Joshua 5:1-9 The New Generation Circumcised

Circumcision is the sign of the covenant between God and Abraham. Circumcision marked those who were born into the nation of Israel as partakers of the promises given to Abraham - the promises of a people, land, and blessings. Those who were circumcised the first time did not believe God's promises and because of their unbelief, God made them wander 4o years in the desert and did not allow them to enter the land and enjoy rest in it. God called for a second circumcision to cover those who were born along the way - the new generation. God promises to give them entrance into the land - his rest.

Today, Baptism is the initiatory rite into the kingdom of God for all those who are born again. Circumcision was never meant to be of the flesh only. In other words, circumcision alone does not grant entry into the kingdom of God. Circumcision of the heart is vital. Baptism is the public proclamation of my faith - my trust in Jesus Christ alone as Lord and Savior. It is my identification with Christ in his death. It is my act of obedience to my Master. It is my total dedication to the kingdom of God. Baptism is a vital part of my life as a believer.

God is seeking for a new generation that is willing to believe in his promises. God will not allow the enjoyment of his promises to grumblers and complainers who don't trust him. He is seeking people who are circumcised, not in the flesh, but in their hearts. People who have been truly born again and trust his promises as Yes and Amen without grumbling and complaining. I want to be part of that new generation - a man circumcised in my heart who trusts God with all my strength.

The conquest of the promised land, the establishment of God's kingdom upon the earth, is the privilege of those who are born again and proclaim publicly their allegiance to the one and only true God. Those who shy away from the initiatory rite of Baptism do not have a right to participate in the conquest of the promised land. It is the privilege of those who have pledged their lives to the living God without reservation.

Lord, may my commitment to you be total and not half-hearted. I want to establish your kingdom upon earth with all the resources you have given me. Make me part of that new generation that is circumcised, not in the flesh, but in the heart.

Joshua 1:10-18 Joshua Assumes Command

The promised land represents a place of rest. God's plan for his people is to lead them into a rest he has prepared for them. For a Christian, the promised rest begins with a relationship with Christ that unfolds into the ultimate rest in the new heavens and new earth. Though Christ has purchased my rest with his work on the cross, it is imperative I understand that there is much to do to advance the kingdom and establish God's rest upon all the earth. Though Christ has won the war, there are many battles to be fought before the full establishment of God's kingdom upon the earth.

As the Israelites prepare to advance into the land, our God summons all of Israel to fight together. He did not allow the Reubenites, Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh to remain behind (though their territory was already conquered). The conquest was an endeavor for the whole nation. Though there are many churches in the world, we cannot forget that we are part of one body of Christ alone. We are all in this together. There should be more cooperation among churches to reach the world.

In order to accomplish the task, it is necessary that each and every brother and sister commit to the task at hand under the leadership God has commissioned. Every church must have strong leadership that counts on the resolute commitment of each member. The task at hand requires no less. It is impossible to set out on a conquest, to advance the kingdom of God in the world, unless we all commit to give our all and pledge our loyalty to the leadership God has established.

I am not in palace yet. I am still at war in the battlefield. Father, help me be a leader committed to establish your kingdom upon the earth. Give me resolve to advance the cause of the Gospel at whatever cost. Bring unity to your people to fight together against ungodliness.