ Then Joshua said, ‘You are witnesses against yourselves. You have said that you have chosen to serve the Lord.’ ‘Yes. We are witnesses,’ they replied. ‘Now then,’ said Joshua, ‘throw away the statues of the gods that are among you. People from other lands serve those gods. Give yourselves completely to the Lord. He is the God of Israel.’ ~NIRV

“I am sorry.” These words usually come after one has betrayed another. Whatever the hurt, pain or struggle, an apology has been laid on the table. Next comes forgiveness. When that is given in response to the apology, a very important thing happens next. The covenant. This may come in many forms that will confirm the commitment that what has happened will never happen again. Rules are put in place and boundaries are set so that the covenant can remain intact.

This is important because the one that was hurt, if placed in that same situation again, that relationship may be damaged beyond repair. In other words, a wife may forgive a husband for his transgression, when he apologizes and commits to being loyal. But if he breaks that commitment again, the consequences could result in a ruined relationship. This is how we as believers need to look at our personal relationship with God. When we come to Him, we confess our sins. We acknowledge our transgression and we accept responsibility for the consequences. But when we know that Christ died for our sins, then our apology comes in our actions as we live godly lives. Our commitment to being loyal to God in his commands and will for our lives, seals that covenant with God.

This is what takes place in Chapter 24 in the book of Joshua. After Joshua presents the act of idol worship to the people and its consequences, the people respond by saying they will worship the Lord. Many may have recognized their shortcomings and recognized the error of their ways. Joshua told them to get rid of those things that keep them from being loyal to God and to give their all to God only. He tells them that as they speak, they are witnessing to themselves and others. In other words, in their right minds they acknowledge their willingness to be loyal to God and God alone.

In doing this the covenant is renewed. Joshua makes it clear that because our God is a forgiving God, we need to be sincere on our part of the covenant. Because our God is gracious enough to forgive us of our mistakes and bad decisions, He is merciful enough to give us another chance. This is an opportunity to show that we are grateful for His grace, and this time we need to be sincere about our renewed commitment to God’s commands and direction. In other words, God will always do His part. We are totally responsible for ours.

​May God bless and keep you loved and protected as you journey in Jesus’ name.
 
Amen

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