Joshua 1:5-9

Joshua 1:5-9

Get Ready for Greater

Introduction

As many of you know I grew up in a small town 35 miles east of here called Terrell. I grew up in a community called Stallings Addition. Lived a moment in what some would call the projects or the apartments named Washington Heights. All the kids would get on the grass and the asphalt and race. Someone would say, “On your mark, get set, (get ready), go!”

In the pericope, God is installing Joshua as the next leader of the children of Israel. God motivates Joshua to position himself for greater. In like manner, I want to encourage someone today to position and posture yourself – GET READY FOR GREATER!!!

The enemy is trying to get you to give up and turn around. Forget it all! Let me encourage you to know that whenever the enemy tries to get you to turn around, it is because he knows that you are on the verge of experiencing greater! The enemy knows that you are on the edge of a breakthrough!

Is anybody besides me ready for GREATER! I don’t want to miss what God is doing, and about to do!

Be Assured of God’s Promised Presence (5)

to leave - abandon v. — to leave behind; grow slack, release, let go;

forsake - renounce or give up; depart from

We learn from this passage that “Moses’ greatness was not due to Moses but to the Lord. Joshua had nothing to worry about with Moses gone because the Lord was not gone.”

(illustration)

“Young Boy on Roof of His Burning Home”

One night a house caught fire and a young boy was forced to flee to the roof.

The father stood on the ground below with outstretched arms, calling to his son, “Jump! I’ll catch you.” He knew the boy had to jump to save his life.

All the boy could see, however, was flame, smoke, and blackness. As can be imagined, he was afraid to leave the roof.

His father kept yelling: “Jump! I will catch you.” But the boy protested, “Daddy, I can’t see you.” The father replied, “But I can see you and that’s all that matters.” (Source unknown, Lou Nicholes - Missionary/Author).

Be Strong and Courageous on the Journey (6-7a)

to be strong v. — to be or become strong or powerful beyond the average or expected; whether physically or in one’s constitution.

to be courageous v. — to be able to face and deal with danger or fear without flinching.

Be Obedient to God’s Word (7b-8)

to observe (conform) v. — to conform one’s action or practice to.

to do (act) v. — to carry out or perform an action or course of action.

Be sure that the book of the Law is always read in your worship takes the Hebrew “This book of the Law is not to depart from your mouth” to refer to the use of the Scriptures in public worship and proclamation, and not just in private reading.

(illustr) – The Car Manual in the glove compartment – the manual communicates the provisions that have been made with the car – so it is with the Word of God – it has the provisions that God has for us. God has given us access to many blessings and gifts. We just need to appropriate them.

to meditate v. — to reflect deeply on a subject.

The command to “meditate on it day and night” (rsv) recalls the language of Psalm 1:2. The same Hebrew verb (literally “mutter, read in a low voice”) is used here; it means to study (tev), “pore over” (mft); “keep it in mind” (neb).

“Ultimately, success for a Christian is not rising to popularity, power, prosperity, or position. Success is fulfilling your God-given purpose in life.” (-Dr. Tony Evans)

Conclusion (9) –

One may also translate “Do not tremble with fear (afraid)” or “Do not let fear conquer you (discouraged).”

You Got This Because God’s Got You

He told Isaac in Genesis 26:3, “Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee…”

He told Jacob in Genesis 31:3, “And the LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee.”

He told Moses in Exodus 3:12, “And he said, Certainly I will be with thee…”

Jesus told the disciples and us in Matthew 28:20, “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

The Songwriter said,

“Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,

With the cross of Jesus going on before.

Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe;

Forward into battle see His banners go!

Refrain:

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,

With the cross of Jesus going on before.”

Get Ready & Get Dressed - Ephesians 5:10ff