Title Joshua 05:13-15 Great Leader Award
Contents
Text: Joshua 5:13-15
Title: Great Leader Award
After the death of Moses, the leader of Israel, Joshua, who became the successor, was entrusted with a tremendous ministry. In order to conquer Canaan, they first had to occupy Jericho and Ai. However, it was impossible for Israel, who had left Egypt bare-handed, to capture the impregnable city of Jericho without God's full help. This was not done out of volition, but entirely out of volition.
At this time, God said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals from your feet.” But what does “take off your shoes” mean? Why did God command us to take off our shoes in today's text? Let's think about a few things.
First, it means to give up your rights, not to abuse them.
The reason why God made such unreasonable demands on Joshua was because the destruction of Jericho was not made by artificial power and tactics. Because it was possible only with the power of God, it is saying that you should give up all your privileges and rely entirely on God. In fact, many miracles and wonders happen when we completely depend on and entrust ourselves to God.
Joshua put God's word into practice. I gave up all the rights I had as a human. When we left the work of God and went around Jericho in an irrational way seven times, the wall of Jericho fell apart. Thus, Joshua enjoyed the grace of God by conquering the city of Jericho and conquering the 31 kings of the 7 tribes of Canaan.
Second, it means giving up human blood. A church leader or a Christian should not give off blood that is a human odor. Blood is prohibited under any circumstances.
Moses lived in the wilderness for 40 years, and despite countless complaints, curses, and criticisms, he maintained his dignified appearance as a priest. It showed the image of a great leader. Please don't bleed. Only then can you become a good leader and become a Christian.
Third, it implies that you must kill yourself. The apostle Paul, who preached the gospel to the Gentiles, confessed, “I die daily” (1 Corinthians 15:31). He ‘fell down on the ground’ and completely abstained from eating and drinking (Acts 9:4).
I need training to beat me to obey. You cannot contribute to ministry without such training. Paul, who was personally trained, met Jesus on the road to Damascus and was used by God after being transformed. We preached the gospel three times around the known world at the time, and that gospel has been delivered to us.
The apostle Paul gave up some human rights. I gave up my marriage for the sake of preaching the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:5), I gave up my right to treatment such as royalties (1 Corinthians 9:9-14), and I gave up my stubbornness and learned how to control my emotions (1 Corinthians 9: 19).
Conclusion. We need the virtues of being meek, humble, and valuing others better than ourselves. A life of giving up privileges is working for the glory of God. And it makes me happy. Let's live an altruistic life like a Christian.