Title: People's Response
Content 3. The people's response
1. They answered Joshua and said, “(Verse 16), They had no complaints about Joshua’s instructions. They prepared their hearts to do exactly what Joshua commanded. And they express the two commitments of the heart.
(1) Whatever you command, we will do.
(2) “Where you send us we will go” (verse 16).
This is an amazing show of obedience. If you tell me to do it, do it, and if you say go, go there This is an amazing attitude of grace that cannot be found anywhere else. This is the basic attitude that God's people should have. These warriors are “armed” people who go out to fight. You could die there. What kind of outcome may be encountered in this war. Yet they say, “All things will be done, and we will go.” This is an amazing obedience and an expression of loyalty.
This shows a quick stance. They never asked for a chance to think.
They didn't even ask about the circumstances when they went there.
They didn't even think about the consequences of going there.
They had no account of the gains and losses they would gain in this war.
They only said, "We will do it, we will go." It is an expression of total agreement and surprising allegiance.
We have to learn a lot from such an attitude. The fact that Israel listened to Joshua and did so shows that it must hear and do as our Captain, Christ.
They say, “I will obey you in everything as I obeyed Moses” (Joshua 1:17), showing the unchanging image of God's ministers. A servant of God is a man of God. Obedience to the servant of God should be a basic element in our religious life.
2. There is their prayer
“I want to be with you” (verse 17). This is the loyalty the people showed to their leaders. Prayer is the most wonderful gift. They prayed for Joshua.
There is no more wonderful prayer than a prayer for God's presence. When Peter was imprisoned, “many gathered together and prayed” (Acts 12:12). At that time, under the guidance of God, Peter was released from prison. There is no greater and greater power in history than prayer.
They prayed for their leader Joshua. “I want one.” It is an image of earnest prayer.
3. They have a determination
“I shall be put to death” (v. 18). This shows the most determined stance.
(1) Anyone
(2) disobeying your orders
(3) Those who do not heed the commandments will be put to death.
This determination reveals the true meaning of their hearts. The will to die is the most decisive. They say that anyone who disobeys Joshua's instructions will be put to death. This declaration shows their unwavering loyalty to Joshua and not Moses. Joshua is the new leader. He was weak in every way compared to Moses. They pledged allegiance to Joshua.
4. Here's Their Advice
“But be strong and courageous” (verse 18).
Joshua listened to this advice. What were Joshua's thoughts when he heard such advice from those he was supposed to lead?
Not to strengthen the body, but to strengthen the mind. It goes without saying that the people's prayers like this touched Joshua's heart. It was prayer that pleased God's will, but there must have been joy in Joshua's heart as he heard that prayer.
The greatest power is the prayers of God's people. The leaders of Israel show amazing power because of the people's prayers like this.
What strengthens the mind is the attitude toward oneself, and the courageous one is the attitude toward others. This is the amazing power that comes from prayer. They prayed that their leader would be just like him.