Homeschooladventure.com shares a helpful commentary about Joshua, the great general of the new nation of Israel.
After spying out the Promised Land, Joshua and Caleb [plus Moses and Aaron] had the entire Israelite assembly threaten to stone them for speaking truth.
“Then the glory of the Lord appeared at the tent of meeting to all the Israelites” (Numbers 14:10).
When God spoke, the lives of these two courageous leaders in the Bible were preserved, but He decreed that the million people against them would die.
Over the next 39 years, everyone over the age of 20 died in the wilderness. Conservatively, just numbering the men, that’s 15,000 funerals each year—for decades.
Joshua buried his elders, his family, his peers, and his friends. (He) surely grieved as anyone would but, rather than turn to despair, he chose to prepare the next generation for the Promised Land.
How do we know this?
At the end of their wandering, Joshua was able to assemble the entire Israelite camp for battle with just three days’ notice. “They answered Joshua, ‘Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go’” (Joshua 1:16).
Unwavering obedience and courage don’t just happen suddenly. Faithfulness was modeled to the next generation, and Joshua spent years preparing them for the battles that lie ahead.
Sound familiar?
Unlike Joshua, you may never have God’s Shekinah glory entering your trial, but neither are the rocks filling your son’s pocket intended to kill you.
Keep a healthy perspective of your hardship knowing that God will provide what you need (Philippians 4:19).
Likewise, be faithful and courageous, confident that after years of hardship and preparation … “The Lord will do amazing things among you” (Joshua 3:5).
When facing the unknown, it is tempting to be filled with fear and doubt. Will you face your tomorrows with fear? Or will you face them with faith in Jesus, who is bigger than any one or any thing you will face?
After 40 years of wandering in the wilderness due to their previous unbelief, the nation of Israel now camped at the Jordan River. Ahead lay the fulfillment of the promise the Lord had given them so many years before. But also ahead were unknown foes and dangers and threats. How could Joshua lead the great nation to victory?
The answer is found in Joshua 1:6, “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them.” Joshua and the people could move forward in faith because the Lord had already promised them the land. It was theirs for the taking, and the Lord would lead them to victory. What did they have to do? “Be strong and courageous!” The victory is not to the faint of heart. It is for those who are strong in the Lord. So be Strong!
This Sunday, November 5, we will continue our teaching series, “Faith Strong!” with the challenge: “Be Strong and Courageous!” (Joshua 1:6-9). Don’t shrink back in fear. Instead, step up in courage and faith! Please invite someone to join you at 10:35am either in the building or online for the Live broadcast on Facebook (Honolulu AG) or our YouTube channel (Honolulu Assembly of God). We Livestream every Sunday at 10:35am to both locations.
“Refresh” is this Saturday, November 4, at 11:30am. Women and children, this fun time of creativity, good conversation, and important connections is for you as we prepare for our upcoming December 2nd “Christmas Lunch and Treasure Trade”. Bring a friend and one of your delicious favorite foods to add to the lunch table.
Our November “Drive-Through Prayer” outreach is this Saturday also. While the ladies are enjoying the “Refresh” event in the Fellowship Hall, us men will be praying for people in the parking lot. Hope to see you there!
Aloha ke Akua!
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