Joshua gathered all the leaders and tribes of Israel at Shechem. It was time for the nation to reflect on all the things God had done and how they should live as his people. In verse 13, God reminds his people that he had given them a land that they had not labored for, cities that they had not built, and luscious vineyards and orchards that they did not plant. Indeed, they were enjoying the abundant blessings of God. How did they get to this place? It was God's grace every step of the way! Abraham and his father were idolaters when God called Abraham and established his covenant with him. It was God who fulfilled his promises and blessed Abraham with a whole nation of descendants. God delivered his people from Egypt, provided for them in the wilderness, and fought for them in the land of Canaan. It was all the one-sided grace of God.

Like the Israelites, it is good for Christians to pause and reflect on the wonderful grace of God in their lives. In Christ, we have received a new birth into a living hope and an inheritance that will never perish, spoil, or fade. We have been seated in the heavenly realms with Christ and have been adopted as children of God. One day, we will be with Christ forever. We will see him in all his glory and we will be like him. How is this possible? It is the work and gift of our amazing God.


Application: Father, we honor and praise you.
One Word: Salvation is the gift of our God.