Joshua
2 - Chapter 1
We are going to look at the first chapter of Joshua. We will see what God is saying to us through it. We find that God comes to Joshua after Moses has died and tells him to lead the children of Israel over the River Jordan and into Canaan. He promises the land to them, even every place on which they set their foot. More than that, God assures Joshua that no enemy will be able to overcome him. The Lord then commands Joshua to be courageous, to walk in the ways of God's Word and to take comfort from the fact of His presence being with him.
Joshua then proceeds to tell the leaders of Israel to make preparations with their people, for within three days they would be crossing the Jordan and entering the land promised to them by God. A small section of the people from the tribes of Reuben, Gad and half the tribe of Mannaseh where to settle on the eastern side of the river, so their soldiers were to go over first, leaving their families behind. They were to return to them once the fighting was over. This arrangement was readily accepted by the eastern tribes who recognised Joshua as being God's appointed leader for the whole nation. That is a summary of what we find in Joshua chapter one.
We now need to look at part of this chapter more closely and draw out lessons for ourselves at the present time. Three things stand out in this chapter: The Command of God, The Presence of God, and the Word of God. They are all to be found in verses 5 to 9.
We could speak about this at length and ask which comes first in our consideration. It could be argued that the Word of God should be first Because how else do we learn of the Presence of God or His Command to us? That is true, but sometimes a person experiences the Presence of God which leads him to search the Word of God. For some it is the other way round completely, being brought into the Presence of God through prayerfully reading the Word of God. That is the way to know God's will for us, His command to us, not waiting for a mystical voice, a dream, a vision, or a so-called prophetic message.
The first thing that strikes us in this chapter is the importance of the Command of God, for it is given no less than three times. Here it is: "Be strong and of a good courage", or "be very courageous". You will find that in verses 6, 7 and 9. The Lord must have considered this very important for Joshua to say it three times over. It is obviously a command of supreme importance for his servant
It may be that the word "command" sounds strange to you. Perhaps you would have preferred "advice" or "encouragement", but that is not what is set down here. God is commanding Joshua to be strong and courageous for this is warfare and the enemy's facing the Israelites were many and threatening. Can you imagine an officer saying to his men before a battle, "I and advise you to be brave", or, "I warmly encourage you to stand your ground", or, "It might be preferable not to show any fear in the fighting". It is just unimaginable! The order or command will be "Every man will stay at his post", or, "No one will retreat", or, "The enemy must be engaged with determination".
So here in Joshua Chapter 1, God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous. Every General, every Field-Marshall takes his orders from higher-up the chain of command. Joshua, though leader of all Israel, is being given his orders. If you are a Christian, as part of the army of the Lord Jesus Christ you are given orders also; you are under the Command of God. Many Christians today do not like the sound of that. They want to please themselves instead of pleasing Him Who loved them and died for them. You and I need to acknowledge and be subject to the Command of God.
You might be thinking, "Why did Joshua need a command like this? He was a soldier of some experience, wasn't he?" That is true, but he had never been in a position like this before. Moses had always been there, close to God, knowing what to do. Now, they leaders would be coming to Joshua and asking, "What are we to tell the people?" Everyone would be looking to Joshua and expert doing him to be like Moses was. That was what made him afraid.
There are many things that will make you and me fearful, even as Christians. Are you facing a new challenge or threat , or problem? Perhaps it is some new work for God in preaching, or teaching all witnessing. Perhaps you are having a rough time in your family or at work because of your Christian faith. It may be that you have to make a decision to break away from friends or someone close to you because it is harming your Christian life. What ever it is, God commands you to be strong and courageous, and if He commands it will not be something unreasonable. He will be with you in the situation and carry you through. That is our look at the Command of God.
The next thing we see in this chapter is the Presence of God. This is what undergirds the Command of God and makes it acceptable, or bearable, or even better to be welcomed. In verse 5 we read that God said to Joshua, "As I was with Moses so I will be with you. I will not fail you nor for forsake you". Could there be a better assurance?
One here is the Lord of heaven and earth saying to His servant Joshua that the same companionship, care and support that Moses was given would now be supplied to him. Moses never lacked the presence of God as he struggled to bring the Israelites through the wilderness, despite all the discouragements of the journey and the incessant grumbling of the people. The same fatherly care and love would be afforded to Joshua. He would never be failed, nor forsaken by his God.
We are some times let down by people; they fail us, they walk out on us, they bitterly disappoint us. God will not do that to you if you are His child. The promises given to Joshua can be claimed by you today. Say to God in prayer, "Heavenly Father, you promised to be with Joshua always, never failing him nor leaving him. Be with me today and every day in all I have to face, for I am fearful and feel very much alone at times." Pray that sincerely and He will hear you.
It doesn't matter where you are on wherever you have to go, because, in verse 9, Joshua was promised that God would be with him wherever he journeyed. the Lord is not limited to one place. By His Spirit He is everywhere. His children are never out of His sight nor out of His presence.
This brings us on to our third lesson in this chapter concerning the Word of God. You may forget God's Command from time to time. You may not always feel that the Presence of God is with you, yet the Word of God is always at hand if you have a Bible. I you do not have a Bible or a portion of the Scriptures in your home, someone living near you or someone in a nearby church may be able to help you. If this is not possible then write to this programme and we will send you a New Testament. You need to take up the Word of God and read it daily so as to be strong in your faith.
Notice carefully what is shared in verses 7 and 8. God instructs Joshua to be brave and strong in keeping to His holy law. You may have thought that Joshua was to be strong simply as a military governor or political figure. That was only part of the picture. Here is the major part in these verses. Joshua was going to have to be strong in keeping God's law, not turning from it to the right hand or the left hand and seeking to do it, living it out each day. That was the way he would prosper and have good success.
This does not mean that reading the Bible and seeking to put it into practice will mean you go from rags to riches automatically. For some it may mean that, because they stop wasteful and harmful ways of living through drink, drugs and gambling. What it will mean is that you will prosper and advance spiritually, growing closer to God and knowing strength and victory in your Christian life. That is far better than simply having spare money in your purse or pocket.
Look again though this chapter and consider these questions: Have you obeyed the command of God to repent and believe on His Son the Lord Jesus Christ? Do you know something of the presence of God in your heart and life? Are you reading and obeying the Word of God so as to know the blessing of God on all you do?