Sunday: Cities of Refuge: Joshua 20:1-9
The cities of refuge are a type of salvation through Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is our “city of refuge”, but the salvation He gives is in contrast to the refuge given to the manslayer. It true that the believer must come to Christ, but it is also true that Christ first comes to us. (Hebrews 6:18-20; Matthew 11:28-30; Luke 19:10)
Monday: Towns for the Levites: Joshua 21:1-45
God kept His promise and gave them rest from war, enabling them to conquer all their enemies and enjoy their inheritance. We have spiritual rest today through Christ and will one day enter into eternal rest. (Deuteronomy 12:10; 25:19; Joshua 1:13; Hebrews 3-4)
Tuesday: Eastern Tribes Return Home: Joshua 22:1-34
Not only had the Lord kept His promises to Israel, but Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh had kept their promise as well. Joshua commended them for their faithful service, something that all of us should do for those who have ministered. (Numbers 32:25-32; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)
Wednesday: Joshua’s Farewell to Leaders: Joshua 23:1-16
No matter how great leaders may be, they cannot last forever, although their work is never lost. Like his predecessor Moses, Joshua gave a farewell address to his leaders. He reminded them that God’s Word never fails and must be obeyed completely if God is to continue His blessing on the land. (1 John 2:17; 4:19; John 14:15; Mark 12:30)
Thursday: Joshua’s Farewell to the People: Joshua 24:1-13
Joshua did not focus on himself as their leader, but he drew attention to God’s past goodness to and care of Israel and repeatedly urged them to remain loyal to the Lord. Genuine leaders of God’s people must share Joshua’s concern for God’s honor. They must exhort the people to love the Lord, serve him only and remain separated from the world. (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)
Friday: Israelites Renew Covenant: Joshua 24:14-27
Inherent in the salvation provided by God is the issue of personal choice. Each believer must continually choose whom he or she will serve. As with Joshua and the Israelites, serving the Lord is not merely a one-time choice. We must choose time after time to persevere in the faith and to obey God. (John 7:17)
Saturday: Death of Joshua: Joshua 24:28-33
Like the books of Genesis and Deuteronomy, Joshua closes with the toll of the death bell over great and Godly men. God buries His workmen but continues His work.