Newsletter January 2022

Faithful

 After the death of Moses, Joshua was to lead the people of Israel into the Promised Land.  In Deuteronomy 34:9 we read that he was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him; so the children of Israel heeded him, and did as the LORD had commanded Moses.  Although Joshua’s role, on the surface, appears to be one of military conquest, in actual fact he follows Moses as a spiritual leader who is to remind the people of their calling to be God’s people.  The rest which the Israelites are to receive in the land God has given them in fulfilment of His promise to Abraham depends not on their own strength and ability but on their faith in and their faithfulness to God.  God’s promise is for His people – those who answer His call and commit themselves to His purpose that He may be glorified among the nations.  His Law (Hebrew: Torah – instruction) must therefore be at the centre of their lives. 

     God tells Joshua as the leader of His people that this Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. (Joshua 1:8).  He commands Joshua to be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

     As humans, we tend to associate strength and courage/boldness with our ability to stand up for ourselves and our interests.  Even as Christians, we insist on our rights and make demands, believing that somehow we can achieve justice that way, forgetting that God’s ways are higher than man’s ways.  (Isaiah 55:9)  Everything comes from Him, the eternal Creator and sovereign Ruler of the universe.  Vengeance is His and true justice comes from Him.  He is able to prosper those who walk in His ways and commit their cause to Him.  He rewards those who seek His kingdom and make His righteousness their priority.  God’s blessing is always tied to obedience to His will revealed in His word.  He will send His rain on those who put their confidence in Him and follow His instruction.

     When the Israelites reach the river Jordan and are about to cross over into the Land of Canaan, Joshua admonishes them to sanctify themselves, for the LORD is will do wonders among them.  (Joshua 3:5) They are to turn their eyes on God and to follow the Ark of His presence as it is carried ahead by the priests.  They are to keep a space between the Ark and themselves to ensure that they see where God is leading them so they do not end up running ahead of Him and thus into destruction.  He alone knows the way and He will guide them and fight for them.  All they need to do is to follow.

     We may not be at the boundary of a physical land waiting to enter in, but like the Israelites we are going a way that we have not gone before.  (Joshua 3:4)  Like them, we need to keep our eyes firmly on God.  His word needs to be at the centre of our lives.  It is only by following His leading at His pace – not running ahead according to our own understanding – that we will be able to remain faithful to Him, fulfil His purpose, and ultimately enter into His rest.

     Like everything in the Old Testament, the story of Joshua points to Jesus.  Everything is fulfilled in Him.  Joshua led the people into the land of Canaan, but they never entered into His rest.  (Hebrews 4:8-10)  Their story is one of falling away from God and being scattered, but also of God’s redemption and restoration as they return to Him with their whole heart. 

     God is faithful; He never forgets His promises.  Therefore He sent His Son, the One by whom He created the universe, the brightness of His glory and expressed image of His person (Hebrews 1:2-3) clothed in human flesh to live in the midst of a rebellious humanity in complete obedience to His Father’s purpose – even to the point of death on the cross.  Through His faithfulness, He purged our sin.  What we could not do in our own strength He accomplished by taking on humanity Himself, and by His Spirit in us He now calls us to take up our cross and follow Him.  Whatever the future may bring, God knows the way.  He will lead those who commit themselves to Him and remain faithful as Jesus was faithful.  Nothing will separate them from the love of God. (Romans 8:35-39) 

Is your mind made up?Have you put your trust entirely in Jesus?Will you remain faithful to Him no matter what may come? Will you keep your eyes on Him and follow His leading until you enter into His rest?Revelation 14:4 -These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.