Joshua 1
May 30, 2010
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Bible Passage: Joshua 1
Moses
Moses, the faithful and humble servant of God, who was entrusted by the Lord God to lead the Exodus of the chosen people out of Egypt, died at the age of 120 (Deut 34:7). A good 40 chapters of sharing of Exodus has led us to witness many wonderful miracles performed through the hands of Moses; and learn many commandments and statues charged to the chosen people.
I would like to highlight briefly the death of Moses, as recorded in Deut chapter 34. Some pointers worth pondering:
- Deut 34:1-4 God showed Moses the Promised Land. The late 40 years of his lifetime was faithfully dedicated to nurturing and leading the people and their generations into the land of milk and honey but Moses himself was short of stepping foot onto this land. This can be related to his disobedience of God’s instructions at Kadesh of Wilderness of Zin (Num 20:12). What does this tell us? Despite of our faithful service to Him, God wants 100% obedience (not 99%) of us.
- Deut 34:6 God buried Moses. Any other biblical example where God did the same too? What is the significance of this? Refer to Deut 34:10 too – Moses was someone whom the Lord “knew face to face”. I can only think of Abraham in relating such an intimate relationship with God.
- Duet 34:7 Moses at 120 years old was physically and mentally fit. How amazing is this?
Be Strong and of Good Courage!
Moses passed the leadership baton on to Joshua knowing his time was up. In Deut 31:7-8, Moses encouraged Joshua to be strong and of good courage. He further reassured Joshua of God’s abidance. During the inauguration in the tabernacle of meeting, God charged Joshua to take up the leadership role in leading the people into Canaan and counseled Joshua the same, be strong and of good courage (Deut 31:23).
In Joshua Chapter 1 (after the death of Moses), we noticed the same theme was encouraged, for at least 4 times!
Moses was the only leader the entire generation of Israelites had known. Just when they were coming to the end of their sojourn and about to enter into new phase of life, a new leader was raised and directed to succeed Moses. How would you feel being put in such a ‘spotlight’ – one with rolls of expectations shouldered upon you? Fear such as that – would I be able to lead the team and command the respect just as my predecessor did – may overshadow the willingness and eagerness to serve.
Such role does not exclusively confine to leadership role (as in Joshua’s case) but it may include any church work entrusted to us. No doubt we want to offer the ‘best’ service to the Lord, but in so doing, have we sometimes focused too much on the expectations we placed upon ourselves instead of what God expected of us?
‘Be Strong’ and ‘of good courage’ are referred as chazaq and amets respectively in Hebrew. Chazaq is also referred as the ‘uniquely strong and powerful descriptor of ‘courage’ that comes from God. Joshua was encouraged to be strong in the mighty power of God. Amets can be checked to being ‘ alert physically or mentally (in courage)’. Note also Joshua was empowered with the fullness of the spirit of wisdom (Deut 34:9).
Put on the Armor of God
In our service to God and journey of faith, I truly believe God will abide in us wherever we go, just like He did to the chosen race then in crossing the Jordan and onward to the promised land, on the following basis:
Spiritual wisdom (wisdom from above) through asking of God (James 1:5) + courage through the relying on God’s mighty power (Holy Spirit) (Eph 6:10, 17) + obedience through full observation of God’s words (Josh 1:8).
Reading on Joshua’s instructions in setting out the plan before crossing Jordan in verses 10-15 reminded me of the similar journey that we are striving through spiritually. Paul similarly set out the armor and type of fighting tools that are required of us in this spiritual warfare (Eph 6:14-18). Of all, Paul also encouraged us to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
So much that we have shared about Moses in Exodus, I hope you all will be edified through the sharing of Joshua for at least the next 24 days.
Peace be unto you.
Joshua is one of my favourite books in the Bible and whenever I need encouragement in my journey in my Christian life, I will always turn to the Book of Joshua for encouragement.
I do not know how many times the words of God to Joshua has also served as a source of strength for me. I could write a lot more about this but am pretty tired after a long week away and then the Spiritual Meeting…. so I thought that I would just share a song that I’d sing and remind myself to always focus on the Lord Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2) – so that I am not waylaid by the distractions that surround me that tends to drag me away from Him….
I am sure by now, you know what my favourite verse in Joshua is
May God guide us all through our journey in this life together.
Moses was Joshua’s mentor. If i were Joshua, Moses’ experience at Meribah Kadesh would be my best reminder.
If i were Joshua, God’s walk with my mentor in his last moment on Mount Nebo (Deut 34:1 and 4) would be my best inspiration that God does not forsake His worker.
If i were Joshua, i would like a team mate to remind me often of Joshua 1:8 :
“This Book of Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall mediate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
i would like to be reminded often that we are team mates in the team of God.
i would like to be reminded often “only be strong and very courageous, THAT i may be observe to DO according to all the LAWS which Moses, God’s servant and my mentor, commanded. (Joshua 1:7)
i would like to be reminded often that humility and obedience is the best manifestation of true courage (Philip 2:7-8).