In this series we will look at some of the strategies Joshua and the Israelites used when moving into the promised land, after being in bondage in Egypt. These strategies are very practical, and we can take some lessons as we too are free from bondage like Israel! We are free through the blood of Christ. But what now? You are no longer in bondage, you must change locations. You are a new creation in Christ. Are there are some territories you need to actively claim now. Like Israel, you need God’s guidance and strategy in maneuvering and taking back what the enemy has stolen from you! ARE YOU READY? I’m excited for you. You are not reading these words by chance. Let us begin.
Let us briefly summarize the situation. We are in the first book of Joshua, Moses has passed away, and a generation of Israelites died in the wilderness because of their unbelief and moaning (as a new creation, let’s avoid unbelief and complaining). A new generation of Israelites are on the verge of claiming the promises. Joshua, replaces Moses as the leader. God is grooming this new generation using Joshua, to strategically claim their promised lands, now occupied by enemies. Let’s us look at how God grooms this new generation to inherit their promises. If we can mirror some of these practices, we will see real tangible results in our lives.
Firstly, God reaffirms His commitment to Joshua before embarking on this new journey. In verse 5 He says 5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Its important for us to understand the level of commitment God has towards us. In this relationship you must remember His vows. Sometimes we run in to trouble and remembering the commitment that was made before embarking on the journey, can keep us anchored. You can gain strength in these times if you remember the vows. The first thing we need to do is keep the promises of Christ close to our hearts. It’s very interesting, as God is building this new Israel, the foundation is his unfailing commitment towards us. His Word, Christ that became flesh, let our foundations be built on Him.
After giving His people this assurance, there’s a recurring theme from verses 6 to 18; strength and courage. Four times, until the end of the chapter these attitudes were emphasized. To claim promises it’s about being strong, being bold and being courageous. We must be careful here, the strength and boldness that we have is based on the assurance of His presence. Our strength is God. From here, this is where we must have courage, because He will never allow the enemy to triumph over us. This is often misconstrued in Christian circles. I’m not saying it will be a bed of roses, you will be in some tricky situations, you may feel like you’ve lost some battles, but ultimately, you will win the war. Our part of the arrangement is to continue to believe in Him even when the odds are against us. It’s very easy to have moments of unbelief. It happens to me sometimes, but we must remind ourselves of the vows. He also gives us a method to keep our belief strong.
“Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest.
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”
We must meditate on His Word day and night. This is in line with the concept of getting faith, by hearing the Word of God. With God at the forefront of our minds, we constantly lean on that vow. In this place, it is very difficult to lose that strength and boldness He asks of us.
3 points we can take away from chapter 1:
1) When God is with us, nothing can be against us.
2) From the previous truth, we enter boldness and courage.
3) Keep this boldness and courage by meditating on the Word day and night, and we will have success.