Joshua 4-5 & Romans 10

As the Israelites journey through the Jordan, the Lord reminds Joshua to bring out stones from the Jordan to set up as a sign for generations to come. The instructions in Joshua 4 are a reminder of what was already commanded in Deuteronomy. These signs are not just for the present generation but the generations that will follow.

Again, as already agreed to, Gad, Reuben and Mannaseh lead the charge as 40,000 warriors invaded the land of Canaan.

The passage through the Jordan River confirms to the Israelites that Joshua has been exalted by God and is their rightful leader.

As the nations who reside in Canaan tremble at the power and glory of the Israelites lead by God, the Isrealites themselves tend to covenant rituals in Joshua 5. First, the new generation born during the wilderness journey is circumcised, affirming that they are heirs of the promise made to Abraham. Second, they celebrate Passover in the Promised Land. As the Israelites ate of the land, the manna from heaven ceased, a sign that God's providence continues in a different way.

As a sign that God is the Lord of Hosts, Joshua has a vision of a mighty warrior, sword drawn, ready to do battle. The warrior announces himself as the commander of the army of the Lord, God is ready for battle.

Romans 10

Paul's grief is found in the fact that Israel was not willing to accept the righteousness of God as a gift but instead wanted to earn it themselves. At the heart of this desire was an unwillingness to trust in the goodness of God, for they wanted their own assurance of salvation instead of trusting God. For Paul this is why the Law cannot bring salvation, for it leads Israel to think that they can achieve salvation, hence sin and idolatry enter into the Law. Yet the Law itself is good.

Paul proclaims Jesus to the be end of the Law, end as in goal but also end as in the Law is not the vehicle for salvation, Christ is. In Christ, we can live to fulfill the Law by trusting in God, for God demonstrated that God can deliver us from death, so God truly is trustworthy.

For Paul, faith comes from what is heard, as he points out in v. 17, and what is heard comes through the word that Christ offers. The faithful are to trust in that Word, just as Israel was to trust in God's Word given to them in the Law and through Moses.