For our meditation today we will look at Joshua 1:5, “No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.” (ESV)
These are the words of God to Joshua. The Lord told Joshua that no one would be able to stand against him all the days of his life. These words from God to Joshua signified that no one would be able to rise against him or prevail against him throughout his life. God assured Joshua that he would lead a life of victory.
I am sure that many of us wish that we too should hear these words being spoken to us, and in order to do so we must be willing to learn the lessons that Joshua learnt in order to receive this great blessing from the Lord
If we were to observe as to the time when Joshua received this promise from God, we too will understand that we must come to that same place where Joshua had arrived so that we too can receive this promise from God.
For 40 years Joshua helped Moses, walked with Moses and obeyed Moses. There were times when people plotted against Moses, but Joshua remained a faithful servant who stood by Moses all through this life. When Moses' life had ended only then the leadership was passed onto Joshua.
Joshua was with Moses
It was only at this point that the Lord told Joshua that he would be with him all the days of his life, and that no one could ever stand against him.
We read in Exodus 24:13, “So Moses and his helper, Joshua, went up the mountain of God.” (ERV)
Joshua spent all of his time with Moses, and by being with Moses Joshua had learnt many crucial lessons. Spending 40 years with Moses, and by observing his life closely, Joshua had learnt many valuable lessons.
It is of great importance as to who we spend our time with. We learn a lot from listening to teachings of God’s word from others, but when we spend time alone with God we are definitely able to learn a lot more from God. Also when we spend time with those who are good examples, and associate with those who fear the Lord, we will be able to learn many worthwhile lessons through their lives.
Joshua waited for Moses
We read in Exodus 33:11, “In this way the LORD spoke to Moses face to face like a man speaks with his friend. Then Moses would go back to the camp, but his helper, Joshua son of Nun, always stayed in the tent.” (ERV)
When Moses returned from spending time with God, having had this face-to-face encounter with him, Joshua waited for Moses in the tent of meeting. We see that Joshua waited patiently for Moses to return. Oftentimes times the only job that Joshua was expected to do was to wait on Moses.
We live in such a fast-paced world where many are not willing to wait for anything, and want everything to happen immediately.
Joshua was obedient to Moses
We read in Exodus 17:9-10, “So Moses said to Joshua, "Choose some men and go and fight the Amalekites tomorrow. I will stand on the top of the hill and watch you. I will be holding the walking stick God gave me." Joshua obeyed Moses and went to fight the Amalekites the next day.” (ERV)
The third quality that we observe in Joshua was the fact that he was obedient to the leadership of Moses, and did as he was instructed by Moses.
As the people of Israel journeyed through the wilderness for forty years under the leadership of Moses. At one point there was a man named Korah who rose in rebellion against the authority of Moses because he wanted to usurp that position. Korah also rallied along with him two hundred and fifty men who joined him in this insurgency. Though there was a huge number of men who joined hands against Moses, there is no hint that Joshua heeded their words or was in any way part of this rebellious group. Joshua was discerning as to the evil schemes of Korah, and he continued with what God has assigned to him.
We should be cautious to not rise against those whom God had placed in authority over us. There are some trouble-makers who will rise in rebellion, but we must make sure that we submit to these God given authorities. Only when we submit, God will raise us up. There are many like Korah who refuse to obey or submit, and want to exalt themselves. A caution about such people is that they will proclaim that God said something, when in reality God never did. As children of God we need discernment to know what is from God, and what is not from God. We are not called to judge others, but we must have the discernment to perceive the true thoughts and motives of men who are trying to mislead us. If we do not watch out, our lives will surely get derailed in the process. It is better that we do not associate with such people because we can be certain that their victories are short lived. They may appear to be flourishing for a while, but in due course they will vanish out of sight.
When Joshua remained with Moses, waited patiently on Moses, and submitted to Moses we see that in due time, God elevated Joshua and gave him honor. Joshua was promised by God that no one would prevail against him all the days of his life. This position Joshua did not pursue, but in due time God handed over the position of leadership to Joshua.
Let us remember that our times of waiting are never a waste or in vain. In His time the Lord will honor us, but we have to wait patiently for that time.
Be humble
We read in 1 Peter 5:6, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,” (ESV)
There is a proper time that God has appointed when He will lift us up. This is God’s will for us provided we are waiting for that time.
We also read in 1 Peter 5:5, “Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (ESV)
Observe how the word is specifically to the younger people to submit to elders. In general, young people find it hard to submit to authority, and often feel they know more than their parents and elders. Especially, when children are more educated than their parents they find it hard to give them due respect. No wonder the word of God admonishes younger people to be subject to elders.
Moreover, everyone is called to clothe ourselves with humility towards one another because God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. God will either resist us or pour His grace on us depending on our attitudes of humility and willingness to wait on Him. If we humble ourselves the Lord will certainly lift us up.
Notice the word clothe yourselves with humility. Every day when we venture out of our homes we are so careful about how we are clothed. So also, we must wear humility every day of our lives knowing that when we are humble the Lord will exalt us, and no one can stop that from happening. As we wait patiently, and move on with faith and humility, we are sure to walk straight and never falter in our steps.
This obedience should be seen in the family. Young people who are obedient will certainly be blessed by the Lord. Obedience should be carried out in society too. Only the humble will be willing to obey. Jesus was the greatest example of humility, and that is why in due time God the Father exalted Him to the highest place. This obedience is needed in church too.
Jesus was humble
We read in Luke 2:51, “Jesus went with them to Nazareth and obeyed them. His mother was still thinking about all these things.” (ERV)
Jesus was born a king, and He knew everything. Anyhow, we read that Jesus remained obedient to the family whom God had kept Him in. Though Jesus is the alpha and the omega, the One without beginning or end, still He humbled Himself and was obedient to Mary and Joseph. Since Jesus was obedient, He was exalted to the highest place. Jesus was obedient to his parents for thirty long years. This obedience of Jesus later was evidenced in His disciples, who though were just trained for three and half years, became those who could take the good news of the gospel to people all over the world. By His obedience and humility, Jesus taught us the way we should live.
Children of today are so different, and you need to examine yourselves to see if you are obedient as Jesus was. There is enormous benefit in obedience, but obedience is tough. Obedience is the willingness to submit to the instructions of those who are in authority over us, even when we do not know all the reasons for the same. We must obey even when it is hard, and God will truly honor us. We also understand that in order for a person to be a good leader, they must be an obedient volunteer. Only when we submit to authority, those who have to submit to us will do so as well. Let us not take lightly or slight any authority that God has placed over us.
The chosen twelve
When Jesus ministered here on earth there were multitudes that flocked after Him, and followed Him. At some point most of them left maybe because they discussed amongst themselves that the teachings of Jesus were hard, and there was nothing for them to benefit from. Each one who followed Jesus had their own expectations. We must learn to focus our expectations on the Lord and place them before Him if we want to see them fulfilled.
We read in John 6:66-68, “After Jesus said these things, many of his followers left and stopped following him. Jesus asked the twelve apostles, "Do you want to leave too?" Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, where would we go? You have the words that give eternal life.” (ERV)
As many people deserted Jesus, He asked His chosen twelve if they too would leave Him. Peter was vehement to respond that they could go nowhere, as they had realized that there was eternal life in Jesus alone. We don’t know what happened to all those multitudes, but we know that God used His disciples to fulfill His will on earth.
It is necessary that we too must analyze our lives to see if we are with Jesus, waiting on the Lord, and being obedient to Him. We should also associate with those who have a good testimony before the Lord, and wait for the Lord to give us the due raise.
Elisha’s humility
We read in 1Kings 19:19, “So Elijah left that place and went to find Elisha son of Shaphat. Elisha was plowing 12 acres of land and was working on the last acre when Elijah came. Elijah went to Elisha and put his coat on Elisha.” (ERV)
Elijah was a prophet of God who shone as a glorious light. When Elijah knew that the time had come for him to pass on his mantle, he found a man named Elisha. Elisha accepted the invitation of Elijah, and began to walk with Elijah.
Later this is what happened as we read in 2 Kings 3:11, “And Jehoshaphat said, “Is there no prophet of the LORD here, through whom we may inquire of the LORD?” Then one of the king of Israel's servants answered, “Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who poured water on the hands of Elijah.” (ESV)
Observe the way Elisha was introduced to King Jehoshaphat as one who poured water on the hands of Elijah. This is indeed interesting as Elisha seemed to be a man in the business of agriculture, and Elijah was a prophet, but Elisha considered serving Elijah, the man of God, of far greater importance. We understand that Elisha too walked with Elijah and remained with him. Elisha apparently waited on Elijah, for pouring water on someone’s hand would mean that the other person would have to wait on him. Elisha was one who was ready to help willingly. We know that Elisha was obedient to Elijah.
The blessing Elisha received
We read in 2 Kings 2:9, When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you.” And Elisha said, “Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.” (ESV)
The elder prophet Elijah asked the younger prophet Elisha what he desired to have from him. Elisha asked for the double portion of Elijah’s spirit to work through him in his ministry. In the bible there were only few people who when given a choice petitioned well, one was Solomon and the other Elisha. Elisha asked correctly because he walked with Elijah, observed his life closely and at one point knew for certain what he should ask from Elijah.
We should know what we want from God, and ask accordingly. This world is moving at break-neck speed, and people are pursuing power, popularity, position and wealth. Instead we must seek to be with God, wait on the Lord and learn to be obedient to His word. If these qualities are found in us the Lord will fulfill the same promise that He gave to Joshua, and we will triumph in all situations.
In conclusion let me remind us of this verse from Joshua 1:5, “No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.” (ESV)
We have the blessed assurance that every single day of our life here on earth, the Lord will remain with us, and will never leave us nor forsake us.
Rev. F. Andrew Dixon
www.goodnewsfriends.net
Transcribed by: Sis. Esther Collins
