The Counselors Listened to Shape Us

 Matthew 1-2     Psalm 1     Joshua 23-24

The opening of the Gospel of Matthew outlines the genealogy from Adam to Jesus through David. Then the story of Mary and Joseph as she becomes pregnant by the Holy Spirit and the call of them to trust the Lord with their futures. After Jesus is born there is the fleeing to Egypt, the killing of the children in Bethlehem attempting to kill Jesus, and then their return to Israel. They end up in Nazareth in the north in the region of Galilee. It is there Jesus will be raised and grow in faith and stature and would become known as a Nazarene.

Our song today reminds us that we will be impacted by those we allow to counsel us and shape our lives. When we shape our lives by those that find joy in the ways of the Lord and make that the center of our life, we will find life delightful. We will be light the well planted tree that faces the storms and challenges of life and yields its fruit in season. In the end they will prosper and be blessed. Those that get their counsel contrary to the way of God will stand in judgement and perish.

At the end of his life Joshua clearly points to God as the cause of their success in entering and taking over the promised land. He is the model of the great leader who points to God for what sets them apart as a leader of people. He also outlines for them how God has been with them and led them since they were in Egypt and it was the power of God that drove out those before them.

Joshua makes sure they understand that they are only blessed because they have put their trust in and followed the commands and direction of the Lord. He also reminds them that falling and becoming disobedient will cost them all they have gained. He tells them of his impending death and challenges them to continue to live the righteous life like he has taught them. He reminds them if they turn away from God and allow others to distract them, they will fall into sin and all will be taken from them and they will suffer.

All the readings today remind us that we must trust God at all times and follow his ways even when something else feels so good and right to us. The most important thing we can do is select good leaders that will seek the will of God and lead in his ways and not to please other people. We will become a reflection of good or evil based on whose counsel we listen to and follow.