Sunday: All Came to Pass
Daily Lesson for Sunday 14th of December 2025
In Joshua 21:43-45, what picture does the book paint of God? How do these words apply not only to the historical Promised Land but also to the reality of our salvation (2 Timothy 2:11-13)?
These verses constitute the climax of the book and its theological summary. They highlight one of the major themes of the whole book: the covenant faithfulness of Yahweh, who keeps His promises and fulfills His oaths. This short section also summarizes the entire content of the book so far. Joshua 21:43 speaks of the allocation and settlement of the land (Joshua 13:1-33; Joshua 14:1-15; Joshua 15:1-63; Joshua 16:1-10; Joshua 17:1-18; Joshua 18:1-28; Joshua 19:1-51; Joshua 20:1-9; Joshua 21:1-45), while Joshua 21:44 refers to victories won over the enemies and control gained over the land (Joshua 1:1-18; Joshua 2:1-24; Joshua 3:1-17; Joshua 4:1-24; Joshua 5:1-15; Joshua 6:1-27; Joshua 7:1-26; Joshua 8:1-35; Joshua 9:1-27; Joshua 10:1-43; Joshua 11:1-23; Joshua 12:1-24). All this retrospective is viewed through the prism of God’s faithfulness. The Israelites must always remember that they can never claim the victories over their enemies or the land as their inheritance—except through God’s loyalty to His given word.
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He gave “all the land” (Joshua 21:43, NKJV, emphasis supplied), delivered “all their enemies into their hand” (Joshua 21:44, NKJV, emphasis supplied), and according to “all that He had sworn” (Joshua 21:44, NKJV, emphasis supplied), “all came to pass” (Joshua 21:45, NKJV, emphasis supplied). The repeated use of the word kol, “all,” six times in three verses (Joshua 21:43-45), emphasizes once again the truth that the land is the gift of Yahweh, and Israel can take no credit for receiving it. It was the Lord who swore to “give” the land and who “had given” their enemies into their hands.
All Israel’s success has to be attributed solely to God’s divine initiative and trustworthiness. This is equally true concerning our salvation: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV).
Indeed, emphasizing God’s faithfulness, Paul also wrote: “The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself” (2 Timothy 2:11-13, ESV).
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How does God’s faithfulness in keeping His promises give us confidence that none of His promises for the future will fail? (See 1 Corinthians 10:13 and 2 Corinthians 1:18-20.) |
Today’s lessons is one of those lessons that I find very disquieting and here is why:
As regular readers will know. I was diagnosed with colon cancer last year. I had successful surgery some 6 weeks later and apart from regular checkups I am living a normal life again. Two years earlier a long term friend and colleague was also diagnosed with colon cancer. It was inoperable and within about 6 weeks we were attending his funeral.
I have no idea why his life was cut short while I still have mine. To say that the Lord had extended my life as a result of my faithfulness is to put it simply, nonsense. I don’t make that sort of comparison. My friend lived a life of Christian love towards family, colleagues and friends, irrespective of race, creed, education, or colour. His early death has been a reminder to me that while my life is extended, not as a privilege, but an opportunity to continue to share the love of God for whatever time I have left.
I am very uncomfortable claiming the blessing of God for health or possessions attributable to my good behaviour, or my faithfulness. I know the sort of person I am. Any blessing which I have is something that enables me to pass on the blessing I have to others.
Survival is not favoritism but as opportunity—time entrusted by God to love, serve, and reflect His grace.
Faithfulness is measured by love not outcomes.It is about how one lives not how long one lives or how much one has.
Any blessing received—health, time, resources—is meant to be shared, not used as proof of righteousness.
There are many people who continue to be blessed by your thoughtful comments, Maurice. My husband is also a stage 3 colon cancer survivor of more than 15 years.
Maurice, thank you for sharing such a thoughtful and honest reflection. I appreciate your refusal to measure God’s favor by health or longevity, and I resonate with your view of extended life as an opportunity rather than a reward.
I thank God for His blessings not because of my faithfulness, but often in spite of my unfaithfulness. Scripture reminds us that God “sends rain on the just and the unjust,” and that many of His gifts flow from grace rather than merit.
At the same time, the Bible does teach that obedience or disobedience can have real consequences in our lives and communities—not as a simplistic formula, but as part of living in a moral universe shaped by God and the principle of reaping what we sow. Outcomes are not always immediate or proportional, and they are never a reliable measure of a person’s worth or faith.
Your reflection is a needed reminder that gratitude, humility, and a willingness to bless others are the proper responses to whatever time and opportunity God gives us.
Amen, Brother Maurice.
You are relating to us exactly what the author meant when he said, in the introduction of this week’s lesson, “…he (John F. Kennedy) encouraged his country to focus on their responsibilities instead of their privileges”.
We also should THINK LESS about our “privileges” as God’s chosen people. We ought to THINK MORE about our responsibilities to our churches and the communities that God has placed us in.
As Joshua was attempting to inspire the children of Isreal to “Therefore take careful heed to yourselves, that you love the Lord your God. Joshua 23:11.” This is the same message that Jesus (and the Elders of our churches today), are attempting to say to us, in this overly modernized world, “Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. Revelation 3:11”
God’s Blessings to you all.
God is absolutely unwavering in fulfilling every promise He has made (Joshua 21:45). This goes far beyond the promise of the Promised Land to the Children of Israel. This is a foundational truth about God’s character. God always keeps His word. In this very nature of God, we have absolute confidence and assurance in our salvation. All of God’s good promises will climax at eternal redemption. God will wipe away tears from our eyes. We shall never die again. All sorrows, crying and pain shall never be part of our experience. This is not a wishful desire but a promise from the Promise-Keeper (Revelation 21:1- 4). This is a guarantee to live in the present with confidence and assurance that our hope in Christ Jesus will never be disappointed.
The certainty of God’s promises should shape our daily priorities. This knowledge that all God’s promises are “Yes” in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20) should make us face our daily challenges with great resolve and good feeling. God will complete the good work He started in us (Philippians 1:6). As the word of God came to pass for the Children of Israel, so shall it also pass for us.
“Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18, NIV)
“It Shall Come to Pass” clearly demonstrates that God’s promises are not merely hopeful wishes but certainties grounded in His character. Israel’s existence to this day is deeply rooted in God’s covenant with our father Abraham; therefore, all of God’s promises carry the assurance of fulfillment. The Bible, particularly Joshua chapters 23 and 24, shows that God’s blessings are not based on human merit or strength but are purely the result of His sovereign will. God chose the Israelites not because of anything they had done, but because of His love. Despite their weaknesses throughout their walk with Him, He remained faithful, chose to be their God, and fulfilled His promises.
On a personal level, the story of Israel strengthens my faith, reminding me that I have an active role in walking in agreement with God and holding Him accountable to His Word—“word for word.” This is not only an act of trust and obedience, but also an act of faith in God. Jeremiah 29:11 assures peace, hope, and a future, while Amos 3:3 calls me to walk in agreement with Him, emphasizing that alignment with God brings clarity of direction and endurance. When we, as believers, live anchored and established in God’s promises, we gain strength and focus, knowing that what God has spoken over our lives just as He did for the Israelites—shall surely come to pass.
There are many imponderable events that happen in this life which will be unknown until we see Jesus face to face. One thing is certain though, God has been, and always will be faithful to His promises. We ourselves, not so much. The will to do may be present but unless it is surrendered to the Lord, the power will be lacking. I have learned, and am still learning to trust and believe His promises. I have also learned not to make promises to him that are like “ropes of sand.” If, as God’s people we were even one tenth as faithful, what a difference would be made in this world. The key to faithfulness is in being surrenderred to the Lord. 1 Thess. 5:4 He who began that good work in us will be faithful to complete it. Phil. 1:6 Let’s let Him, and cooperate with him in the process.
He Who Began a Good Work in You — Steve Green
If we are grounded in Jesus, God will never fail us! And Jesus is open for us 24/7!
God never goes back on His word. As He said to Jeremiah, “I am watching over my word to accomplish it” (Jeremiah 1:12, NIV), even when He watches for hundreds of years.
I am quite certain that if one commits to God’s commandment, He might reward the person handsomely. God kept His promise with the prophets and Jesus Christ, and if I build my faith in Him with confidence, He will remember in the future that I kept His commandment in good faith. Colossians 3:24 reminds us that because we knew the Lord, we shall receive the reward of inheritance for serving the Lord Christ. What could be more promising than keeping God’s promise in confidence, knowing that He will hold you accountable for your deeds in the future?
The lesson writer states: “It was the Lord who swore to “give” the land and who “had given” their enemies into their hands.” But this was just the beginning. ‘The land’ was to be their save, protected staging ground. Without it, the children of Israel would not have had the opportunities to engage and grow by/through their spiritual and practical encounters with their God.
But His promises reached even further into their future. They did not end with receiving and occupying the land. This was just the downpayment for the true blessings to come – their spiritual transformation through their ongoing, unfolding relationship with God – the same as it is with us today in Christ Jesus.
We could see one’s new life in Jesus Christ to be a ‘promised land’ – the staging ground, a down payment to allow us to personally engage in the exclusive, two-way relationship with God – we hear from Him and He hears from us – Isaiah 65:24; Matt.7:7.
One would be wise do always inquire about the ‘why’, or ‘what for’ when reading Scripture – seeking to understand His Will and Way. Nothing in our relationship with Him is static – everything flows from Grace to Grace. If we will only be faithful and believe and trust His ongoing, loving Benevolence along our way toward the final ‘Promised Land’ – Deut.6:22-24; 2Cor.1:18-20.
Sometimes it is easy to say I trust in God but in reality the act that we do is far from trusting Him. As a student studying in a non-SDA school there are a lot of challenges especially in keeping the sabbath but what I always believe in the book Proverbs 3:5-6 knowing that God will always direct my path as long as I put my trust in Him nothing will be impossible for He is the same God that save us and will constantly sustain in this end time. Building not only our trust but our relationship with Him for it is the foundation of all in preparing for His second coming