Jesus in our Transitions, Joshua 1:1-9
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Introduction
Introduction
We are about to enter a new year. The old one is passing away into the pages of history. More than likely the transition will be seamless. It will be like just another day, as we move from December 31 into January 1. Probably most of us will be asleep during that change. Nevertheless, we will enter a new year that holds promise of many things. Some will make resolutions that will most likely be broken before the month or even week is out. How are we to face this new year? What can we glean from the mind of God that will help us navigate the landscape of our future?
Joshua faced a daunting transition didn’t he? Moses the one whom he had been aide to for over forty years, was now dead. The transition from Moses to Joshua was no surprise probably months if not a few years before Joshua knew this day would come. in he said of the law, “I have set before you today life and good, death and evil. If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God . . . then you shall live and multiply and . . . God will bless you in the land . . ..” If you turn away, well not so good. Moses had laid hands on him and told him, pretty much, the same things we are reading here in our text. “Be Strong and courageous. God is with you and lead the people into the land.” You can go back to for enlightenment on that. In Chapter 32 we have the song of Moses that would be a catechism for the people. In chapter 33 he gave them a blessing and then he went up to the top of Mount Nebo and died. He had prepared Joshua and the people for this time.
Now we have Joshua who was waiting at the foot of Mount Nebo. What next?
Joshua is the transition book between Dt. and the entrance and conquering of the Promised land and Joshua, not Moses would lead the people into that rest. We see Joshua is a type of Christ, both are named Yeshua,(Hoshea was his original name which means salvation/deliverance. Moses gave him the name Joshua YHWH saves in . The LXX translates Iesous/Jesus same as in the NT)His name becomes an affirmation of trust in God for deliverance.Heb. connects him to Jesus in where the rest is incomplete and not fulfilled until one enters Christ’s rest. and both a full of the spirit of Wisdom, .
As such we see Joshua is a type of Christ, both are named Yeshua,(Hoshea was his original name which means salvation/deliverance. Moses gave him the name Joshua YHWH saves in . The LXX translates Iesous/Jesus same as in the NT)His name becomes an affirmation of trust in God for deliverance.Heb. connects him to Jesus in where the rest is incomplete and not fulfilled until one enters Christ’s rest. and both a full of the spirit of Wisdom, Dt. 34:9. It is the preincarnate Christ who is speaking with Joshua and telling him how to lead the people into the promised land. Jesus shows us how to enter the promised land in the NT by being born again in accordance with the Scripture and promises victory when we obey just is done here.
and as we have seen in recent weeks in our study of , and 12 it is the preincarnate Christ who is speaking with Joshua and telling him how to lead the people into the promised land. Jesus shows us how to enter the promised land in the NT by being born again in accordance with the Scripture and promises victory when we obey just is done here.
In the midst of this very important transition Joshua is given assurance and instruction from the Lord as he leads the people of Israel into the land. We don’t know what this next year will hold for us. But one thing we can be sure of, the same assurance and instruction that is given to Joshua to ensure his success is the same assurance and instruction that will ensure your success, my success in entering and accomplishing all that God has for us in this new year.
What is this assurance and what is the instruction to Joshua that ensures success? What is it for us? It is set apart by the phrase: Be Strong and Courageous based on:
I. The promise of God, v.6
II. The Word of God, v.7,8
III. The Presence of God, v.9
Now most of us have probably memorized v.9, at least I did long ago. It has sustained me through thick and thin.
You might also notice the similarity between this outline and that of Jesus in the Garden, and Jesus on the Journey, now here in this Jesus in our Transitions.
I. The promise of God, v.6
I. The promise of God, v.6
Notice what the verse tells us, there is the two-fold command ‘Be strong and of good courage’ then it says “for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.” In other words, the basis for Joshua’s confidence, this command to be strong and courageous is God’s promise to give them the land they are going to enter in just a few days.
Now this promise was nothing new. It was told to Abraham way back in . In fact, it was then that pre-Israel was given title deed to the land. Though there were others living in the land, the land belonged to God. Scripture reminds us that all the earth is God’s.
The heavens are yours; the earth also is yours; the world and all that is in it, you have founded them.
He owns it all. He can give it to whomever He wishes. And He has promised the land to Israel.
But look at v.2, 3 where the pre-incarnate Jesus said “Into the land which I do give them” and then in v.3 “I have given to you” . in the vs. 2 the word for give/natan is a ptc. that refers yet to future, but is certain, could be translated “go into the land which I am giving you.” as though it is still in process, yet the outcome is certain. The second use of the word is pf tense, which speaks of past, like it is finished. In other words, which I gave to you already, or have given.
Joshua is to go with confidence into the land because God has promised it to him. It has been given to him. He simply has to step out in faith and lead Israel to take what is theirs by inheritance.
In verse four we have the description of the inheritance.
Thus, how can Joshua be strong and courageous in entering the land? Because God had given His promise to him. By the realization of the promise is not focused on Joshua, but on the second person of the trinity, Jesus. Notice the personal pronouns, v.2 “I do give” v.3 “have I given” v.6 “I sware”. these all indicate the focus is on the Lord. Now to be sure Joshua cannot just sit back and do nothing. He has to step out in faith.
Spurgeon said of this promise Joshua “was not to use the promise as a couch upon which his indolence might luxuriate, but as a girdle wherewith to gird up his loins for future activity” (Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, vol. 14, p. 97). In short, God’s promises are prods, not pillows. (Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). Be Strong (pp. 26–27). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). Be Strong (pp. 26–27). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
The promise of entering the land is to all believers. One of the two times Joshua is mentioned in the NT is found in which I already mentioned, but there the promise is entering the rest of Christ through faith in Him.
We can face the transitions of life with strength and courage because God has promised that one day, through Christ we will enter our rest with Him. Claim the promise of blessings God has given to us as in
The Second basis for our strength and courage is
Secondly,
The Second basis for our strength and courage is
II. The Word of God, v.7,8
II. The Word of God, v.7,8
The second command to be strong and courageous - based on His Word. I need to point out before we go further, that this phrase is not talking about physical strength for combat. But rather about the inner strength and will to focus strictly on obedience to the Lord rather than to cave into other authorities both in the camp and that which might seem wise in the world.
Here then is a restatement of v.6, with the added emphasis on his commitment to the Word of God through Moses to do all the law which I commanded Moses my servant.
BKC - The emphasis here is clearly on the written word of God. It would take greater strength of character to obey God’s word than it would to win military battles. A further indication of this emphasis is on the fact that God does not give him military instructions. Rather, his formula for success will be in paying attention to the Word of God to make sure he does it and meditates on it. As we shall see.
Yet, another indication of this emphasis is the use of the adverbs only and very. They set this verse off as the heart of the message to Joshua. It is not only the middle of the three doublets of be strong and courageous, but it is the core of what God is saying to Joshua in His instructions.
The adverbs only and very set this verse off as the heart of the message to Joshua. It is not only the middle of the three doublets of be strong and courageous but it is the core of what God is saying to Joshua in His instructions.
This directs our attention to the Word as authority. In other words, Joshua is not free to wing it as he goes. He has a Word from God through Moses. Interestingly, God doesn’t give Joshua a dream, or vision or feeling to add to what He already stated through Moses. This tells me that everything Joshua needs to know in order to please God in his conduct as leader of Israel is contained in the Law God gave to Moses. It is completely sufficient.
We are reminded here that Joshua is not left alone to do this, that is to lead and decide. He has a body of information and instructions (Law) given to him by Moses. In other words, he has the word of God that was transmitted to him through Moses as a guide to knowing what Pleases God in this and how to go about it. It is in essence no different than when Moses gave the instructions for the tabernacle to the Bezeleel or David to Solomon for the temple. I might add it is what Peter reminds us of in ; or Paul in , ; or John in when we are told not to add or take anything away from the book.
We are reminded here that Joshua is not left alone to do this, that is to lead and decide. He has a body of information and instructions (Law) given to him by Moses. In other words, he has the word of God that was transmitted to him through Moses as a guide to knowing what Pleases God in this and how to go about it. It is in essence no different than when Moses gave the instructions for the tabernacle to the Bezeleel or David to Solomon for the temple. I might add it is what Peter reminds us of in ; or Paul in , ; or John in when we are told not to add or take anything away from the book.
The second half of the verse warns against getting off track from what God commanded. In fact, he is told not to seek out or accept any other counsel pertaining to His task in life.
don’t turn to the right or the left. Stay on track, Don’t compromise one direction or the other.
Purpose signified by that thou (KJV) is so that you will have understanding/comprehension wherever you go.
Since the aim is to have comprehension/sakal- good success, refers to doing wisely, It speaks of the process of thinking through thoughts of another that result in wise dealings. The point is that as Joshua focuses on the Word of God through Moses and as we see in v.8 thinking it through and meditating on it, He will gain understanding of how God wants him to act and in doing so he will experience success in leading the people of God. it seems to me that the not turning to the right or left doesn’t have to do with obedience to the law as much as it has to the study of it.In other words, stay focused on the Law/the Word of God, and don’t get onto other sources of authority as to find what to do. It is like not following the world’s way of thinking, but stay rooted to the Word of God. Let your practice of life flow out of the correct understanding of Scripture. Don’t take counsel or advice for living a life pleasing to God from ann landers or some other better life now book. Maintain the Scripture as your authority for life. But more importantly, the right interpretation of Scripture.
So then the Lord is telling Joshua to stay focused on understanding the Law and then you will comprehend what pleases God in the given situations and you will then know how to lead the people into the promised land.
the keys to his success were spiritual, directly related to the degree of his obedience to God. The keys to Joshua’s success were the same as those for a king: being rooted in God’s word rather than depending upon military might (, esp. vv. 16, 18–19). Howard, D. M., Jr. (1998). Joshua (Vol. 5, p. 85). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
I need to make a quick statement about these words for success or prosper in our text. For surely someone might try to take them as references to prospering financially, but such is not the case.
Howard, D. M., Jr. (1998). Joshua (Vol. 5, p. 85). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
“the two words we find here in our passage in Joshua (1:7–8) speaking of prosperity and success are almost never used in the Old Testament to speak of financial success. Rather, they speak of succeeding in life’s proper endeavors. This happens when people’s lives are focused entirely on God and obedience to him. The focus of people’s endeavors is not to be prosperity and success but rather holiness and obedience. A believer’s consuming obsession should be holiness, for God himself is holy (; , etc.), to love God with one’s entire being (), to keep his word with the same fervor (; ; ; etc.), and to “fear God and keep his commandments” (). When this happens, then God does bless (usually!), although not always in exactly the ways we might like him to. In this, the Old Testament has the same message that Jesus spoke when he said, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things [food, drink, clothing] will be given to you as well” (). Our priority is to seek God.” Howard, D. M., Jr. (1998). Joshua (Vol. 5, p. 88). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
David gives his son Solomon the same kind of instructions in
Howard, D. M., Jr. (1998). Joshua (Vol. 5, p. 88). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
Then you will prosper if you are careful to observe the statutes and the rules that the Lord commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Fear not; do not be dismayed.
We get further instruction of what is meant in v.8
A very revealing passage comes in , when David was giving his son Solomon instructions about building the temple. The key to Solomon’s success was the same as for Joshua: “Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the LORD gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” The vocabulary in this passage echoes that of in remarkable ways. In both cases, God’s chosen leader was to focus on knowing and obeying God’s laws. That was the key to their success as leaders.
Howard, D. M., Jr. (1998). Joshua (Vol. 5, p. 89). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
the keys to success in life lie in being intensely focused upon God and in consistent faithfulness to him and his revealed word.
Howard, D. M., Jr. (1998). Joshua (Vol. 5, p. 90). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
This message from Jesus reads like this:
Since Moses is dead (and he was the one who communicated to you what pleased God) Now I will communicate that directly to you through what Moses has already told you.
The task set before him is to take the land God had given him according to the manner and promise of God’s word to Moses, v.2-4
There is the promise to Joshua that no one will be able to resist him, or oppose him based on the
Promise of His presence, v.5 As He was with Moses He will be with Joshua
I will not relax
I will not abandon/leave you
Joshua’s task specified, v.6
The manner in which he is to accomplish the task, v.7-9
God’s Law Communicated through Moses is to be his only authority -do not run to right or left
The Word is to be studied for the purpose of obedience - observe to do it
Through the Word comprehended - You will cause to comprehend sakal the idea of prudence. He will act wisely, prudently wherever he goes.
The means to comprehension is continual musing/study - let it not depart out of thy mouth, meditate on it day and night, v.8
Then you will through obedience as a result of comprehension, advance/prosper (not referring to financial prosperity, but in particular advance into the land conquering successfully and then be able divide the land in accordance to God’s plan/design)
and comprehend the will of God or what pleases God.
Do not let this book of the Law depart from your mouth. In other words, do not do anything other than what I told you to do in this law. For out of our mouth, ie. our heart, inner man, comes our actions. Joshua is to do nothing other than what God instructs him to do through Moses law. Speaking of the man of God -
but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.
I think ‘mouth’ relates to heart, in that what comes out of the mouth is first in the heart, ( ‘lips’; ) and keeping that idea what goes into the mouth then goes into the heart on the spiritual level. This is informed further in the next clause, “and you will meditate in it day and night.” It is the concept of continual thinking on the Law. The intention is found in the purpose clause ‘that thou’ , to obey what is written in it. Which would require correct interpretation and application of it.
You will not let the Word of God depart from your mouth,
Second, he was to meditate on it day and night. This is akin to Paul’s ‘pray without ceasing.’ The word ‘meditate’ is not the kind of emptying of the mind as in our modern day meditation. The Hebrew word means to mutter, to talk to self, to complain. It is what the lady did who was in front of me in line at Walmart Christmas eve. The checkouts were backed up with long lines. I only had a couple things, as did the lady in front of me. But after what seemed like 10 minutes of not moving, She and her husband began to reveal their inner musings. They were getting kind of loud about why don’t they open more lines? what are they doing up there at the register? How come the line isn’t moving. The husband was telling the wife to move to another line. She just continued to complain to anyone with a walmart tag on their shirt. I of course, had already moved to the line next to us. I checked out before they got much closer. They were still musing on what should be done. That is our word. You do it all the time. What is meant here is that Joshua is to read it and turn it over in his mind even speak it out loud. Have you tried that? Reading out loud to yourself does something to your study of scripture. It adds to it somehow.
Here is the support or reason for meditating on Scripture.
So that you will have this result. In other words if you meditate on the word day and night, you will
a.advance, prosper-that is he will accomplish what God intends him to do. It is akin what Jesus said about Himself, that he always did what was pleasing to the Father and the result was He accomplished what He came for, ie. dying on the cross a sinless man.
and
b. prudence, understanding, insight comprehension here is the word sakal again, the idea of good success in understanding the Word of God so as to know how to act or what to do.
That will be true of you and me too.
One more point before we move on. Jesus the living Word is the one who is telling Joshua to meditate on the Word. Is that not the same thing we are invited to do in the NT? Sure it is, Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, . Part of the armor of the believer is the Word of God which is the sword of the Spirit.
Now to the third basis for being strong and courageous,
III. The presence of Christ, v.9
III. The presence of Christ, v.9
We have the promise in v. 5 that no one would be able to stand against him. The promise is not based upon Joshua’s military prowess, but on God, God promises His presence with Joshua as He was with Moses. According as I was with Moses, I will be with you.
The promise is not based upon Joshua’s military prowess, but on God,
God promises His presence with Joshua as He was with Moses. According as I was with Moses, I will be with you.
That is the reason why no one will oppose or stand against Joshua, because God will be with Him.
He adds with two negations that further His meaning of I will be with you.
I will not fail you - fail = raphah- sink, relax, it referred to the sun sinking to the horizon, or to weakening hands, or to let alone, in this stem it means to let drop or abandon usually. or to let alone. It is used in this way in when the Gibeonites who are in trouble with the Amorites, plead with Joshua not to forget about them. “slack not/relax not you hand from thy servants.” God then makes this promise to Joshua that I will not forget about you or relax my care about you.
I will not forsake you- azab-to leave or forsake or loose.that is to abandon,
We could say this thought this way putting these two into a positive mode:
I will be with you as I was with Moses, I will be vigilant, alert to your situation, and I will stick with you, stay right by your side.
And now we have this third set of commands to be strong and courageous based on God’s presence
The third call to be strong and courageous based on God’s presence
This same thought that is prescribed here in our text is that which Jesus expresses to His disciples as He is about to ascend to heaven, ; or that of Paul in regarding being strong in the Lord, or in , and the God of peace being with you.
This idea of have not I is a rhetorical mode of giving Joshua assurance. the answer, of course, is a resounding YES!
a.be strong- strength as of physical strength of arms or hands in order to be able to fight, or an army that it would be able to prevail. to tie something fast, ie. strongly. Like to bind up an arm or or ankle for example, in order that it is stronger, more stable and able to endure or bear more.
If you have a weak ankle you will bind it up with an ace bandage so that while you are walking on it you will have stability and not be as much in danger of twisting it.
b.of good courage- ie. to be alert of mind, or undaunted of mind, the word is used of a horse. It was not that the horse was courageous, they are big cowards, But rather that they are alert. Being prey animals they have to have a heigthened awareness of their surroundings. , thus, because you know what is going on around you you can be confident that you are not going to get caught with your pants down so to speak. You won't get ambushed by life.
As you face the future you should be on your toes, alert to those opportunities to advance, alert to those obstacles that hinder your advance so that you can take steps to avoid the latter and capitalize on the former.
c..be not afraid-that is tremble, or be terrified in the face of scarey situations. eg. being afraid of an enemy militarily, afraid you are going to die in combat. Joshua had to fill the shoes of Moses and lead the people into the promised land where there were enemies that did not want them there.
d.Neither be dismayed- that is shattered, broken, to break, to panic or crack.
Now all four of these commands are not dependent on one's own strength, rather the point is that strength courage, not being afraid or broken is due to the fact that God is present.
"if God be for us who can be against us."
see for a confirmation to Joshua, this Captain of the host of the Lord is none other than Christ. Surely you can see this as a similar occurrence to the burning bush where Moses is told to lead Israel out of Egypt. This is a second holy ground experience- You have to notice that Joshua is on the other side of Jordan at Gilgal and they have just observed Passover- you have to see the significance of that in light of this.
Then in after the city of Jericho is taken we have the affirmation that the Lord was with Joshua.
Conclusion
Conclusion
How are we to be strong and of good courage? The same way that Joshua was called to do that:
As we enter this new year lets go armed with the same assurance and confidence that Joshua had when he entered the promised land:
We have the promise of Christ that we will enter the promised land He has given us. We have His written word that we can read, study, meditate on, be committed to as our sole authority for life. And we have the Promise of the presence of Jesus Christ, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Our victory is Paul said is in Christ.
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
1 Cor. 15:57
Have we not already talked about that?