Overview of Bible in a Year — Day 88: "Joshua's Last Words to Israel"
Father Mike Schmitz (Ascension) concludes the book of Joshua (Joshua 22–24) and prays Psalm 132. Using the Great Adventure Bible Timeline (RSV-2CE), he reads the Scripture, explains the final events of Joshua’s leadership—an altar controversy, Joshua’s farewell exhortation, the covenant renewal at Shechem, and Joshua’s death—and reflects on the call to fidelity and the daily choice to serve the Lord. The episode closes with prayer, pastoral application, and logistical notes about upcoming readings.
Key Scripture readings
- Joshua 22: The eastern tribes (Reuben, Gad, half-tribe of Manasseh) return home; build a large altar by the Jordan; Israel fears rebellion; Phinehas leads an investigation; the altar is explained as a non-sacrificial “witness” between the tribes and accepted.
- Joshua 23: Joshua’s farewell address—reminds Israel of God’s deeds, urges steadfast obedience to the Mosaic law, warns against mingling with remaining Canaanite nations (especially intermarriage), and warns of consequences for covenant unfaithfulness.
- Joshua 24: Covenant renewal at Shechem—retelling of Israel’s salvation history (from Abraham to conquest), Joshua’s challenge “choose this day whom you will serve,” people pledge to serve the Lord; Joshua sets up a stone witness; Joshua dies at 110. Burials of Joseph’s bones and of Eleazar are noted.
- Psalm 132: A Song of Ascents about David’s vow and God’s choice of Zion as his eternal dwelling—prayers for God to bless Zion, David’s line, and the priests; promises of God’s enduring presence.
Main themes & takeaways
- God’s faithfulness vs. human fickleness: Joshua underscores that God has fulfilled every promise, while Israel remains prone to turning away—so the choice to remain faithful is urgent and deliberate.
- Covenant responsibility: Obedience to God’s law and covenant is presented as the condition for continued blessing and possession of the land; breach brings swift judgment.
- The importance of witness and identity: The altar by the Jordan shows concern for communal identity and memory—keeping clear that all tribes belong to the Lord despite geographic separation.
- Personal and familial commitment: Joshua’s challenge (“choose this day…”) is both individual and household-level—practice faith visibly and intentionally.
- Prayer and worship focused on God’s dwelling among his people (Psalm 132) as the basis for hope and continuity.
Notable quotes and lines
- “Choose this day whom you will serve.” — Joshua 24:15 (central challenge emphasized by Father Mike)
- “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” — Joshua 24:15 (presented as a lived commitment, not mere decoration)
- Father Mike’s pastoral summary: “I know that you are fickle... but I know this too: God will not fail. God will not falter in his love and his choice of you.”
Practical applications / action items
- Decide today: make a concrete choice about who you serve—identify and name any “gods” (money, comfort, fame, etc.) that compete with God.
- Household practice: adopt intentional family prayer or commitments that embody “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
- Remove idols: examine personal, household, and cultural idols; plan concrete steps to remove or reduce their grip (fasting from social media, reprioritizing finances, simplifying comforts).
- Remember & witness: create family or community practices (symbols, stories, memorials) to pass on faith identity to the next generation.
- Read along: follow the Bible in a Year reading plan—tomorrow begins Judges and Ruth (one chapter a day); in ~10 days the podcast will start the Gospel of John.
Short summary of the altar incident (clarified)
- The eastern tribes built a large altar near the Jordan, alarming the rest of Israel who feared idolatry or schism.
- Phinehas and tribal leaders interrogate them; the eastern tribes explain the altar is a “witness” (not for sacrifices) to affirm shared faith across the Jordan and prevent future claims of spiritual separation.
- The leaders accept the explanation; conflict is averted and unity is preserved.
Closing prayer & pastoral tone
- Father Mike prays gratitude for the journey through Joshua, asks for help to trust and live in God’s love, and reminds listeners to choose fidelity now.
- He encourages ongoing prayer for the podcast and invites financial support (ascensionpress.com/bible-in-a-year) and subscribing to the show.
What’s next
- Day 89: Start Judges and Ruth (one chapter of Ruth per day for four days).
- In about 10 days: first readings from the Gospel of John.
- Practical reminder: use Ascension’s Bible in a Year reading plan (ascensionpress.com/bible-in-a-year) to follow along.
Short, memorable takeaway: Joshua’s final call is both a historical covenant renewal and a present-day challenge—decide now whom you will serve, and commit to living that choice visibly in family and community.