Daily Devotional | Renewing a Covenant

Many married couples choose to renew their wedding vows. Some do this to celebrate a milestone in their relationship, others to let their friends and family know they would get married again in a heartbeat. Still, others reaffirm vows after successfully surviving a rough period. Whatever the reason, the renewal helps the couple reflect on the past and dream about the future. In essence, the act makes the relationship stronger.

Our text today is the culmination of chapters 7 and 8. Tensions arose after the Ai attack. It was discovered that the defeat of the Israelites was a result of Achan’s sin. Starting afresh, Joshua and the Israelites ambushed Ai and made the city a permanent heap of ruins (v. 28). Therefore, after these two campaigns and internal conflict, God’s people renewed their commitment to the Lord.

Joshua built an altar to the Lord (v. 30) and presented offerings (v. 31). He wrote on stone copy of the law of Moses, reminding the Israelites, that they were not lawless people like those they had just defeated. Rather, they were a nation dictated and judged by God’s Rule of Law. Joshua proceeded to read the words of the Law to all in attendance. This act was significant because it demonstrated the importance of the Pentateuch, also known as the first five books of the Old Testament. Ultimately, Joshua was renewing the covenant he and the people had with Yahweh. The Lord would be their God and they would be His people. The renewed contract made their relationship with God stronger than ever.

>> What commitments do you need to renew? A friendship? A family relationship? Perhaps your relationship with the Lord needs to be restored? A great place to start is by reading Scripture. Allow God’s Word to guide you and give you the wisdom and patience you need.