Synopsis
After missing the opportunity to enter the Promised Land 39 years ago, which then led to their long wandering journey, the Israelites were now camped along the east bank of River Jordon. Moses had just died and Joshua had been appointed as the leader by God (v2). The disobedient generation, except for Joshua and Caleb, had all died and the new generation had become adults. The people were ready to enter the Promised Land at long last.
To lead a nation of two million into conquering Canaan was a very challenging task for Joshua, hence God gave him assurance of His leading and protection (v5-6). And for the new generation, obedience to God was to be the most important focus in their coming days as they lay hold of the the land.
Major verses to note
v1-4 : God appointed Joshua as leader of the nation and detailed His plan to him.
What I learnt - God will speak to us, though not necessarily audibly, and give details of what and how we might serve Him. And He will always assure us of His leadership and presence.
v5-9 : While God assured Joshua of His presence and leadership, He also encouraged him to "be strong and courageous" and instructed him to obey all His commandments.
What I learnt - Obeying God is central to successful living. We can overcome all circumstances, even the most challenging ones, if we are obedient to God, for His promise is that He will be with us wherever we go (v9). And we need to demonstrate our faith in Him by being strong and courageous to claim the victory!
v16-17 : Like a well trained army, the nation declared their allegence to Joshua and pledged to do as he commanded them. As Joshua was God's appointed ledear, the people's affirmation of their support for his leadership was in fact an affirmation of their obedience to God.
What I learnt - If we want to accomplish God's plan in our life, we must firstly agree to His plan and then pledge to obey Him. Then we must execute the plan by putting His principles into our life on a daily basis. And how might we know what His plan for us is or looks like ? By reading His Word continually and with belief.
Summary
The three principles for successful living are :
1. Be strong and courageous in Him.
2. Constantly study His Word to know what His plan is for us.
3. Obey Him.
It worked for the Israelites, it will certainly work for you and I - try it today!
Next up...
In Chapter 2, we will see how God can even used a prostitute called Rahab to fulfill His plan...it will be posted on Monday, 4th. Watch for it...
Feedback
If you have any comment, sharing or a work of affirmation, do not hesitate to respond with a comment posting.
God bless you, always!
Hi Steven,
ReplyDeleteI've also recently began blogging about my daily devotions, which I felt was a prompting by God to bless the people who reads my main blogs, and whoever chanced upon my BS blog.
This post was timely and has really encouraged me to "Obey Him" in setting up this BS blog journal to be disciplined and accountable when I "Study His Word", and also to be "Bold and Courages" to share my BS blog with others.
And I've linked my blog to yours too, so that they can also be blessed by your sharing.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and learnings in this way! Will be looking forward to more in the days to come =)
My BS blog: http://walkingwithmylord.blogspot.com/
Blessings,
Khee Ling
Just to share on Joshua Chapters 1 & 2.
ReplyDeleteIn Chapter 1, God mentioned many times to be strong and courageous. Reason? "Because the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go". To enter into God's victory in life, we must be strong & courageous, trusting that God is with us wherever we go. God also forewarned "Do not be terrified, Do not be discouraged". God knows that we will encounter these negative emotions.
In Chapter 2, I learn that God's salvation is for the entire household. Salvation is by a promise and by faith (Rahab believed). But there is something she must do - to tie a scarlet cord. To me this signifies a "seal"