Joshua Takes Command
Often in our lives we encounter crossroads. We face two roads going in opposite directions. Many times we know the one to take but the other road looks easier, more comfortable, and more popular. Then there comes the time when you are leading people. Which way we lead them? Will you do your duty to lead them down the right path? This is where we find Joshua this morning.
Joshua 1:10
10Joshua then commanded the leaders of Israel, 11“Go through the camp and tell the people to get their provisions ready. In three days you will cross the Jordan River and take possession of the land the LORD your God has given you.”
12Then Joshua called together the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. He told them, 13“Remember what Moses, the servant of the LORD, commanded you: ‘the LORD your God is giving you rest and has given you this land.’ 14Your wives, children, and cattle may remain here on the east side of the Jordan River, but your warriors, fully armed, must lead the other tribes across the Jordan to help them conquer their territory. Stay with them 15until the LORD gives rest to them as he has given rest to you, and until they, too, possess the land the LORD your God is giving them. Only then may you settle here on the east side of the Jordan River in the land that Moses, the servant of the LORD, gave you.”
Scene One: Joshua is commissioned
At the end of the book of Deuteronomy, a new leader is given the responsibility of leading the Israelite Army. His name is Joshua. As Moses is gives getting his farewell address, he appoints Joshua to take control. Moses tells Joshua that the Lord will destroy the nations living there, and Israel will take possession of their land. Moses tells Joshua, “6Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid of them! The LORD your God will go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you.”
Then after Moses is buried, God commissions Joshua to be the leader of the Israelite people and army. God teaches Joshua to Obey his law, to know his word, and to trust completely in Him. If Joshua does these things the Lord it will flight for them.
And Joshua is approved by God and becomes the new leader of Israel.
Scene Two: Joshua Remembers
As Joshua walks away from meeting with God, Joshua summons His leadership. From all over became a he sends his messengers to bring back the leaders of all people. While he waits he contemplates what happened 40 years ago.
He remembers God’s command to Moses to choose twelve men, each from one of the twelve tribes, to spy and evaluate the Promised Land. Moses obeyed and Joshua was chosen as one of the spies.
The twelve scouted out the land.
And when they returned they reported to Moses. The land was a magnificent country—a land flowing with milk and honey. And they showed fruit from the land to show how wonderful it truly was. But the spies also saw the powerful people and the fortified cities that occupy the land. Fear swept through the Israelite camp. The people were terrified. But they were two spies, Caleb and Joshua, who saw God was in it all. They said that they could take it that they could conquer it! They knew that the Lord was with them.
But, the people rebelled against the Lord. They cried out to Moses, to Aaron, and to the Lord asking why the Lord had brought them to their death.
Joshua and Caleb knew better. They knew that the Lord would be with them. They knew the Lord had a plan. And they knew that the Lord have promised this land. And they knew that the Lord fulfilled his promises. And Joshua and Caleb stood tall against the people and pleaded with them that they would not rebel against God.
The community would hear nothing more of what they had to say and began to talk about stoning Joshua and Caleb.
As the people rebelled against the Lord, the Lord spoke to the people. The Lord said that none of them would ever see the Promised Land. These people saw what God had done to the Egyptians. They saw what God had done in the wilderness. But they still did not believe. But Caleb and Joshua did believe. And they were able to enter the Promised Land.
Now 40 years later, Joshua was looking over the people of Israel. He was now their leader. He would take them across the Jordan River into the land of their ancestors and they would conquer the land, if the people would follow.
Scene Three: Joshua takes command
When all the leaders came to Joshua, he told them to Go through the camp and tell the people to get their provisions ready. They would need to bring water and food and their tents.
As an artilleryman in the army, we used called this a “March order.” When we would march order the equipment, we would pack everything up. This would happen before we were to move or change locations. The only things we would leave out were only those things necessary for us to carry out our mission. We would only leave a radio, limited ammunition, and, of course, the cannon itself.
And this is what Joshua was commanding the Israelites to do. And they were to pack up everything. They were to leave nothing behind. And they were preparing to move into the promised land.
Joshua told them that in three days they would cross the Jordan River. Joshua reminded them what Moses, the servant of the Lord, has commanded them. Moses told them of that the Lord had given them this land.
Now it was time for the Israelites to take the land and conquer it.
Now it was a moment of truth.
Would they follow? Or would they rebel against God as they did 40 years ago?
Would they obey the laws of God? Or would they be disobedient and go their own way?
Would they know the word of God? Or would they ignore the word of God and follow their own desires?
Would they trust completely in the Lord? Or would they trust in themselves?
What about you?
This morning you may be approaching a very important time in your life. You may be questioning whether you should trust the Lord or trust in yourself. God may not be leading you to change locations, but you may be asking you to move. He may be asking you to move in your spiritual life from point A to point B. You have been exactly where you are spiritually for months and maybe years on end. It is time for you to move. Jesus promised abundant life, isn’t it time you process it?
Scene Four: The Israelites Answer Joshua
What did the Israelites say to Joshua? Look with me at Joshua chapter 1:16,
16They answered Joshua, “We will do whatever you command us, and we will go wherever you send us. 17We will obey you just as we obeyed Moses. And may the LORD your God be with you as he was with Moses. 18Anyone who rebels against your word and does not obey your every command will be put to death. So be strong and courageous!”
They answered that they will follow, wherever He leads. They decided to take God as his word. The God that fulfills his promises would lead them.
This is your chance to follow as well. What kind of commitment do you need to make today? Do you need to read your Bible daily? Do you need to study the Scriptures? Do you need to share the gospel someone? What kind of commitment do you need to make today?
You may even need to give your life to Christ. You may need to surrender to him and completely trust him. This begins trusting him with our salvation.
We are all sinners. Because of our sin we are condemned to die. But Jesus Christ died on a cross to pay the penalty for us. Will you trust in Him to pay your penalty?
