This week we finish the book of Joshua as God's people settle into their new land. As kings are defeated, territories are set up, and cities of refuge are established, the climax comes in the last two chapters as Joshua gives his farewell. The highlight of that is the covenant renewal at Shechem. Covenant renewal is a big part of God's relationship with his people; in fact, oftentimes weekly worship is considered an act of covenant renewal. Once again, God pledges his faithfulness to his people, and once again, God's people promise their faithfulness (though we know they can't keep their end of the covenant). God continues to be the covenant-making and covenant-keeping God. Please consider doing one or more of the readings using the audio links. Sometimes we hear things through our ears that we don't hear in our minds when we read. We enter into our rhythm of LEARN, READ, INTERACT.

From How to Read the Bible through the Jesus Lens, Michael Williams makes these points about Joshua:

Phrase: Victorious rest
Theme: God uses Joshua to lead his people to victorious rest in the Promised Land.
Christ-Focus: Christ brings his people victory over the challenges of this life (John 16:33).
Implications: We are able to realize victorious rest even now in the face of the challenge of this life through the power of him who loves us (1 Peter 1:3-5).
Questions: What battles are you fighting today? Where do you look for strength? What counts as victory?

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