A Long Time After Rest

Now it came to pass, a long time after the LORD had given rest to Israel from all their enemies round about, that Joshua was old, advanced in age. Joshua 23:1

When in a battle for our lives, it may seem that there will never be another rest. Israel had fought against surrounding nations for many years, but I was intrigued by how in Joshua's story there was a long time after the Lord had given rest to Israel. There were the usual daily struggles, I'm sure, but the Lord gave to Israel a time to grow and rest. A lengthy time when the enemies were less hostile and willing to live in peace. Some of us this morning may take some time to pray that a certain virus will go away and leave us in peace. However, one enemy had come for Joshua and it was a fight he could not win. Old age would soon take another servant of the Lord. It would almost seem sad except for the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ!

At the very least, old age is our ticket out of here and the destination is to be with the Lord Jesus. We have nothing here to cling to that our Lord cannot give to us abundantly in the Heaven of His rest. Separations we have suffered are restored in the heavenly home of our God and His Christ. And there is of course that long time after rest from any and all enemies that we so look forward to from the battleground of this present darkness. 

May the Lord Jesus live in us this day!

Bucky