Joshua 22: Gracious Accountability
Theological Proposition/Focus:
Homiletical Proposition/Application:
Contents
- 1 Introduction:
- 2 Body
- 2.1 Remember, a job well done is not a license to turn from God (22:1-8).
- 2.1.1 The three and a half tribes had been faithful to support their fellow Israelites (1-4).
- 2.1.2 Joshua reminded the tribes to be careful to remain faithful to God (5).
- 2.1.3 The reward for a job well done was substantial (6-8).
- 2.1.3.1 The reward included physical blessings.
- 2.1.3.2 The reward included the opportunity, no command, to share.
- 2.1.3.2.1 In Numbers 31:27 after the battle with the Midianites soldiers and those who stayed at home shared.
- 2.1.3.2.2 In 1 Sam. 30:21-25 David used the same principle after his battle with an Amalekite raiding party.
- 2.1.3.2.3 My quick application...let's honor those who pray for the workers as well as the workers!
- 2.1.4 Image: We often warn people to be safe after a major victory.
- 2.1.5 MTR: Determine not to let your spiritual guard down.
- 2.2 Remember, we are dealing with the God of the universe and the stakes are high (9-20).
- 2.3 Remember, accountability may mean we are challenged (21-29).
- 2.4 Remember, we don't always have all the information (30-34).
- 2.1 Remember, a job well done is not a license to turn from God (22:1-8).
- 3 Conclusion:
Introduction:
Image:
Need:
Subject:
Preview:
Text:.
Setting the Stage:
Body
Remember, a job well done is not a license to turn from God (22:1-8).
In verses 1-4 we are reminded that
The three and a half tribes had been faithful to support their fellow Israelites (1-4).
Recall that before ever entering the land of Canaan, Israel had been forced to fight with several nations on the East side of the Jordan. As you might expect, God had given complete victory. Three and a half of the tribes asked God for permission to inherit this land East of the Jordan and God granted their request under one condition. The three and a half tribes were expected to fight alongside their brothers in Canaan.
After seven years of fighting separated from their wives and families, the time had come for the 3.5 tribes to return.
In verse 4 Joshua gave his blessing for the tribes to return.
However, Joshua also provided a very important reminder.
Joshua reminded the tribes to be careful to remain faithful to God (5).
Actually six exhortations are found in the text.
Be careful to keep the commandments and the Law.
Love the Lord your God.
Walk in obedience to him.
Keep his commands.
Hold fast to him.
serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Military commands had come to an end, but that didn't mean that they could do whatever they wanted.
Perhaps Joshua feared that the separation caused by the Jordan would lead to separation from God. In any case. Joshua wanted to ensure that the people did not separate from the God who had shown himself.
The reward for a job well done was substantial (6-8).
The reward included physical blessings.
The men returned with great wealth.
The men returned with large heards of livestock.
The men returned with precious metals.
The men returned with significant clothing.
In God's community reward should be shared because the individual understands that the God of the universe can provide exactly what is needed. In fact, this notion of valuing the individual who did the work as much as the individual who supported the work is a common theme in God's economy.
In 1 Sam. 30:21-25 David used the same principle after his battle with an Amalekite raiding party.
My quick application...let's honor those who pray for the workers as well as the workers!
Image: We often warn people to be safe after a major victory.
I remember my High School Graduation rehearsal. After rehearsal we were given quite the lecture and it has stuck with me. Every-year following rehearsal there are students who never get to see their actual graduation. The night before graduation they go to a party or something like that and the consequences are tragic.
