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March 23rd
The Bible reading today begins our reading of the book of Joshua chapters 1-4.
The book of Joshua covers the first 10 years of Israel’s life in the promised land...from their entrance to Canaan to the death of Joshua.
God said to Joshua, “Moses my servant is dead...now arise and go over the Jordan River, you and all the people, into the land that I have given Israel.” No man is indispensable...not even the great spiritual and national leader, Moses.
God used him to deliver Israel from 400 years of slavery in Egypt. God also used him to train the young Israelites for the invasion of Canaan. And guess who was with Moses those 40 years? A young warrior named Joshua.
Moses directed Joshua to take command of Israel’s young army against the savage Ammorite raiders. With Moses on the mountain interceeding and Joshua on the battlefield below, God won the day.
Then we read where Joshua went with Moses to Mt Sinai where God gave Moses the 10 Words. Then Moses appointed Joshua and Caleb among ten other tribe leaders to spy out Canaan. Ten spies came back fueling doubt and unbelief into the people of Israel concerning the invasion of Canaan, the land that God promised them. Joshua and Caleb, however, returned in faith saying “Let’s go on in and trust that God will go with us, just like He promised.”
Moses placed his hands upon Joshua in front of the congregation signifying that Joshua would one day be their new leader.
Then...in today’s reading, God commissioned Joshua to take Moses’ place in leading the people of Israel into the promised land. Imagine the pressure upon Joshua as he begins to lead without Moses’ availability. Several million people in the new nation are looking to him for leadership in the face of a daunting war.
Joshua sends two of his finest into Canaan to the fortress of Jericho. There they are recognized and hunted. A prostitute named Rahab reached out to hide them. She told the spies that all of Jericho was “melting in fear” and panic before Israel and their God. That was a good message to the ears of Joshua. But there was a greater message...the message of God to the new leader...a message for true courage.
“No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. Therefore...Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them.”
And a message for Godly wisdom and success...
“And this book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you will meditate therein day and night that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein...for then you will make your way prosperous and have good success.”
Friends, Joshua reminded the army of how important it was to cross the Jordan in an orderly fashion...following the lead of God...following the Levites... who were carrying the ark of the covenant into the Jordan.
Had they all rushed headlong into the floodwaters of Jordan, many would have been lost...but following the Levites with the ark from 2000 ft away gave God time to stop the water and create a dry path into Canaan.
Joshua had the promises of God...the Word of God ...the presence of God...the power of God..and the people of God...to fulfill the mission of God all the way into the promised land.
And guess what? You and I have all of that in Christ...thanks one more time Jesus...what a Savior!
Have a great day
