Divine Directives for Uncertain Paths
‘Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore.’
Crossing the Jordan
‘And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over.’
Joshua’s Sixteen Resolutions
Speaking by divine inspiration, the aged leader Joshua gave the people sixteen profound and heart-searching resolutions that stand to this day as monitors of the committed spiritual life. Although given in the form of exhortations, they are clearly intended to be embraced as personal resolutions or pledges by those who love and serve the Lord.
Seeking Peace with God
For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed. And as soon as we had heard … Continued
Joshua’s Sixteen Resolutions
After twenty years of historical silence, Joshua’s last convocation of Israel is recorded, with his remarkable speech presenting sixteen distinctive exhortations or ‘resolutions’ for the lives of God’s children. There is nothing quite so searching and comprehensive in all the Bible.
Spiritual Distractions
Israel’s tribes failed to clear residual Canaanite occupation, diluting their commission – the lessons. Joshua implements cities of refuge – here is how we know they have significance for the Christian life. Here also is the first piece of ‘theatre’ in the ancient church, and its folly.
Learning from the Conquest
We learn the need of limited methods in the Lord’s work, how to identify ‘Hazors’ or pivotal issues in the defence of faith, the necessity of total obedience to God’s plan, and the certain fall of Anakim giants that triggered Israel’s unbelief and disobedience.
Miracles of Conquest
Joshua’s defence of the Gibeonites teems with spiritual lessons that still apply and bless God’s people. Among them are once-only miracles that establish Joshua and his principles and crushed pagan deification of sun and moon. Here is Joshua’s promoting of faith.
Possessing the Land
Biblical proofs that Joshua’s conquest was a moral action of divine judgement that included an offer of peace to pagan cities (refused by all except the Gibeonites) if yielding to the moral standards displayed at Ebal. The Gibeonites in a positive light – illustrating evangelical repentance.
The Valley of Trouble
Achan sins and all Israel must suffer – why? Is it just? The question answered. The nature of ‘the accursed thing’ and its equivalent today. Here is ‘spiritual desertion’ as they knew it (and how it may strike believing churches), Achan’s obduracy, and the nation’s restoration.
Steps to Instrumentality
Four steps are emphasised in Joshua 4-6: first, the cherishing of God’s works (the Jordan memorial), second, not hindering the work (by prolonging the reproach of Egypt), third, clinging to one’s sense of God (the theophany), and fourth, keeping faith as paramount (the strange siege).
Spiritual Lessons from Jordan’s Crossing
First, tests of faith exemplified; second, the fourfold significance of the ark for us today; third, the necessity of reverence; fourth, the preaching of God’s Word central in every church event; fifth, all glory to be assigned to God, not leaders.
Conditions of Faith
The well-known sending of the two spies contrasts with the twelve sent forty years before, who offended the Lord by presuming to choose the route of conquest. We learn the necessity of honouring God’s prerogatives — prescribed directions for the Christian life and church.
The Role of Faith in Spiritual Work
The literal history of Joshua, showing the pastoral parallels for our spiritual lives today in chapter 1. Here is Joshua’s momentous call, the certain promise of instrumentality, the effort needed, the necessity of a focus for faith, and other principles often neglected yet so vital today.
A Steadfast Anchor For The Soul
The LORD also spake unto Joshua, saying, Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I spake unto you by the hand of Moses: That the slayer that killeth any person unawares and unwittingly may flee thither: and they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood. … Continued
Faith’s Higher Reasoning
Rahab of Jericho typifies the journey vast numbers take from materialism to faith. A harlot – hostess began to reason, here is how, and came to meet with God. From her experience, here is the way to approach God for forgiveness and new life.
Joshua’s Strength & Courage
‘Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying, Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even … Continued