Day 61

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Joshua a Courageous Leader

Joshua Introduction

The book of Joshua is a tale of war and peace. In the first twelve chapters, the people of Israel conquer the land of Canaan. Through three military campaigns involving more than thirty enemy armies, they learn a valuable lesson under Joshua's capable leadership: victory comes through faith in God and obedience to his Word rather than by military might or numerical superiority. In the final twelve chapters, peace reigns as the people of God divide up their new homeland.

Scripture

March 1—Joshua 1-5: Preparation of Joshua and the People

Observation

In any project, planning and preparation are half the battle. Through forty years of disciplined living in the wilderness, God's people have been prepared for the rigors of warfare yet to come in conquering the land of Canaan. Now the process is nearly complete. God next prepares Joshua, Israel's new commander-in-chief, for his demanding assignment by assuring him of God's abiding presence. The Israelites are encouraged by the news of a terrified enemy before them, and inspired by God's miraculous parting of the flood-swollen Jordan River. Once the new generation has been set apart to God in the ceremony of circumcision the stage is set for conquest.

Application

The life of faith has been likened to a tightrope act in which the believer's dependence upon God must constantly be balanced with human action. It was like that for Israel. On the one hand Canaan was "the Promised Land" (1:2). God had promised, "I will not abandon you or fail to help you" (1:5). and "the Lord your God is with you wherever you go" (1:9)—wonderful truths to claim!

But that didn't mean the Israelites were free to sit back and do nothing! There was a hike to begin, and a most important step of faith to take into the Jordan River—a step only the people could initiate.

Where is God waiting for us to do his will through a step of obedience? God has battles for us to fight and win in his strength, but we must do our part. 

Prayer

Oh God, we will hold our head up high and march on to victory with confidence in you without fully understanding the situation but trusting you will get us through it. In your son's name, amen!

Showing Confidence in God!




© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2019

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