RPG Adults
SERVANT OF THE LORD?
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3
Joshua 1:1-4
Romans 8:2-4
“That the righteousness
of the law might
be fulfilled in us…”
SERVANT OF THE LORD?
The phrase “servant of the LORD” has been used too readily by God’s people today that it has lost its true significance. When we introduce a speaker, we say, “God’s servant, Rev so-and-so, will be bringing God’s Word today.” We receive the title “servant of God” too flippantly, not realising how difficult it was for Joshua to “earn” the title “servant of the LORD” from God!
In Joshua 1:1, God introduced us to Joshua as “Moses’ minister” (i.e. one who waits on Moses). But in Joshua 1:2, God called Moses “my servant” (i.e. slave). As a servant of Moses, Joshua did not qualify to be called God’s servant until he had proven himself. His time of serving under the shadow as a servant of Moses was over. He had to step out of Moses’ shadow and stand for the LORD to lead God’s people into the remaining portion of the Promised Land. If he failed, he would remain as Moses’ minister.
The mission was difficult. He had to trust God by crossing the fast-overflowing Jordan to conquer the Land filled with many nations. These nations had armies who were like giants and seasoned fighters. Israel comprised men who came out of the wilderness. None of them were trained soldiers. To lead God’s people into the Promised Land against a formidable foe (like the allied Canaanite troops) was humanly impossible. Joshua had to prove himself by leading God’s people to defeat the Canaanites by trusting in the LORD. The battle was spiritual rather than physical, even though many Canaanites died. Thank God Joshua succeeded. God finally called Joshua the servant (i.e. slave) of the LORD. Joshua 24:29: “And it came to pass after these things, that Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died, being an hundred and ten years old.” Joshua took a life time of faithful service to “earn” the title of “servant of the LORD.”
THOUGHT: Are you a servant of the LORD?
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me to be faithful all the days of my life to be called a servant of the LORD, for Jesus’ sake.