Joshua 3:1-17 Israel Crosses the Jordan

The promises of God are true. But they are not always unconditional. In order to enjoy the blessings of God it is necessary for us to listen to God and follow his guidance. The people were called to prepare in consecration and then follow the ark of the covenant as it was carried by the priests. They were not to make a move on their own without God and the appointed leadership.

Consecration is not a word you use every day. It means to dedicate to a purpose. The conquest of the promised land requires total dedication. It is not a mere hobby or a sideline job. It is a full-time commitment. It is a lifestyle. All of my life must be devoted to this one cause: the kingdom of God and its establishment upon the earth! I cannot serve two masters. I must consecrate myself to my God and his purposes for my life.

Total dedication to God's kingdom and its establishment upon the earth is demonstrated in obedience. The ark of the covenant is the place where the Israelites enjoyed the manifest presence of God. God led his people through the ark and the appointed leaders. They were called to follow his lead and obey his instructions. The establishment of God's kingdom requires me to unite with the brethren and follow in obedience God's commandments.

It is very obvious that the establishment of God's kingdom is not something I can pull off on my own. It is not a "lone ranger" type of rescue. It is the corporate consecration and obedience of God's people in the pursuit of his purposes. I must see myself as part of a whole: the body of Christ. My contribution is only a piece of the puzzle. The body becomes ineffective, even paralyzed, if I try to do my own thing. 

Lord, I consecrate my life to you and the establishment of your kingdom upon earth. Help me be faithful to your purposes and obedient to your commands. May I seek unity and teamwork within the body of Christ for your glory and honor forever. Amen

Joshua 1:1-9 God Commissions Joshua

God's plan for his people is established and firm. It is not dependent on any one person in particular. As powerful as Moses' ministry was, the ongoing development of God's plan is not solely dependent upon him. No one person is indispensable in God's kingdom. It is a team effort to complete a relay race of sorts, and it is Joshua's turn. Moses' performance is indeed commendable, but his time is up. Moses is to pass on the baton to Joshua.

The mission is unchanged no matter the leader in charge. When the Lord commissions his leaders, he reminds them of his presence and reiterates his promises for reassurance in order to ensure confidence in performance. The confidence is not in the self, but in the Lord. He will be with his new leader in the same way he was with Moses and no one can stand against a leader God has appointed for his purposes. "I will not leave you or forsake you" is an awesome assurance, especially in the beginning of a leader's term.

The promises are encouraging and reassuring, but it is also necessary to heed the call of our God in the performance of leadership. God calls, not once, but thrice: "Be strong and very courageous!" Strength is the power to resist strain and stress. It is durability. It is the power to resist attack. Confidence in God's presence is not a shield against strain and stress. It is only the guarantee that I am not alone in the middle of the heat of battle. I must be willing to deal with strain and stress and overcome it empowered by his presence.

Courage is the attitude of facing and dealing with anything recognized as dangerous, difficult, and painful instead of withdrawing from it. It is not lack of fear, but the willingness to act despite of fear. It is to refuse to allow fear to paralyze me and to move forward in the name of the Lord empowered by his presence and his promises. Leadership in the kingdom of God requires strength and courage. Am I willing to heed the call?

Father, reassure me of your presence and promises. Grant me strength and courage to overcome stress and fear. May I never shrink back from your call to obey. Help me perform well during my term.