Rev. E. Anderson
The book of Joshua is a good bible book for Christians to study for it gives illustration of, we, too, like Israel should learn to possess their inheritance that God has promised in Christ. There are lessons to learn for all. May you discovered much from the following notes.
INTO THE LAND OF PROMISE – THE BOOK OF JOSHUA
ACTING UNDER DIVINE COMMAND – JOSHUA 1:10-18
TIME FACTOR: Joshua was now to run according to the schedule of the Lord. It was not time to hang around but become immediate in his response to the divine will and program. He shows no hesitation here but reveals his quickness to react to the divine summons and command. He is now under higher rule and authority as he accepts the responsibility and role of the new leader. He is sensitive to the fact that a real obligation is on him and that the opportunity of his life’s vision for God is to be realized.
INFLUENCE: It was now his initial task to influence the people of God in the right way and take them forward to achieve the divine goal. He had to begin to wield his divine authority in the best possible way and get things into motion and moving forward. Because of this divine encounter he is now ready to encounter Israel and face the nation as to the next step forward. The initial courage was to assume his position and to place clearly before everyone what was now to occur. Because the Lord had spoken authoritatively to him, he could now speak with the mood and mind of the Lord. There was something different about him and his word.
COMMAND: There is real directive in his speech because he is in command. He acts as a commander – v10. It is to the leadership that he addresses his words and expects the right response from them. They were not to be left in any doubt whatsoever as to what was on the agenda. He makes known to them that he expects them to follow through the orders that are coming through. All must come under the divine command if there is to be progress and success. He was now tuning and toning them up in a way whereby they would be immediately aware that there was to be no stalemate after the removal of Moses.
Two main factors are revealed in the course of the proceedings:
1/. THE OBLIGATIONS DEMANDED IN THE COMMAND – vv11-15
· The immediate thing that the people of God had to do was ‘prepare’. They had to get all the food ready for the next stage because they would be on the move and have little time for preparation once things got going. The natural factor was an important consideration and this was to serve as an inspiration and encouragement as to what was going to be effected. The whole company’s interest and involvement would become heightened and faith was to increase.
· There is the assurance that the Jordan is to be swiftly negotiated. The Lord had already spoken to Joshua on this – v2 and He must have conveyed the way and the means by which this was going to be wrought out. The Lord would command this detail as long as the people were in the right frame of mind and also in the prepared condition to go ahead. The Lord not only gave the promise but also the plan by which this great river would be crossed. For Joshua, it was no problem because of what he had witnessed previously.Jordan will be but a new opportunity to see God at work. It signified the entrance but they were to become the possessors of the whole territory. They were to get it into their spiritual systems that the wandering was over, it was now time to enter and enjoy their inheritance.
· There was also the commanding of the two/half tribes that had entered into their rights and possession. They were obligated, the men-folk, to be involved in lining up with the nation in seeing the whole purpose fulfilled. There was the reminder they were under divine command as directed by Moses. They could not settle until the rest of the people had entered into their rights and blessedness.
2/. THE OBEDIENCE DECLARED TO THE COMMAND –vv16-18
From the response and reply that was made it is possible to note the tremendous mind, heart and will that was present and ruling amongst the people. In contrast to what had been revealed 40 years previously it is evident that there had been a vital change. There was no doubting or questioning only a healthy and wholesome desire to move ahead. It is characterized by:
· A willingness to be subject to the divine command – v16. There is not the slightest hint or indication of rebellion whatsoever. That spirit has utterly gone. Submissiveness is to be detected in everyone. They know if they are going to take the land then there has to be no more reacting negatively but the will to be subject to Jehovah’s will through Joshua. It is all subjecting to all.
· A readiness to be directed anywhere in the immediate operation and action – v16. They are now going to enter the field of conflict and demands could be laid heavily upon them, but they were ready to pay the price. There was no telling where they would be allotted as they went forth to fight but Joshua could now depend upon them to face up to the foe and to whatever may stand as obstacles. There was much to be possessed so it would require the constant commitment to every enterprise.
· An encouragement to the new leader from those to be led – v17. They could see how the Lord had faithful stood by Moses and brought them to this great situation. All they wanted and believed for was the Lord would be equally with Joshua. They need not have worried about that because it had already been vouchsafed – v5. It does indicate that they were lining up in desire with all that the Lord intended to stand by.
· A declaration that there will be unity of purpose and intent by all – v18. Anyone who sought to undermine this would be severely dealt with. Nothing would be allowed to raise its ugly head to forestall and frustrate the purpose of God.
· The final word is in the form of a word of encouragement – v18. Again, another inspiration to endorse all that the Lord had assured.
CONCLUSION
The all important thing is to know what the Lord has commanded now for our lives, ministries and destiny. He speaks into the situation of today and shows what He has on the agenda and it is imperative to be in the know.
Following that awareness, it is then that the response should be as it ought to be. There should be no reserve or questioning, only a total commitment to Him and His purposes.
Barnabas Ministries UK 