A Faithful God

Today we begin a six-week series that tells the story of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt and their journey through the desert into the promised land. Working backwards through this narrative, ‘Doomed to Repeat’ will provide a unique vantage point on the ups and downs of Israel’s journey. This retelling of the redemptive history examines God’s faithfulness to us despite our weaknesses, as well as the charge He gives us to live righteously for His name.

Big Idea of the Message: God will keep His promises because He is faithful.

Repeat, Repeat and Repeat!

George Santayana Writer and Philosopher said - "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

Have you ever had the felling of DeJa’Vu, you know the “I have been here before” or the “been there done that feeling”;

Yet you are someplace you have never been before;

Now there are somethings that should have remained in the past,

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But sadly they too could help but be repeated;

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Now to come back to where we are - the Israelites are about to see God repeat Himself in order to accomplish His promise;

Even though God is using a different leader, Joshua instead of Moses, there will be not weaving in fulfilling His promise;

Even though the Israelites have been stuck and repeated mistakes God is willing to be faithful and lead them to the end of their journey;

Are here today feeling stuck in your journey, like you keep making the same mistakes over and over again;

Let me tell you something, God is waiting to lead you through your Jordan River if you will trust His faithfulness.

Change can be Challenging

As we enter into this narrative when that a major and extremely challenging change has occurred in the life of the Israelites;

For the last forty years the previous generation had followed Moses through the wilderness;

But the journey for the next generation is about to be completed, the Promised Land is insight;

However Moses has died on Mt. Nebo on the top of Pisgah across from Jericho - this would a location where he could see the Promised Land;

He death now puts a leadership in charge a very crucial point of their journey;

When things change especially abruptly turmoil can ensue - how this is the point that unity must rise;

Even when your journey changes God is still your guide in your wilderness;

What has changed in your life recently, how have you handled this change, how are you allow God to ease the challenge so you can continue on your journey?

Preparing to Move

In v. 2 God told Joshua “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel.”;

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Jos 1:2). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Even though there was a challenging change there had to be forward movement;

God wanted every Israelite evolved in the move “across” the Jordan because it was an important move that required trust in a faithful God;

CSB Study Bible: Notes Chapter 1

The fact that all the people were involved emphasizes the importance of unity among the people of God. God emphasized that the land was something he was giving the Israelites; it was God’s grace, not the efforts of the Israelites, that provided the land.

God remind Joshua several times to be strong and courageous as He faces the challenges ahead;

He told Him to stay focused on His word because that is how he will prepare to move;

Your efforts are not what moves your journey with God, it is God’s grace that is the source of movement;

However to understand His grace you must first embrace His word, you must be willing to engulf yourself in His presence;

How prepared are you to move in His direction to His faithfulness?

Application Point: We can build up our faith and courage by drawing near to God through reading his Word.

The Cross