Get Up and Be a Joshua

Text: Joshua 1:10-15 Theme: Joshua immediately responded in faith and obedience to God’s directives. Key verses: “So Joshua ordered the officers of the people: Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Get your supplies ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you…'” (v. 10-11) “But to the Reubenites…Joshua said, ‘Remember the command that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you: The Lord your God is giving you rest and has granted you this land…'” (v. 12-13) “You are to help your brothers until the Lord gives them rest…until they too have taken possession of the land…” (v. 14-15) What God said to me: Dwayne, it is one thing to hear from me, to get a clear word from me regarding your present situation and my will for you. However, it is quite another thing to act on that word. Joshua not only proceeded with what I had told him; he did it immediately. Instant obedience is what I expect from my servants. Notice the very next word after I had given my pep talk to Joshua. The word is so. “So Joshua ordered…” He didn’t ask me three times before he acted. He didn’t go on a vacation or lay in his tent for a week before he got moving. So Joshua only did what Joshua had been called and commissioned by me to do. It’s important to note that he did understand the need to prepare. He told his men they had three days to get ready to leave. That was not ample time by any means; however, it was enough to get them moving quickly and efficiently. Preparation time is vital as you move in my direction. Just don’t dwell in the prep stage. Get ready to cross that Jordan of my promise in your life. One more thing: Joshua obviously took me at my word about being courageous. He marched right over to the two and a half camps who had already settled into the land on the east of the Jordan. He boldly reminded them of Moses’ instructions to them for their fighting men to cross to the west side of the Jordan with the rest of Israel’s men. He didn’t back down just because it might have been unpopular for those people. He was acting on my instructions to do exactly what I had already commanded Moses. He was fearless in his execution of my directives. He was the kind of leader I expect you to be as well… What I said to God: Whoa, Lord. You really got my attention on that last statement. You want me to be like that? like Joshua? The whole fearless and determined and conquering thing is supposed to describe me too? Wow. I must say I never realized that before. I guess I’d better go back and reread the beginning of chapter one! I certainly don’t want to drag my feet and disappoint You or miss Your will for my life. I say yes, Lord, yes, to Your will and to Your way. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Thank You for speaking so clearly to me today. Help me boldly do Your biding and boldly expect other believers to do the same. Make me the leader and servant You want me to be today.