Joshua
22:5 Only be very careful to observe the
commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, to
love the Lord your God, and to walk in all his ways and to keep his
commandments and to cling to him and to serve him with all your heart and with
all your soul.”
The result of faithfulness is rest. This is the reward
promised in 1:15. The tribes receive the command to return to their appointed
lands and enjoy the rest that has come from the hand of God. It is he who has
given them victory in life.
The return to rest does not mean a return to
forgetfulness or the neglect of obligations. God expects faithfulness in peace
and prosperity as well as in war and danger. This is the life of the people of God.
Living well entails obedience motivated by a living trust in God’s Word. His
promises are fulfilled for the obedient.
The relationship between God and man is not a legalism
conducted in fear. It is not an economic business relationship where one party
acts or performs in order to receive. The relationship is not one built on the
pride of our achievements. The God – man relationship is one of love and
devotion. It exhibits willingness on the part of man to obey and worship God
freely.
Today we know that the peace of God passes beyond our
understanding. But it comes to those whose hearts and minds are centered on
Christ Jesus, our Lord.