Introduction

Good morning, church family! Today, we're going to dig deep into the book of Joshua, specifically Joshua 1, exploring three key themes: God's call to follow, the promise of God's presence, and the challenge of faithful obedience.

As we delve into the Word, we are reminded of Charles Spurgeon's powerful declaration: "Remember this, had any other condition been better for you than the one in which you are, divine love would have put you there." God, in His infinite wisdom, places us exactly where we need to be to fulfill His purposes.

Let's read our passage together:

[Read passage]

Let's begin our discourse with a word of prayer.

Dear Heavenly Father, we humbly come before You today, seeking to understand Your Word and Your will for our lives. Open our hearts and minds, Lord, as we study the book of Joshua. Help us to grasp the depth of Your call, to trust in Your promise of unwavering presence, and to courageously strive for faithful obedience. Amen.

Now, let's dive right into our discussion and see what God has in store for us today.

God's Call to Follow

In our passage today, we see God's call to Joshua to step into the role of leadership after Moses' death. This call was not a suggestion or a request, but a divine mandate, a clear instruction from God Himself. It's important to note that God's call was not based on Joshua's qualifications, abilities, or even his readiness. Instead, it was based on God's sovereign plan and purpose. This is a crucial aspect of understanding God's call to follow. It is not about us, our credentials, or our comfort. It is about God, His plan, and His glory.

Often comes during times of transition, change, and uncertainty: Joshua was facing the daunting task of leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, a task that was previously carried out by Moses, a man revered and respected by all. This was a time of significant change and uncertainty for Joshua and the Israelites. Yet, it was in this very season that God called Joshua to follow Him. This teaches us that God's call to follow is not dependent on our circumstances. In fact, it is often in the midst of our most challenging seasons that God's call becomes clear.

It requires us to step out of our comfort zones: Joshua was called to lead a nation, to go to war, to face opposition, and to make tough decisions. This was not a comfortable or easy path. Yet, Joshua was willing to step out of his comfort zone because he understood that God's call was greater than his comfort. This challenges us to be willing to step out of our comfort zones in obedience to God's call.

A lifelong journey: Joshua's call to leadership was not just about leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. It was about a lifelong commitment to follow God, to obey His commands, and to lead His people according to His will. This reminds us that when we respond to God's call, we are committing to a lifelong journey of following Him, regardless of where that journey may lead us.

Always accompanied by His promise: In Joshua 1:5, God assures Joshua, "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." This promise was not just for Joshua but is for us as well. When God calls us to follow Him, He promises to be with us, to guide us, and to strengthen us. This promise gives us the courage and confidence to respond to God's call, knowing that we are not alone but are accompanied by the God who calls us.

The Promise of God's Presence

The Promise of God's Presence is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, and it is particularly evident in the book of Joshua ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO