This past Sunday, Melanie, Isabella, and I worshiped at Alethia Church in Harrisonburg while visiting Isabella for Family Weekend at JMU. Alethia (the Greek word for truth) is where she and her housemates attend on Sundays. Their pastor preached from Joshua chapter 5, which is part of their current series on the book of Joshua.

I left with a few takeaways I’d like to share with us at HRBC…

Joshua 5 finds the Israelites freshly across the Jordan River after more than 40 years of wilderness wandering. Most of those who crossed over had been born in the desert. Before they could move forward, the men were circumcised as a sign of consecration to the Lord and a renewal of the covenant God had made with Abraham. Scripture tells us that the people remained in camp until they were healed. Only then did they celebrate the Passover—remembering God’s protection when He led them out of slavery in Egypt.

This was a season marked by covenant (consecration), waiting (healing), worship (Passover), and trust in God’s provision (as manna ceased and they began to eat the produce of the land). The people were not idle in their waiting; they were faithful, obedient, and centered in God’s promises as they prepared for the new season ahead.

In the same way, we are invited to daily renew our covenant with God—remembering our baptism as a sign of His grace, waiting faithfully on the Lord in prayer and obedience to Scripture, and following God’s plan for us as He opens new seasons for our church family.

This is especially a season of joyful celebration at HRBC! We give thanks for God’s provision in calling Rev. Sara Hubble to serve as our Interim Pastor of Family Ministries and Congregational Care, and Rev. David Cameron as our Pastor of Music, Worship, and Community. Just as the Israelites paused to consecrate themselves and wait before stepping into the Promised Land, we too wait in faith—trusting that God is leading us into a fruitful future together!

May we continue to walk faithfully in covenant with God, waiting on Him with expectancy, and celebrating His goodness in every step. Indeed, God is good!

Grace and peace,