The Holy God Elohim Kedoshim
After being commended for their
faithful service in conquering the
land of Canaan, the warriors of the
tribes east of Jordan are sent home.
They recognised the Jordan River
which forms a natural barrier may
become a spiritual barrier as well.
To prevent this, a memorial altar
is built on the riverbank – an act
misunderstood by the tribes west
of Jordan. Civil war nearly breaks
out before the real motives behind
the altar are revealed. The book
closes with Joshua’s farewell
address in which he gives the
people an ultimatum: Choose you
this day whom you will serve.
Hallowed be Elohim Kedoshim:
Choose for yourself this day whom
you will serve, whether the gods
which your fathers served that
were on other side of the River,
or the gods of the Amorites,
in whose land you dwell. But
as for me and my house we will
serve the Lord… (Joshua 24:15).
Joshua said to the people: He is
a Holy God (Elohim Kedoshim);
he is a jealous God. He will not
forgive your rebellion and your sins;
if you forsake the Lord and serve
foreign gods. He will turn and bring
disaster on you and make an end of
you, after He has been good to you.
But the people said to Joshua: No!
We will serve the Lord (Jos 24:19-21)
Lord Elohim Kedoshim, You dwell
in high and holy place, yet You also
dwell with those who are contrite
and of a humble heart. We thank
You, the Holy One, that You made
a way through Jesus Christ to
allow us into Your presence. And
grateful though You are holy, You
desire our heart & want to share
intimate relationship with us. Amen.
Lord Elohim Kedosim, I know You
want me to be holy as You are holy.
But I have fallen short in the past,
I fall short of it in the present,
and will fall short of it in the future.
In my finiteness I sin far too often.
My sins of commission and sins
of omission offend Your beauty
and purity. Forgive me for the
worry, doubt, anger and lack of
love in my heart at times. And
cleanse me in Your holiness. Amen.
Lord Elohim Kedoshim, I ask You
to show me favour and patience
even as I strive each day to
be more of a reflection of You
than I have been in the past.
Make my heart holy like Yours.
Speak to me before I think of wrong
thoughts or make wrong choices.
Intervene in my life and empower me
to live in holiness each day. Amen.