Introduction
Begin by reflecting on how easy it is to make promises and then break them. Go on to talk about how the Lord is different from us: he always keeps his promises and that is what we will see in Joshua 21:43–45.
Briefly explain how Joshua 21:43 is a summary of chapters 13-21, and 21:44a a summary of 21:44-45. Together they confirm that the land has been conquered and divided. Two events presented as conclusive proof that God always keeps his promises. The promise made to Abraham in Genesis 12 and the promise repeated to Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Joshua; not one word has failed, it all came to pass. Admittedly it took a long time—more than 500 years—from promise to fulfillment. God’s time is not our time. But the moment has arrived for you to tick the box and confirm
paid in full.
Kept to the letter.Promises kept despite Israel’s weakness
Explain the challenges seen in the history of Israel; the lack of land, the sin of God’s people.
Explain why God keeping his promises is so marvellous and a testimony to his grace (and not human ability or works).
Old covenant fulfillment of the promise made to Abraham
Explain that the modern state of Israel is not the fulfillment of this promise made to Abraham.
The Lord always keeps his promises
Explain how an old covenant believer would have been encouraged by this summary statement.
Give examples of how the Lord has kept other promises in Scripture, especially with regard to the Messiah.
Apply: list some of the promises which God has made to us as new covenant believers and encourage God’s people to live in the light of those promises. Give specific and clear examples of what obedience will look like today.
Conclusion
The Lord always keeps his promises. You can trust him with your life, you can trust him with your future—he always does what he says he will do.
43 Thus the LORD gave to Israel all the land that he swore to give to their fathers. And they took possession of it, and they settled there.