Joshua 1
Notes
Transcript
Joshua 1
Joshua 1
Has you ever felt alone in life? Maybe that people don’t get you or don’t see you? Truth is we all have seasons of that. It feels like in a world full of people that you are all by yourself.
In opening of our time together I want to read a portion of an article to segway into our lesson.
One of the greatest struggles I have fought against my whole life is the feeling that I am all alone. Much of that has been rooted in the reality that I was born with a disability—I was born without arms in a world that is designed for people with arms. Far beyond the struggle of living physically was the struggle of feeling so incredibly different than everyone else I encountered. No one knew the struggle of opening a door with their feet. No one knew the painful leg cramps that came from learning to write with my feet. It was hard enough to tackle the difficulties of my disability, but it was even more painful to have to face these struggles while feeling like no one else understood what I was going through. That feeling of isolation stretched on well into my teen years, and it was becoming a heavy burden that I could not simply shrug off. In the midst of that dark and isolated time in my life, God put a faithful youth pastor in my life who took the time to explain that I was not alone in having to face the struggles in my life. He took the time to explain the presence of God in my life by unfolding the truths of Psalm 139. He told me God knew exactly what I was going through in regard to my disability because, as the psalmist says, God is the One who formed and fashioned me in my mother’s womb (Ps. 139:13). God knew all of the mountains and valleys I had traveled through. There is nowhere I can go that can limit the presence of God in my life (139:7-12). Seeing the all-encompassing presence of God through every aspect of my life helped lift me out of my darkness and isolation. Knowing that God had always been with me and was never going to leave me gave me the courage to embrace what lay in front of me in the days and weeks to come. It is that same promised presence that we are about to see as we study through the first few chapters of the Book of Joshua. He Is with You. The Book of Joshua begins with Joshua coming to grips with the reality that he was now the man who would lead the people of Israel. The mantle of leadership came with the pressure of having to lead the entire legion of Israelites into the promised land, but Joshua had the added pressure of having to step into the gigantic shoes of Moses, the previous leader of the Israelites. In the face of all this pressure, God encouraged Joshua by telling him, “I’ve got you.” Moses was not the once-in-a-lifetime type leader. He was an example of what can happen when a human being trusts God with all that he or she has. The well of strength Joshua was to draw from was the same well Moses drew from: the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. God promised to be with Joshua. That same promise—a promise meant to give strength and courage—applies to us as the church today. He is with us day in and day out. It is no accident that in the beginning of the Gospel of Matthew we see Jesus was to be called Immanuel, which means “God is with us” (Matt. 1:23). That promised presence of God being with the people of God carries through that entire Gospel, and in the last chapter of Matthew, Jesus tells His disciples, “I am with you always” (Matt. 28:20). Jesus’ promise to be by our side is meant to be the fuel that pushes us forward in the long race Jesus has set before us.
He Is Going Before Us
God, in both His kindness and power, not only pushes us forward, He also goes before us. He leads us and provides for us as He paves the way for His glory to be made known throughout the world. God, in His grace, worked wonders miraculous and providential so that the Israelites could begin their journey into the promised land while also giving them a plan to follow all along the way. Again, the presence of God with His church means that His grace and providence is going before us day after day. It is by His grace that we are adopted into the family of God (Eph. 2:8), and it is also by His grace that He has laid out opportunities for us to glorify Him (Eph. 2:10). God’s grace is going before us in order to spur us on, but it is also incumbent upon us in the presence of the Spirit of God to find ways to faithfully and practically live in view of that grace.
His Word Is Working in Us and on Us
God’s initial charge to Joshua in leading Israel also included writing the law of God on his heart. He was to “be strong and very courageous” by observing carefully the whole of God’s instruction; he was to meditate on it day and night so he could obey everything written in it (Josh. 1:7-8). Joshua’s path forward was built on everything God had said and would soon say. Our way forward is paved with the promised presence of God that goes with us no matter the circumstance. There are many times in our lives when we doubt God is with us or we feel like God has left us. It is in those times that God has given us the encouraging and powerful words of Scripture to be able to draw on. God has given us His Word so we may be instructed in His wisdom and His ways, so we may have hope in our dark days and be encouraged to endure, knowing that God is still with us (Rom. 15:4). God is not going to leave His children without His hope, His plan, or His presence. No mountains or valleys will stand between us and our heavenly Father. He’s not going to walk away; He’s always going to walk with us. He’s not going to forsake us; He always wants to use us as a part of His plan of redemption. Count on the promise of God’s presence so that you can move forward today and every day with God’s purpose in full view
What are some things your parents told you to prepare for adulthood?
Or to put it another way, what are some things you wish you knew prior to adulthood?
Or one more way, what is something you hope to or have passed on to your children or grandchildren about adulthood?
Why would you want to pass those things on or have known those things?
To learn from the past, to grow, to avoid heartache and trouble.
The Israelites learned much from the generations before them didn’t they?
They certainly passed down the tendency to complain didn’t they?
And yet they also passed down the truth that God is faithful and will provide and always keeps his promises.
Years ago when I was in children’s ministry, Trace & Anne Zornes led children’s ministry and I couldn’t tell you much about the cirriculum if anything, I know it wasn’t as robust as the gospel project but I remember there was one things Trace wanted to engrave on our mind if he could—does anyone else in here remember what that was?
God always keeps his promises. He actually had little pins he would hand out I think with a rainbow and with that on it—God always keeps his promises. He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion.
As we enter the book of Joshua we are at one of those transitional times in a nation. I would say no nation has ever gone through such a change in leadership as the Israelites. It’s not like they didn’t know Joshua would be the next leader. Besides the fact God told them that he had proven himself with the scouting of the land with Caleb and he was a conquering war hero. In one of the battles he won he is said to have blotted out the memory of those people from the face of the earth. This wasn’t just victory, this was total annihilation.
Moses no doubt had been passing on wisdom and instruction to Joshua, he was preparing him for this task. It had to be bittersweet—he trusted Joshua and knew that Joshua would lead the people into the promised land. And yet this is Moses, the central figure for the last four books of the bible. This Moses who was delivered from death as an infant, fled Egypt only to return as the one to lead God’s people out, the one who received the law and passed it on to the people, the one who led them, calmed them down, directed them, provided for them in many ways through the miracles of God. That Moses would truly not see the promised land.
No nation has ever seen that before. The closest thing in our lifetime would be England—the throne had been occupied by Elizabeth since 1952 . Since WIlliam & Mary in 1600s only 12 people have been on the throne and that includes Edward the VIII with just 10 months. Its not like they haven’t had long reigns—George II 33 years, George III 60 years (which we are thankful for), Victoria 63 years. But 70 years thats a long time. I joke with my history class, I shouldn’t joke because it might be true, most people have never seen a coronation of a king or queen in England and you will see two in a couple years.
But for England 70 years is a long time—no one in here was even alive? She ruled through 14 presidents. But that still doesn’t even come close—she is just a figure head and while she was beloved, life didn’t change at all and England never was in danger of having no leadership (at least not because of the throne—parliament has its own issues we wont talk about).
And so enter Joshua. A major shift in Israel. And this morning we have a couple reminders for us.
God gives direction and comfort through His presence.
1 After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. 3 Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses. 4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun shall be your territory. 5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.
Moses had died, but God’s promises had not failed. Now was the time for the Israelites to rise up and move forward in faith and obedience behind Joshua.
This should be a reminder to us that no matter what is going on in life, God is still at work and is still in control.
God’s promise of His presence with Joshua guaranteed victory and provided comfort for the work that lay ahead of the people.
Verse 1 just matter of factly ushers out Moses and brings in Joshua. We saw this is Exodus—exit Joseph, enter Moses. God’s story is not held up by anyone—it continues.
It’s refreshing to think about that right—He doesn’t need John MacArthur, Alister Begg, RC Sproul, Ray Russ, Mike Brown, Jared Weimer, etc to continue his redeeming work.
And yet while this transition may have been unsettling and scary, it also is reassuring—go—go over the jordan, its time to enter the land.
What they have been waiting for for years has finally come, it was finally time.
3 Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses.
I will be with you and everything I promised to Moses and true for you as well. I will be with you.
2. God gives strength and courage through His word.
6 Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua was to be strong and courageous on account of his faith in God and His promises, not because of any self-confidence he could muster.
Three times in this passage alone God tells Joshua be strong and courageous. Stand firm, have confidence, I will be with you.
Don’t let the book of the law depart from your mouth, don’t stop thinking about it, reading it, saying it. Do not veer off to the right or too the left, follow it and you will be secure. What was Moses downfall? It wasn’t that he didn’t know the law or that he didn’t know what God wanted from him, but rather he began to veer off the path. Do this and this and Moses did this and that.
Joshua—stay true, stay to the path and you will be okay, you will find good success v. 8 says.
This comfort reminds me of the apostle Paul’s letter to Ephesus by way of encouragement to us.
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
Stand, stand, stand. Stand firm in these things.
We find comfort, we find hope, in the word of God. Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. I have hidden your word in my heart so that I may not sin against you.
Joshua—follow the law and be strong and you will be alright.
3. God gives hope and victory through His promises.
10 And Joshua commanded the officers of the people, 11 “Pass through the midst of the camp and command the people, ‘Prepare your provisions, for within three days you are to pass over this Jordan to go in to take possession of the land that the Lord your God is giving you to possess.’ ” 12 And to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh Joshua said, 13 “Remember the word that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, saying, ‘The Lord your God is providing you a place of rest and will give you this land.’ 14 Your wives, your little ones, and your livestock shall remain in the land that Moses gave you beyond the Jordan, but all the men of valor among you shall pass over armed before your brothers and shall help them, 15 until the Lord gives rest to your brothers as he has to you, and they also take possession of the land that the Lord your God is giving them. Then you shall return to the land of your possession and shall possess it, the land that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise.” 16 And they answered Joshua, “All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. 17 Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you. Only may the Lord your God be with you, as he was with Moses! 18 Whoever rebels against your commandment and disobeys your words, whatever you command him, shall be put to death. Only be strong and courageous.”
Joshua relayed God’s commands and called for his people to keep their promises so they all could enjoy rest in God’s promised land.
The Israelites responded to Joshua in submission, obedience, hope, and faith because the God behind Joshua is always faithful to keep His promises.
God encourages and reminds Joshua who turns around and reminds the people. They were promised a land flowing with milk and honey and they would get it. God always keeps his promises.
Here is Joshua 1 we see the groundwork for a powerful book in the history of Israel—keep your eyes fixed on the one who is faithful and just and we will have success.
You know my guess is we could all discuss many times the Lord has been faithful in our lives. We have seen mercies renewed each morning. We have seen amazing miracles. I think of seeing Ashley last week—thats amazing. We could spend an hour just sharing amazing things God has done in our lives.
And yet I opened with there are times we still feel alone. We feel like maybe God isn’t at work or that the plan won’t work. We take our eyes off of the faithful and just one and turn to our foolish ways.
I want to encourage us with two verses.
6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
The faithful and just has started something in your life that he will bring to completion, he will finish and you will stand before the throne of grace as justified.
20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
I am with you—be strong, be courageous, I am with you. Just as God was with Joshua he is with you and with me right now and everyday.