My sisters and I just booked our annual “Sisters’ Get-away” for the fall of 2023. It has become a sacred tradition, one that began after our older brother died of a sudden heart attack 21 years ago at the age of 55. My sisters and I have always been close, but after Bill died we decided we needed to be intentional about carving out time each year to spend together, away from the demands and distractions of our typical daily lives.
We’ve enjoyed a variety of destinations and experiences over the years but truthfully, it doesn’t really matter where we are – as long as we’re together. And it never fails that a significant part of our time together is recalling our stories, both individual and shared. Remembering these stories gives us a deeper appreciation for one another, for the unconditional love of our parents, and for God’s faithfulness throughout our journeys, in good times and in bad.
Sometimes we need to be reminded of our stories and of the countless ways God has been at work in our lives, which is exactly how the last chapter of the book of Joshua opens. Joshua has gathered all the tribes of Israel together and is delivering a sort of “farewell address” before he dies. “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel,” he begins. And then the people are given a history lesson because they need to be reminded of all that God has done for them throughout the generations – from the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham, to leading their ancestors out of slavery in Egypt, to rescuing them time and again from the hand of their enemies – providing everything they need throughout it all.
As Luther Seminary professor Craig Koester points out, “Joshua focuses the people’s attention on what is of prime importance: their relationship with the God who has claimed them, called them, freed them, and led them.”
Of course, this isn’t just their story; it’s our story, too. As you look back on your life, how has God claimed, called, freed, and led you? In what ways does God continue to be at work in your life today?
We give you thanks, O God, for your faithfulness throughout all generations. Help us to remember all that you have done for us, and open our eyes to see your loving presence in our lives today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.