Lectionary # 418.

Scripture: Joshua 24:14-29. Psalm 16: 1-2.5.7-8. Matthew 19:13-35. Lectionary # 418: Joshua now convinces the Israelites to given their assent to the covenant that he is renewing for them. They have listened to the mighty acts of God in their salvation history which has given them freedom through the Exodus and now gives them the joy of entering their homeland for all twelve tribes. Having followed carefully Joshua's creedal memory of their salvation history, they are ready to give their total commitment in a covenantal response. We listen to their words, "Therefore, we also will serve the Lord, for he is our God." Joshua continues to make known to them the stipulations and required obedience to God their leader and protector," If, after the good God has done for you, you forsake the Lord and serve other gods, he will do evil to you and destroy you." The Israelites accept the stipulations and again affirm their covenantal commitment, "We will serve the Lord our God and we will be obedient to his commandments." (Joshua 24:24). Joshua and all the people are witnesses, that is, believers in God. Joshua therefore seals the covenant by writing these things in the volume of the law of the Lord. He takes a great stone and sets it under the oak that was in the sanctuary of the Lord. "And he said to all the people: Behold this stone shall be a testimony unto you, that it hath heard all the words of the Lord which he hath spoken to you; lest perhaps hereafter you will deny it, and lie to the Lord your God." Fittingly, the last verses of this chapter ends with the epitaph for Joshua and celebrates the recovery and return of the bones of Joseph who had served God and his brothers so well in the land of Egypt. Amen.