The conquest of Canaan had ended, and the land was divided into twelve tribes. Then Joshua dismissed the two and a half tribes of those in the Transjordan with honor. They had kept their promise to Moses and helped the other tribes in the conquest faithfully. As he sent them to their families, Joshua reminded them to remain faithful to the Lord-loving Him, walking in obedience to Him, keeping His commands, holding fast to Him, and serving him. God's people need to be both encouraged and challenged to remain faithful to the Lord in their lives of faith. We are not to rest on our laurels but keep on living by faith (Phil 3:13-14).

Joshua didn't send them away empty handed but gave them blessing and bounty. They received the fruit of faithful living. Obedience to God and faithfulness to Christ bring God's great blessings. Jesus says, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Mt 6:33).


Application: Lord, thank you for giving me a mission to spread the gospel. Help me to complete it. Remind me of living by faith to the end.
One Word: Keep on running the race of faith