RPG Adults
THE COMMISSIONING OF JOSHUA
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4
Joshua 1:1-9
Numbers 27:15-23
“Take thee Joshua the son of Nun,
a man in whom is the spirit,
and lay thine hand upon him…”
THE COMMISSIONING OF JOSHUA
God spoke to Joshua as He had spoken to Moses. When Moses died, God had already appointed Joshua to succeed Moses. God spoke to Joshua to charge him and commission him for the task ahead of him. This personal touch was necessary in order to place that weighty duty on him. The task ahead of him was to lead Israel and settle them in the land of Canaan. God reaffirmed His promise to give the land to Israel. He charged Joshua to be courageous and to hold to the book of the Law. In this, he would fulfil his commission perfectly.
Moses died in Mount Nebo in the land of Moab (Deut 34:5). The burden of leading Israel fell on the shoulders of Joshua. Earlier, God had commanded Moses to set Joshua before Eleazar the priest, and he laid his hands upon Joshua and gave him a charge. Joshua was all set to lead Israel when the time came. God then addressed him personally, as the text says, “Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel” (Josh 1:2). The immediate task was to cross the Jordan River to Canaan. Moab was to the east of Canaan. Naturally, Israel would have entered Canaan from the west. However, during the forty-year migration, they were led to the east. That approach must have been strategic, for the nations were informed of all the works of God since Israel left Egypt. Joshua was human as everyone else and it would not be surprising if he would yield to any kind of temptation to go against God’s commandment. Aaron was second in command to Moses and he was not able to resist the temptation. He followed the multitude to transgress in the matter of the golden calf. Joshua could have also easily fallen into such temptation. However, God had given Joshua special grace so that he was able to stand. He was faithful as a minister of Moses and no wrongdoing was recorded in his service. God, however, saw it fit to prepare him personally. Observing from the side is different from being personally engaged in the service. The people waited for his word before making any move. God was with him.
THOUGHT: How is God preparing leaders today?
PRAYER: Father, grant me the grace to lead as Joshua led.