RPG Adults
THE LORD MAGNIFIED JOSHUA
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19
Joshua 4:11-18
Proverbs 16:1-9
“When a man’s ways please the LORD,
he maketh even his enemies
to be at peace with him.”
THE LORD MAGNIFIED JOSHUA
The task before Joshua was not an easy one; there were potential internal and external obstacles to surmount and he was prepared for it. Israel accepted and revered him because they were certain that God had appointed him. The communication from Joshua was taken as from God. Ahead of Israel was the task of conquering and occupying the land of Canaan. Earlier, the spies had testified that the cities of Canaan had very high walls and were not easy to overcome. Furthermore, the inhabitants were of huge stature and, without God, Israel was disadvantaged. Joshua was one of the spies and only he and Caleb had encouraged the people to go and occupy the land. Then, the voice of the majority of the spies had prevailed and God told Moses to delay the occupation.
The time came for Joshua to fulfil what he believed was possible all along. The children of Israel could not trust themselves and they had to wait for direction from God. That miracle of drying the riverbed for Israel to cross the river spoke to them: they were to listen to Joshua. He was also encouraged by the testimony of the latest spy report. The two men who had gone to Jericho on that mission brought tidings of great fear among the Canaanites. If he was to rely on external appearance, he would not even attempt to conquer the land.
Joshua had good credentials in leadership and he trusted God. Not once had he raise any question about what God had commanded or promised. He knew that this was the time to test his leadership qualities and he did not want to discourage Israel. He knew also that his testimony would teach the future generations. He did what God told him when they set their feet on Canaan. He went forward with great optimism.
Israel at this point was united; the spirit of rebellion that characterised the forty years of the Exodus was no more a problem. They were reformed. They obeyed Joshua and were ready to start a new era in Canaan.
THOUGHT: Faithfulness wins the favour of both man and God.
PRAYER: Father, grant us harmony as we serve Thee today.