From the Deacon’s Desk 8/22/2021

Dear Friends:

Our reading from Joshua 24:1-2a,15-17-18b.today tells the story of the time directly after Moses dies. Moses appoints Joshua to lead God’s people into the Promised Land, known to us as the land of Canaan. However, before Joshua will lead the people into their promised reward, he reminds them of the times when they turned away from God, the times when they worshiped false idols, the times they did not trust that God would take care of them. Joshua admonishes them to look back on their relationship with God and to decide whether or not they wish to enter the Promised Land.  Joshua says to them “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”  The Israelites reply, “Far be it from us to forsake the Lord for the service of other gods. We will also serve the Lord, for he is our God.” The Israelites agree that they would worship the only one true God. Finally, they entered the Promised Land!

This is a beautiful story of God’s relationship with his people. I wondered when I studied this reading that perhaps all of us need to look at our relationship with God and ask ourselves the question: are we ready to enter the Promised Land? I don’t mean by dying, but living, really living with God as the center of our lives. What can each of us do to strengthen our bond with God? Maybe we need to be more charitable to our families and others. Maybe we need to be kinder to our parents. Is it possible that our prayer life has become stale or maybe non-existent?

Perhaps today we could take a moment to think about how we experience friendship with God. And then ask ourselves: “are we ready to enter the living Promised Land?”

Peace and All Good!

Deacon Jim