JOSHUA, WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO WALK WITH GOD?

Text: Joshua 1:1-6

Title: Joshua, What was it like to Walk with God?

Introduction:

We see in the early verses of Joshua that God has a clear purpose for Joshua’s life. He also has a clear attitude he expects from Joshua. Three times in the passage, God tells Joshua to be strong and of a good courage.

The reason Joshua could be strong and of good courage is becuase the Lord had promised to be with him...over and over again God reminded him of this promise!!

Sometimes we have a “false” courage…

Illustration: A man was bragging that he had cut off the tail of a man-eating lion with his pocket knife. When asked why he had not cut off the lion's head, the man replied: “Someone has already done that.”

As Joshua lived courageously for God, he saw time and again that there was nothing too hard for the Lord when he walked with Him!

 Illustration-David Livingstone, pioneer missionary to Africa, received a letter saying, “Have you found a good road to where you are? If so, we want to know how to send other men to join you.”

Livingstone replied, “If you have men who will come only if there is a good road, I do not want them. I want those who will come if there is no road at all.”

God is looking for some men that will step forward and live courageously for Him.

I. At Jordan, God Showed Me His Wonders – 3:1-8

A. The Position of the Ark-vs. 3

1. The priests were to carry the ark in the lead at the crossing. 

All Israel would see the ark enter the Jordan.

Note - The ark was representative of the presence of God, because the Shekhineh Glory of God would rest there.

Exodus 40:34–35 KJV 1900

34 Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. 35 And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.

Matthew 16:24

24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

2. This also required faith by the priests who carried the ark. 

They had to trust the Lord that they would not stumble or fall. 

Note - The Jordan at this time of year would be at the flood stages.  Although it is not a big river, it is a swift river because of the fall in elevation (from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea- 60 miles and a drop of 568 feet, drop of 9.2 feet per mile), especially during the flood season. 

This day was also a pivotal point for Israel. 

They now had a new leader,

a new purpose,

and a new land. 

They were leaving the wilderness and wanderings to now battle and build in the Promised Land.  They would now have to trust God with new circumstances and challenges.  God would once again stretch their faith. Especially Joshua’s.

God was leading them to a place where they would put Him first in their lives.

Colossians 1:14–18 “14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”

Matthew 6:33 “33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

B. The Placing of the Stones - 4:8-11

Note – A memorial …

1.       It was a memorial to mark this special day.

2.       It will be a memorial to mark this special miracle.

(verses 21-24 - The children will know)

Joshua 4:19-20

19 And the people came up out of Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and encamped in Gilgal, in the east border of Jericho.

20 And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal.

Note - Gilgal = "a wheel, rolling"

Gilgal, in name, was prophetic for what Israel was about to do in the land - roll over the inhabitants like a wheel.  This became a very special place for Israel.

It was the first site of an Israelite camp west of the Jordan, east of Jericho. Here Samuel was judge, and Saul was made king…

Note - Gilgal is referred to 13 times in Joshua- this was Israel’s base of operations.  The southern campaign and northern campaign started from Gilgal.  This was their place of strength and refreshment-

Where is your place of strength and refreshment?

Psalm 37:3-7

3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.

4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

6 And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

Note – Later, they had the observance of Passover (5:10-12).  At the camp of Gilgal, they observed the first Passover in the promised land. 

Note - This church property is like “Gilgal” to us. It is a base of operations and a place of rest.

At Jordan, God Showed Me His Wonders

II. At Jericho, God Showed Me His Ways –6:1-6

A. The Power of the City

Note - Jericho was built upon an oasis.  It had an endless water supply inside the city and could hold off a siege for a long time.  It also had a huge wall system which was actually an outer wall and inner wall making it impregnable.  This was a well fortified city.

Shepherd's Notes: Manners & Customs of Bible Times Walls

Cities were normally built on a hill, making an attack on the city more difficult. With the foundation wall made of stone and the wall itself made of brick, the wall tended to follow the contour of the hill on which the city was built, so that any approach to the city was uphill. With the protective wall surrounding the city, the attackers had to breach the walls with an uphill assault—a military difficulty. Even the city of Jericho—which was only eight acres in size—was defensible against the Israelites (

Note - It was a key city.  This city guarded the eastern routes into the central highlands including Jerusalem.  Three major routes lead out from Jericho and would allow armies to freely travel north, west and south toward other cities.

B. The Plan of God

1.       The Lord Would Lead

Isaiah 55:8–9 KJV 1900

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, Neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are my ways higher than your ways, And my thoughts than your thoughts.

Note - (5:13-15) Joshua was scouting out the fortifications of Jericho devising a plan of attack, when the Lord appeared to him.  This is where no doubt God gave Joshua the battle plan that is used in Josh. 6. 

It was when Joshua worshipped the Lord (v.14) that God then spoke with him.  Joshua obeyed the as a result of his worship (v.15). 

2. The People Would Follow - 6:1-5

Note- This battle plan again made absolutely no sense to the casual observer.  But the Lord had already put fear into the hearts of those closed up in Jericho.  They may have felt safe behind their high walls, well supplied and plenty of water.  They just had to wait out the siege. 

     Then each morning they saw for six days Israel’s priests bearring the Ark of Covenant and blowing the shofar (ram’s horns).  The sevens priests with the ram’s horns, then the Ark of Covenant, then the assembly of soldiers followed in total silence- It must have been an eerie feeling for those on the walls watching this army in silence walk about the city.  Perhaps by the six day they began to think it was a bluff, an intimidation tactic. 

Then the seventh day came 7 times they marched around the walls.  At the end of the 7th time- they shouted and the walls fell.

C. The Portion of the Lord – verse 19

     Note - Israel was warned that they were to take absolutely nothing for spoils, this was the Lord’s city- they were to collect all the gold, silver, bronze and iron and put them into the Lord’s treasury- this whole city- was the firstfruits offering to the Lord. 

Ill – Our church has had many campaigns, and God has faithfully replenished. All He asks is that we continue to honour him!

        We often do not honour God as we ought to…we give Him the leftovers….

Time- Bible reading after the news and weather, Church attendance unless there is something that I think is more important…

Talents-

Money-$60-seems like a little at a restaurant but seems like a lot at church!!!! $30,000 to $50,000 for a car; $300,000 for a house @ $1800.00 a month and put $25.00 a week in the offering….

God deserves our best not our least!!!

Ill - Around Thanksgiving a years ago, radio commentator Paul Harvey shared a true story of a woman and her frozen Thanksgiving turkey.

The Butterball Turkey Company set up a telephone hotline to answer consumer questions about preparing holiday turkeys. One woman called to inquire about cooking a turkey that had been in the bottom of her freezer for 23 years. That's right—23 years. The Butterball representative told her the turkey would probably be safe to eat if the freezer had been kept below zero for the entire 23 years. But the Butterball representative warned her that even if the turkey was safe to eat, the flavor would probably have deteriorated to such a degree that she would not recommend eating it.

The caller replied, "That's what I thought. We'll give the turkey to our church."

Note – His ways are not our ways!

Isaiah 55:8-9

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

With God’s help we will always give Him our best, even when we do not understand His directions...

At Jordan, God Showed Me His Wonders

At Jericho, God Showed Me His Ways

III. At the waters of Merom, God Showed Me His Watchcare-11:1-8

Psalm 111:2-3

2 The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.

3 His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.

A. The Resting Place of Joshua -10:43     

Joshua 10:43 KJV 1900

43 And Joshua returned, and all Israel with him, unto the camp to Gilgal.

 Note - After the Southern Campaign, Joshua is resting at Gilgal….

B. The Raid against Joshua - 11:1-5

Jabin king of Hazor(the most powerful city and ruler of the Northern Part of the Promised land) gathered all the kings in the region together to fight against Joshua and the people of Israel.

C. The Resource of Joshua - (The Promise of God) 11:6-10

1.       Hear the Promise of God – verse 6

Promises to God’s people today:

John 3:16 “16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Romans 8:28 “28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

1 Corinthians 10:13 “13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

John 14:1–3 “1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

1 John 1:9 “9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

John 10:28 “28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”

Hebrews 13:5–6 “5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”

2.       Claim the Promise of God – verses 7-8

Nothing is too big for my God to accomplish, and nothing is too little for Him to use in accomplishing it!

Note - God will do his part if we will do our part!

          1 Thessalonians 5:24

24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

Conclusion

Joshua 21:43-45

43 And the LORD gave unto Israel all the land which he sware to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein.

44 And the LORD gave them rest round about, according to all that he sware unto their fathers: and there stood not a man of all their enemies before them; the LORD delivered all their enemies into their hand.

45 There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass.

Men-be strong and of good courage!!!

Put God first and He will show you:

     His Wonders

     His Ways

     His Watchcare

Christian have you ever purposefully stated to God that you wanted Him to be first place in your life?

How are you doing in that area?

Does your family know by your actions that God is first?

Unsaved person: God’s Watchcare has brought you to the place where you can trust in His ways (the cross) and experience His Wonder (salvation).