Professor Randy Pausch is dying of pancreatic cancer. Beginning with Oprah, his “last lecture” has caught the attention of pop culture around the world. Says Dr. Pausch, “I am flattered and embarassed by all the recent attention to my "Last Lecture." I am told that, including abridged versions, over six million people have viewed the lecture online.” Indeed, he comes as close as any non-believer can in telling us how to live fully.
Joshua 23 features the aging Joshua’s own admonition to the children of Israel. Remind yourself: this is the man who led them the “final lap” into the full spiritual inheritance that was promised to the previous generations. This is a big deal. These are important words.
Joshua tells them to “be very courageous and steadfast to keep and do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, turning not aside from it to the right hand or the left.” He warns them not to “mix with these nations that remain among you, or make mention of the names of their gods or swear by them or serve them or bow down to them.” Instead he instructs them to “cling to the Lord your God as you have done to this day. For the Lord has driven out from before you great and strong nations; and as for you, no man has been able to withstand you to this day. One man of you shall put to flight a thousand, for it is the Lord your God Who fights for you, as He promised you.” To maintain and confirm that blessing, “Be very watchful of yourselves, therefore, to love the Lord your God.”
We have our own form of the “Promised Land”—not in a physical place but as participants in and inheritors of the Kingdom of God. We have inherited every promise that He will confirm and guarantee blessings upon us if we adhere to these same things. So let’s confirm the list: (1) do all that is written in the law. For us this includes the 10 Commandments as well as the “New Commandment” to love. (2) don’t mix with nations—in other words, don’t embrace their values, standards and world view. Think Christianly and you will act Christianly. (3) Cling to the Lord. This word is loaded—one doesn’t “cling” to something that is only a convenience—you cling to things your life depends upon. Secondly, if you “cling” to something, there is little room in your hands for anything else but that thing. (4) “Love the Lord.” I don’t even pretend to know all that means, but I will endeavor to be watchful to learn it.
We have the promise of God’s “riches of Christ in glory.” (Philippians 4:19). God has done all the “conquering” that needs to be accomplished. Want to confirm that promise? Discipline your heart and mind to this list.