Have you ever thought about what it was like for a people to be chosen to be led by God? To what end? In Joshua 23, Joshua knows his life is nearing its end on this earth and he is reminding the people to stay close to God. They are His. He has led them, corrected them, loved them faithfully. He wants to continue that with them as they go forward living their lives. They know God and what He has done for them thus far. Would their journey together continue?

The people from the nations still remaining in the land don’t know God. They worship other gods. They live their lives without God guiding them. To what end?

God is so patient. He’s not in a hurry. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27.

Israel learning from God and being faithful to Him were to be a beacon, a light, for the nations showing them the love of God; and if they had been faithful, those nations would have noticed a difference. They weren’t faithful. They turned to the gods the nations around them worshipped. No longer reflecting the light of God’s truth and love, they received from what the world gives. To what end?

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:1-5.

What does God offer each one of us? Life. Life that is the light of all mankind. All mankind, not just one nation. All people. Only God can give us His peace that is so different from what the world offers. The world offers turmoil, injustice, intolerance…darkness…that seeps into every heart and makes us wonder how can anything change for good. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.

What does the world offer you? To what end? Only you can answer that.

What does God offer you? His love. To what end? My peace I give to you. As you ask Him to come into your life and take His hand, He will begin a work of peace in your heart. How can He not? He is Almighty God and the light of His love illuminates so brightly, no darkness can overcome it. In Him is life eternal for all mankind. Can you imagine? He doesn’t give as the world gives.

Something amazing happens when you turn to God for help. He’s there. Patiently, lovingly He begins a good work in you that can only happen with time spent with Him; and you discover something vital…you want to offer Him love in return. Isn’t that how the best relationships work? Each heart, individually. Personal. That’s what God offers you.