Title Successor Joshua (Joshua 01:1-9)
Content This text is God's words of encouragement and instruction for Joshua, the leader who will lead the Israelites after Moses died.
Moses, the hero of the Exodus, died according to God's call, but the task to fulfill God's promises still remained. In other words, God appointed Joshua as the new leader of the nation of Israel because God's work must continue even if God's workers die. God Himself appointed a new leader to lead the nation of Israel and gave the mandate.
Then, by examining what kind of person Joshua was, he could be appointed by God and delegated as a leader, we should become workers who are used by God.
<Body>
1. Joshua was a man of outstanding faith and personality
In Numbers 14, when one person from each tribe was selected for spying on Canaan, he was selected as a representative and went out to spy out Canaan. At this time, during the Canaan spy report, 10 representatives judged that it was impossible even if God had given Canaan as a promise and made a distrustful report. He was a person who did not waver, possessing a character of faith that firmly believed that the Word and promises did not change.
Joshua was a man of faith who faithfully accepted and believed God's promises.
2. "I will be with you!" was promised.
God had told Joshua that no one would be against you in the rest of his life. Because God would be with Joshua as he was with Moses. Such encouragement from God must have given Joshua great courage ahead of the conquest of Canaan. Joshua was a man who clearly witnessed the power of God by Moses' side for over 40 years. Therefore, he knew the power of God better than anyone else.
Even if the world changes and circumstances change, God is always the same. (Hebrews 13:8) “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Living with God in a desert-like desolate world is like a fountain flowing in the desert. (Isa 43:19-20) "Behold, I am doing a new thing, and now it will be revealed, do you not know it? Surely I make my way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert; I will make waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, that my people and my elect may drink.” Jesus gave us the same promise today. (Matthew 28:20) "Teach them to obey all that I have commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the world." For the saints living today, God will not only be with us, but will also provide new strength and wisdom every day.
3. "Strengthen your heart! Be courageous!" was commanded.
God had promised Joshua that he would not leave him nor forsake him. It does not leave, literally means not to drop. That is, God never lets the righteous fall into the hands of the wicked and never forsakes them (Psalm 37:25-33). These words have the same effect on the chosen saints today. Therefore, the saints will have to put more effort into living a faith-centered life with the strength of God's words of encouragement.
At the same time, God told Joshua to be strong and courageous. He gave Joshua words of comfort and hope to encourage Joshua, who took up the leadership position at a critical moment. God's Word gives comfort and hope to God's people in crisis. Therefore, by meditating on God's Word every day, believers must learn the wisdom of remembering God's covenant and overcoming all difficulties through His Word (Psalm 119:105,130; Hebrews 4:12).
4. He said that if we obey the law, there are blessings that follow, and at the same time, there is no need to be surprised.
He promised that if we keep all the laws given through Moses and do them, but do not turn left or right, we will prosper. In particular, it teaches us to obey the law, not by compulsion, but by voluntary obedience. To do this, he told them to meditate on the Law day and night. Here, meditation does not mean only ideological contemplation, but refers to research and contemplation that develop application and practice in real life. Therefore, it is accompanied by emotion and will.
If we live according to God's will in this way, there is no need to fear or be afraid of any adversary. Even if you have completely obeyed the Word, if you have fear, you will be punished. “With fear comes punishment,” he said.
<Conclusion>
Joshua's life serves as a good model for believers who want to live a life that follows God's will. Like Joshua, I pray that you will be used purely by God alone, and that you will walk with God and lead a victorious life.