Our UPWORD together readings have taken us into the Book of Joshua and this moves us into the second division of the Old Testament, from the Pentateuch (Law) to the books of History. However, just because we are reading the history of Israel as they moved in to possess the land God promised them, do not give in to the temptation to see this book as merely historical. In other words, don’t make the mistake of relegating it’s message to the past. While the events took place, the message contained within continues to take place. The book of Joshua contains profound encouragement and wisdom for Christians with regard to the overcoming spiritual life.
The first words of God to Joshua contain profound truths for a victorious life. By carrying them out, Joshua would achieve what his predecessor Moses could not, the settlement of the promised land and a movement into the rest and provision of God. So too, for us. Any person who has a burning desire to move from an empty pointless life of wandering in the wilderness of divided loyalties to triumph under Christ’s control should hear and put into practice what God said to Joshua. Here are a few principles drawn from Joshua 1:
“Arise, go into the land I am giving,” (Joshua 1:2) – God said to Joshua and the people, “Get up and get moving!” The Lord expects us to respond to his word and his directives in our lives. Jesus regularly called upon his hearers make an act of their will in response to his initiative. He still call upon his people to respond to him and choose to move out with him. No more vacillation; no more debating; no more waffling. This means refocusing on God’s priorities, plans and ambitions.
“Every place the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised,” (Joshua 1:3). The victory was already assured before the people ever entered the land because God would be true to his character and his word. (Every place your foot will tread, I have (already) given you.) Our call is to step out with God in faith that he will accomplish what his word has promised. There is no enemy in your life that is too large for God. Whatever foe you face, whatever land lies before you, whatever sizable vision he has given you, God is able to bring you through to victory. Only, notice that it would not be an instantaneous event. The people were to walk with him daily, step by step, as he unfolded the plan and gave them victory.
“Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you,” (Joshua 1:5). The victorious spiritual life with Christ is not one of self-sufficiency; rather our victory comes through the strength of our God who is with us. He will not abandon you. He accomplishes what he sets out. He will see you through. He will never leave you! “For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (verse 9).
“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful, ” (Joshua 1:8). For Joshua to be victorious it was imperative that he and his people comply with God’s commands. In essence, God said, “Obey and prosper; disobey and perish.” This same basic principle holds true in the spiritual life for Christians. Make no mistake, Jesus Christ satisfied the requirements of the law through his life and bore the penalty for disobedience to the law through his death. Because Christ satisfied the requirements of the law, we need not live slavishly under all the specifics of the law. However, a victorious life still requires obedience… for us it is not a question of legalism but of loyalty and love for the Lord. “If you love,” Jesus said, “You will obey my commandments.” Jesus made it clear that to love him is to comply with his wishes.
Lastly, we simply cannot overexpose ourselves to the Scriptures. As Phillip Keller wrote, “The Scriptures must become the central core of all our convictions as Christians. God’s Word reveals to us in unmistakable terms what his will and wishes are. The responsibility for reading his instructions lies with us. The carrying out of his commands rests with us. The positive response of our wills to His will depends upon us and our total availability to His purposes. His Word can become to us Spirit and life! The instant God detects in us the faintest intention to comply with His supreme desires, He immediately moves into our lives and experience to energize us in the joint exercise. It is He who provides the power, the courage, and the capacity to conquer.”
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