Entering the promised land
Greetings, friend!
Only Joshua, Caleb and the children of the rebels younger than twenty years were now left. They were on the border of the promised land near Mount Horeb. And they were ready to enter the promised land...
Shortly after the death of Moses, the Creator started to talk to Joshua as the new leader of the Israelites. "I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses... As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will never leave nor forsake you... Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified. Do not be discouraged. For I, your Creator and God, will be with you wherever you go."
Joshua commanded the leaders to get the Israelites ready to cross over the Jordan River. Three tribes, Reuben, Gad and half of Manasseh, requested to get extra space on the side of the Jordan they are currently on as they are too numerous. Joshua granted their request but enlisted the men for war until the Israelites finished the conquest of the promised land.
Joshua secretly sent two spies to inspect the land, especially the nearest town, Jericho. One of the women of Jericho, Rahab, helped the two spies hiding them among the straw on her house's roof and helped them to escape after getting a promise from them to spare her and her household. As a sign of the promise she had to hang the scarlet cord that she helped them to escape over the wall out of her window again. The promise would only extend towards those family of her that stay put when the Israelites attack and not leave the house. They went back via the mountains in the area to avoid a pursuit from the army in Jericho and reported everything back to Joshua.
The next morning Joshua assembled the Israelites on the banks of the Jordan River. They have to follow the Ark of the Covenant but at a safe distance. Joshua re-consecrated the Israelites for one day before doing the crossing.
The priests were instructed to stop as soon as the Ark is in the river and the water dammed up from the northern side. Twelve representatives, one from each tribe, took a big stone each and built a remembrance altar in the middle of the Jordan River. The Israelites then crossed over on the riverbed with the three tribes from the other side's men armed and ready in front of the rest of the tribes. After the last Israelite crossed over, the priest came thru and then the Jordan River closed again after them.
Joshua also erected another remembrance altar at Gilgal on the opposite side of the river. Joshua then have all the men circumcised as this has not been done since the people left the mountain of God and were wandering in the desert. And they celebrated their first Passover in the promised land at Gilgal. This was also the last day they received manna from the Creator.
The Israelites was armed and ready to conquer the land and they would have their first fight under leadership of the Creator and Joshua within the next few days...
TODAY'S QUESTIONS:
Are you rebellious? Do you listen when you get instructions or not?
Forgiveness and a new life is waiting for you!
You would know what to do... GO AND DO IT NOW!
Metusalah and Elias
Messengers of the Creator
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