From Law to Grace: Choosing Our Inheritance Day by Day

Brothers and sisters, have you ever stood at a precipice—a moment where everything you thought you knew about how things *should* work suddenly falls away? It feels like standing at the edge of the Jordan River, looking back at the monumental effort it took to get this far, and realizing that the map you've been following—the Law, the rules, the perfect plan—isn't enough to get you to the promised land.

It’s a powerful lesson, one that echoes through the Book of Joshua. Moses could lead the people right up to the edge, but it wasn't until a new leadership, a new covenant, and a profound shift in understanding—from rigid adherence to divine grace—that the crossing was possible. This transition, friends, is something we face in our own lives, and in our efforts to be disciples of Jesus Christ.

The Weight of the Past vs. The Promise of Today

We talk so much about the monumental feats—the battles, the miracles, the sheer effort of keeping the commandments. And yes, those things are amazing testimonies! But Joshua teaches us that the greatest spiritual work isn't in the marching or the trumpeting; it's in the *choosing*. It’s about recognizing that our covenant path isn't sustained by the sheer weight of what we've already done, or even by the memory of past blessings.

Think about the transition from the Pentateuch—the Law—to the historical narratives. It’s a shift from defining boundaries to embracing the journey of faith. We are called to do the same. We are called to move beyond just knowing the *rules* of discipleship to embodying the *spirit* of Christ.

This week, as we study this passage, I was reminded that our covenants require us to be intentional about our memory. Joshua’s final plea at Shechem—that the stones of the altar "heard" their promises—is a profound reminder. What are the stones in *your* life? What are the 'witnesses' you have set up to remind you, every single day, of the covenants you have made?

It’s not about the massive, visible milestones—the temple attendance, the years of service, the perfect record. It’s about the quiet, daily choice to keep showing up, to choose Christ, even when the path seems muddy or confusing.

This concept of choosing—choosing to be Christlike, choosing to study, choosing to serve—is the heart of being an Internet missionary. It doesn't require a physical assignment; it requires a daily spiritual alignment.

If you are feeling the weight of the past, or perhaps you feel overwhelmed by the sheer scope of the work ahead, remember the principle of the Valley of Achor. Trouble doesn't end our journey; it forces a pivot. God takes our valleys of trouble and turns them into doors of hope, provided we keep moving forward in faith.

I encourage you to take a moment this week to identify one small, tangible "witness" in your life—a scripture verse you plan to meditate on, a specific call to action you will take, or even a specific friend you will reach out to—that anchors you to your covenants. Let that be your focus, your altar stone.

To dig deeper into these themes of transition, covenant renewal, and the power of daily choice, I highly recommend listening to the full podcast episode on the Book of Joshua. It really unpacks the weight of this shift from Law to Grace.

For those of you who are feeling the pull to learn more about how to apply these principles in your own sphere, I invite you to join a Book Club or a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces. It’s a wonderful way to study scripture with others and build up those shared testimonies. If you’re looking for a quick, practical way to apply this knowledge right now, I’ve left a link below to a free Disciple Challenge we put together!

Remember, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. Let’s keep building those testimonies, day by day.