FOLLOW THE TRAIN OF THOUGHT? – OBSERVE TO DO ALL THAT IS COMMANDED

Continuing the “Train of Thought” let us look at Joshua 1:7 to see what we can learn. We all love promises in the Bible. They are good and they speak about God’s love for us. However, it is good to note that, every promise in the Bible is always with a condition attached. This is something they many of us miss. This is abundantly made clear to Joshua and to us, even today. The operating principle for every promise of God is the same, and it hasn’t changed, since Joshua’s times.
– “7 Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:7

Joshua is advised and asked to…
– “be strong and courageous.”
If we notice, it does not end there. Rather, it begins there. The LORD goes on to say…
– “observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you.”
The LORD goes even further to emphasise the importance placed on obedience, and says…
– “do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left.”
Then comes the promise and the blessing part of the verse. Hope the sequence is noted.
– “that you may prosper wherever you go.”
The “that” in the above sentence is indicative of what we are to do, and the consequences of that is the promise and the blessing.

We are living in times where spirituality on every to give, but the power of God Almighty seems to be missing. We wish to pick and choose, what is best for us, and in our interest. Just like how we do in a shopping mall. God and our Faith do not operate on that principle. Obedience is compliance to God, and all that He is asking from us. When we comply, God is obligated to do His part of the “agreement” – to bless us as promised. A. W. Tozer, hits this right on its head.
– “Have you noticed how much praying for revival has been going on of late – and how little revival has resulted? I believe the problem is that we have been trying to substitute praying for obeying, and it simply will not work.”

The LORD speaking through prophet Jeremiah, has some pretty strong words for His “Chosen People” – this applies to us too, as the Church of God. The heart of God explained in these words, makes it crystal clear, what LORD is look for from us, as His children and His disciples.
– “22 For I did not speak to your fathers, or command them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices. 23 But this is what I commanded them, saying, Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people. And walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you.’” – Jeremiah 7:22-23

Now, do we “FOLLOW THE TRAIN OF THOUGHT?” It is asking us to “OBSERVE TO DO ALL THAT IS COMMANDED.” Even so the LORD help us.