March 12, 2026 - Judges 11-12

“Just as the LORD had commanded Moses his servant, so Moses commanded Joshua, and so Joshua did. He left nothing undone of all that the LORD had commanded Moses.  So Joshua took all that land, the hill country and all the Negeb . . .” (11:15-16) and so on . . .  “And Joshua gave it for an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal allotments.  And the land had rest from war” (11:23).  And so, the promise made to Abraham – “And the Lord appeared to [Abraham] and said . . . ‘Sojourn in this land, and I will be with you and will bless you, for to you and to your offspring* I will give all these lands, and I will establish the oath that I swore to Abraham your father’” (Genesis 26:2-3).  Just as sure as that promise is the promise given to us as we cast wishful eyes:

On Jordan’s stormy banks I stand,

and cast a wishful eye

to Canaan’s fair and happy land,

where my possessions lie.

I am bound for the promised land,

I am bound for the promised land;

oh, who will come and go with me?

I am bound for the promised land.

O’er all those wide extended plains

shines one eternal day;

there God the Son forever reigns,

and scatters night away.

No chilling winds or poisonous breath

can reach that healthful shore;

sickness and sorrow, pain and death,

are felt and feared no more.

When I shall reach that happy place,

I'll be forever blest,

for I shall see my Father’s face,

and in his bosom rest.   -- Samuel Stennett (1787)