Today we begin reading the book of Joshua (chapters 1-4). Joshua has been Moses' aide for 40 years, and he has also served as the general for the Israelite army. Joshua is one of the only eye-witnesses to all that went on during the exodus from Egypt. God has chosen Joshua to take over right where Moses left off, and we can tell that Joshua has learned from the best. He is ready to faithfully continue carrying out God's plan for the Israelites.
I can't help but think, Joshua must be a little scared and overwhelmed at this point in God's story. He's had his "burning bush" moment, like Moses, and now it's time to get started. He's in charge of leading more than two million people into a huge, strange Promise Land, and he has to fight for it. He has to win.
Maybe you've been there too. God has made Himself known to You. God has your attention. You've had a "burning bush" moment, maybe several if you can be hard of hearing like me. What next?
We can learn so much from Joshua today.
10 This is how you will know that the living God is among you and that he will certainly drive out before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites and Jebusites. 11 See, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth will go into the Jordan ahead of you...
*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project. Click here to read more.
I can't help but think, Joshua must be a little scared and overwhelmed at this point in God's story. He's had his "burning bush" moment, like Moses, and now it's time to get started. He's in charge of leading more than two million people into a huge, strange Promise Land, and he has to fight for it. He has to win.
Maybe you've been there too. God has made Himself known to You. God has your attention. You've had a "burning bush" moment, maybe several if you can be hard of hearing like me. What next?
We can learn so much from Joshua today.
- He believes God's promises for his life, and he relies on Him for his strength and courage.
3 I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses...
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
- Joshua doesn't just run and dive into the situation with his head first. He spends a lot of time listening to God and preparing himself and his crew for what is ahead.
5 Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.”
- Joshua walks faithfully with God and trusts Him to work out the details, even that which seems and feels impossible.
10 This is how you will know that the living God is among you and that he will certainly drive out before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites and Jebusites. 11 See, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth will go into the Jordan ahead of you...
13 And as soon as the priests who carry the ark of the Lord—the Lord of all the earth—set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap.
- Joshua expects God to work a miracle; and when it happens, Joshua is intentional about giving God all the glory for generations to come.
5 and said to them, “Go over before the ark of the Lord your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, 6 to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ 7 tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.”
I love how God loves to tell a good story through His people. Like Moses and Joshua, that burning bush in our lives is only the beginning of God's power at work. When we follow Him, there's so many more glorious things to come!
A prayer for today-
Dear God,
Thank You for filling my life with Your love and Your purpose. Thank you for all the amazing things You have done and all the amazing things You will do in the future.
Lord, be with me. Help me know when to prepare for what's ahead in my quiet time with You. Give me the strength and courage I need to walk with You and glorify You.
I pray that my life will be a reflection of Your love story forever.
I also pray for ________________ today. Prepare him/her for the next step in Your perfect plan. He/she needs Your loving arms and guiding hands.
In the name of Your Son, Jesus, I pray,
Amen
*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project. Click here to read more.
No comments:
Post a Comment