Sat.’s Devo - The Beginning and the End

Read: Joshua 24:1-33; Luke 21:1-28; Psalm 89:38-52; Proverbs 13:20-23 Joshua had all the leaders in the community of the tribes come to Shechem to meet with him. He told them the story of their conception as a nation. God had taken Abraham from beyond the Euphrates where his family worshipped other gods. God led Abraham to leave and come to Canaan where he walked the land. He gave him a son, Isaac. He gave Issac two sons: Jacob and Esau. He gave Esau the mountains of Seir but sent Jacob and his descendants to Egypt. *** God sent Moses and Aaron to bring them out of Egypt with a strong hand and signs and wonders. He gave them victory over the “ites” in the land and gave them the land they had not worked, towns they didn’t build and vineyards and olive groves they did not plant. He told them to put away the gods that their ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Joshua proclaimed that he and his house would serve the Lord. *** The people responded that they would also serve the Lord. Joshua warned them that if they didn’t serve God, he would become an adversary to them. The people promised that they would serve the Lord so Joshua made a covenant with them and God and rolled a huge stone beside the Tabernacle to be a witness of their decision. Then he sent them home. *** Joshua died at 110 and was buried in his town of Timnath-serah in the country of Ephraim. The people had served the Lord during his lifetime. *** Joseph’s bones were buried in Shechem which became a city of refuge. Eleazar died and was buried in the same place Joshua was buried. *** In Luke, Jesus pointed out the gift of a poor widow who only gave two mites while others were pouring great offerings into the coffers. He said, her gift was greater because she gave all she had. *** The disciples commented on the great structure of the temple and all the decorations on the walls. Jesus said that one day it would be completely demolished with not one stone left on top of the other. *** They wanted to know when this would happen and he told them all the signs to look for before he comes back. There would be wars, earthquakes, famines and plagues. Before this there would be great persecution for his followers. But they didn’t need to be afraid, because in standing firm, they would win their souls. *** Jerusalem would be trampled by Gentiles until their time was through. There would be strange signs in the sun, moon and stars. Everything on earth and in the heavens would be shaken. Then, everyone would see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory. *** Lord, help us to endure till the end being faithful and giving all that we have. Thank you that you gave us all that you are. You have truly blessed our souls with hope and joy.