Difference Makers- Part 4- Joshua

Introduction

Numbers 13:26-33 & Numbers 14:1-10

Joshua was the leader of the Israelites following Moses death and would ultimately be responsible for leading the children of Isreal into the promised land where they would conquer the enemies of God and possess the land.

Joshua was a great military leader, but long before he took the charge of leading the nation, Joshua was a difference maker still.

Joshua was for a lengthy period of time a servant and trusted companion to Moses during the period of his leadership. Joshua was a man of strong character and loyalty whom God would use mightily in his generation.

We will begin to look at the life and character of Joshua at what is perhaps the most well-known event in his life as the spies which have been sent out from Moses secretly to enter into the promised land return to the camp. Here we begin to see the character of Joshua and we begin to understand why God would use him to be such a DIFFERENCE MAKER.

The first thing we recognize about Joshua is his:

Distinction (Numbers 14:6-10)

The first thing that we learn about Joshua is that he is not afraid to go against the grain. Joshua, and Caleb as well, had the courage to speak up and to oppose the majority.

Joshua was not going to simply go along with the crowd, he was convinced that God would keep His promise to give them the land and that they need not fear the inhabitants.

Many would have simply succumbed to the pressure of their peers and went along with those who brought the evil report but not Joshua. He was willing to take an unpopular stance even knowing that it could bring severe consequences.

Those who will impact this world for Christ must be willing to do the same. The popular opinion of our day are in direct contradiction to God and His Word and we must we willing to go against the grain to stand for truth and right.

There are far too many professing believers who have decided that it is best to simply embrace the majority opinion for fear of the backlash that it may bring to stand for what is right.

It is likely that those who take a truly biblical stance on the issues facing our society will always be in the minority but we must not compromise the truth of God’s Word simply to be part of the crowd.

The consequences of our decision will be significant, for Joshua and Caleb, their decision to stand with God meant they alone among their generation would enter into the promised land. In fact only a few verses later we find that the 10 spies that made up the majority would die of a plague from God. (Numbers 14:36-38)

We must recognize that it is better to be among the minority standing with God than to be in the majority standing against Him.

Where are the Christians who will speak out against the wickedness and immorality in our society?

Where are the Christians who will take a bold and courageous stand upon the scriptures?

Where are the Christians who are not afraid to stand out from the crowd?

Where are the Christians who will be willing to reject popular opinion in favor of the timeless truths of God’s Word?

We will never make a difference in this world by attempting to blend in we must not be afraid to stand out and to be different! (II Corinthians 6:14-18)

Alongside his willingness to be distinct we also begin to see Joshua’s:

Determination (Number 14:7-9)

The first mention that we find of Joshua is in the book of Exodus 17:8-14- Joshua was leading the charge against the Amalekites and God delivered them into his hands. After the battle is complete God has Moses record the victory and to rehearse some things in Joshua’s ear.

Joshua became a trusted companion of Moses and there can be no doubt that Moses shared the promises that God had made to give them a land which flowed with milk and honey and how God had promised to give them victory over the people who inhabited the land.

We can almost sense the determination in Joshua’s voice as he implores the people of Israel to remember and to trust the promises of God.

Joshua was determined to go in and possess the land that God had promised to give to them. Even when the children of Israel failed to listen to his pleading, he never gave up on entering and possessing the promised land.

It would be nearly forty years before Joshua would again find himself on the banks of the Jordan preparing to cross over into the land. Moses had died and now it was he who would lead the children of Israel across the river and into the promised land.

Joshua 1:1-3 & Joshua 1:10-11- After receiving instruction and encouragement from the Lord Joshua commands the people to prepare to cross into the promised land. Joshua was determined lead the children of Israel in to take possession of the land.

Moses had faithfully led the people and now Joshua was determined to finish what Moses had started. Joshua 11:15- left nothing undone.

We must also be determined to follow the Lord and to accomplish the task that He had called us to accomplish.

We must be determined in good times and in bad to remain faithful to the Lord and to the ministry that He has committed to our trust.

There will certainly be times when we are tempted to quit or to doubt the promises of God but we must remain committed to Christ.

Even when it may seem that we are not making a difference, we must remain faithful to the Lord an to His Word knowing that He has promised Isaiah 55:11- his word will not return unto him void.

Finally we see the motive underlying Joshua’s determination which was his:

Devotion- to Moses and ultimately to God

Joshua began to server God by simply serving Moses and faithfully carrying out his instructions.

Ultimately when Moses was gone Joshua proved his devotion to the Lord.

Joshua was absolutely devoted to God and he was not ashamed to declare his devotion. Likely the most well known quotation from Joshua is found in Joshua 24:15- as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.

Joshua has now reached the end of his life having faithfully executed the will of God and having led the people of Israel to conquer much of the land. He has remained devoted to the Lord and he now calls for this same devotion among the people of Israel.

He could not necessarily force them to devote themselves to God but he was resolved that he and his family would remain devoted to serving the Lord.

Joshua had faithfully ministered to Moses until his death and had faithfully served God until his own death. His devotion never wavered in victory or in defeat, in blessing or in difficulty, he remained devoted to God.

Where are the Christians today who will devote themselves to serving God? Where are the Christians who will remain devoted to Christ through the ups and downs and twists and turns of life?

If we are going to truly make a difference we must devote ourselves to Christ and remain devoted to Him for a lifetime of service. Whether we experience great victories or crushing defeats we must remain faithful to the Lord and His will for our life.

Joshua was not a man with competing priorities. One thing was always preeminent and it was his devotion to God. How often we allow other lesser things to draw us away from the Lord and to hinder us from serving Him faithfully.

It is good to be devoted to your work, to your family, to your hobbies but our devotion to Christ should always be the top priority in our lives.

So many Christian fail to make an impact because they have devoted themselves to pursuits that have interfered with their service to the Lord and which have limited what God could do with their lives.

You must also choose today, TO WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DEVOTE YOUR LIFE?

“I'm not afraid of failure; I'm afraid of succeeding at things that don't matter.” - William Carey

Conclusion

Joshua was a man who made a difference for his home and for his nation and who faithfully served God throughout the course of his life.

We like Joshua ought to desire to fulfill all the will of God for our lives and we ought to be a people known for our distinction, our determination, and our devotion to Christ!

Behind all of Joshua’s great accomplishments was an all powerful God who sought to use him to accomplish His will. Without God, Joshua would never have been able to overcome the enemy and win the victory or possess the land.

The truth is that this same God desires to use you and I but we must first come to Him by way of the cross of Christ.

Your sin has separated you from God but Jesus Christ died, was buried, and rose again to redeem you and yo reconcile you back to God if you will but turn to Him in faith today.