If we face the “Jordan river”, what do focus on? Do we see dirty water full of sin, troubles in our lives, worries, pain and sicknesses?
Responding to God’s call for leadership requires experience, strength, and courage. (Gangel, 2002)
The land of Canaan can be seen as a metaphor of something great to come. For Israel and for us there is a promised inheritance, a perfect leader, grace and blessings received by faith. Walking in godliness and righteousness with the Lord and to possess spiritual blessings here on earth should be our focus. Christians should always have their hearts “in the heavens”.
Moses asked God to appoint a new leader after his death, someone who will be like a shepherd to Israel. So He instructed Moses to give some of his authority to Joshua who had a leadership spirit. He was to assign Joshua in the presence of the entire assembly and the whole Israel was to obey him.
Joshua was one of the spies and he has seen the enemies Israel will have to defeat by his own eyes. When Moses sent 12 spies to explore the land, but only Joshua and Caleb believed that Israelites could conquer the land with God's help. That made God angry with Israel. He sent the Jews to wander in the wilderness for 40 years until that unfaithful generation died. Of those 12 spies only Joshua and Caleb survived. (Zavada) There was no doubt in Joshua’s mind, he was not afraid like the 10 other spies, he did not focus on the troubles, he knew he was going to possess the promised land which was first mentioned in Genesis 12:7. The Israelites had to walk by faith to receive God’s promises to them. God promised that „No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life”.
The most repeated commandment was to be strong and courageous. Joshua began his leadership when he was 80 therefore he had many experiences and memories that strengthen his faith. 3 times in the passage 1:6-8 God repeats „be courageous“. How to do that? By standing firm on God’s word and be God-confident. Israelites faced numerous traps along the way, therefore there was need for God to tell him „Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged“. God had promised us a victorious life, but he is not forcing us to live it. We will remain in a desert, if we fail to cross the river to posses the land. Joshua was on mouth Sinai with Moses when the cloud of the Lord appeared to him. He for sure knows how important the Law is even for God himself when he came down to say every commandment to Moses face to face.
We have to remember rules and we have to know the Law of LORD. When we forget this basic principle, we are lost. Lost in a chaos of hectic world full of temptation, courses, anger and hate we tend to lose our confidence. But God is not only suggesting us to be courageous, it is a commandment. At the same time He promises that He will be with us therefore it is not by our power that we are able to do so but by His power. His weakness is stronger than our strength. Joshua conquered Canaan by trusting God, applying principles of His Word and by his courage. He was tactical when he sent two spies to gather information, just like a military commander. Joshua conquered Canaan by trusting God, applying principles of His Word and by his courage. He was tactical when he sent two spies to gather information, just like a military commander
Joshua was trustworthy. People were willing to follow him where ever he leads them, they were willing to do whatever he commands. All the tribes of Israel united and promised faithfulness to Joshua as far as he is following God. Joshua could not carry out his mission without the supernatural power of LORD. But he also could not carry it out if he did not have the support of the tribal leaders, “the officers of the people.” Some leaders do not want to appear un-responsible and they want to be involved in everything but the result is an overloaded desk and staff giving their independence. We have to remember that everyone have a desire to feel useful, if they do not have it they simply leave because they do not feel needed, but rather useless.
Many times we are asked to leave our comfort zone to serve God. Where else would we be able to meet Him if not at a place where we are not strong, where we are scared? God is strong when we are weak. If the Israelites would not fight, if they only marched on their own campaigns, they would never conquer Canaan. Joshua conquered Canaan by trusting God, applying principles of His Word and by his courage. He was tactical when he sent two spies to gather information, just like a military commander.
Our Father wants to be with us every day. We should wear our armor all the time and be ready for every day battles. They will come but remember, Earth is not our promised land. Do not look on the river, but fix your eyes on God. When we want to lead people to Christ, we first need to trust Him. Trust Him more and more every day. Keep the balance. Joshua had to keep people balanced between the physical task of conquering cities and maintaining spiritual vitality. Internal priorities are sometimes less obvious than external, but they are much more important. Each of us faces this challenge every day as we struggle to enter the spiritual heights.
God gave Joshua the greatest promise that He will be with Him. The same promise He gave us. How wonderful is that? Be aware of God’s presence even though you can’t feel Him, hear Him or see Him, He is present. He doesn’t need a rest, but we can rest in Him. Once we are convinced that God speaks to us and we make a decision, stick to it. It might be hard, there might come questions and hesitations, but stick to your commitment. Knowledge of God’s law is not enough, one must also “be careful to do” what it commands.
Joshua is an example of what it takes to be a good leader. First of all he was a faithful man, he fully trusted Lord. Secondly, he was humbled servant who followed his leader and therefore was prepared for what was yet to come and even when being a leader, he continued to serve humbly, did not praise himself but God. Joshua knows that all strength and power comes from God, he puts Him first, prays continually and keeps His commandments.
As we all know, God keeps His promises and He gave Israel all the land he had sworn. They settled there and took possession. Joshua as a character is a very important example for me. Lot of times I see people focusing on pain, on troubles and they can’t see the greater picture. It is sad to dwell in the desert. But I have faith. Faith that lightens up every corner of my life and I want to share this hope with everyone. Therefore I love to use Joshua as an example, not only for myself.
I struggled but now I have new insight into the subject of faith. I am more aware of all the promises and mostly, that God is present. He never leaves me wandering alone, even though it might feel like it. Therefore I am more dependent on the facts, less on emotions.
