Readings for the Day:
Joshua 24:1-2, 14-18:  In the Near East, covenant means ‘agreement’ or ‘alliance.’  It describes relationships and is the primary word used to characterize the relationship between God and Israel.  By delivering Israel, God has already begun the relationship.  Joshua calls upon the people to respond.  

Ephesians 6:10-20:  Like a general giving a rousing speech to troops before battle, this letter closes by calling on Christians to be equipped for spiritual warfare against evil.  The full armor of God includes truth, righteousness, peace, faith, the gift of salvation, and the word of God inspired by the Spirit.
John 6:56-69:  The ‘hard saying’ that offends Jesus’ disciples is his claim that his followers must eat his flesh and drink his blood.  The followers who return to their old lives know something about how odd this sounds.  Simon Peter, on the other hand, knows something about the scarcity of living, gracious words.  He asks the most important question: ’To whom shall we go?’ 

 ‘From Sunday & Seasons, copyright 2023 Augsburg Fortress’

Questions To Ponder:
1— How do you live out the saying from Joshua: “as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord”?  (Joshua 24:14-18)
2—How do you put on the full armor of God? (Eph. 6:10-20)
3—What does it mean that Jesus has the words of eternal life? (John 6:56-69)
4—How do these texts speak to you today?

Prayer:  Holy God, your word feeds your people with life that is eternal.  Direct our choices and preserve us in your truth, that, renouncing what is false and evil, we may live in you.  Amen.