Day #82

Sermon - Audio
Joshua 1-4 - Audio
Joshua 1-4 - Reading

Daily Insights - Please Comment

Daily Reading: Joshua 1-4

Chapter 1

This book begins with an interesting conversation in which God tells Joshua, "Moses my servant is dead." The purpose of this conversation is to clearly link Joshua's leadership as being a divine appointment similar to the leadership of Moses. At the beginning of Judges the death of Joshua is also reported. In chapter one the Lord also references his promises to Israel and calls for Joshua to lead with courage and faith. These important discussions during times of transition helps the people see that God's plan encompasses all of history and can be trusted.

We are also reminded that faith is to be active in verse 3 "Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses." Even though God had promised to win the battle for Canaan, Israel could not rest. They were called to an active, obedient faith. James tells us that faith without works in dead (2.14f)

The same is true in recovery and solving all of our problems. God is the answer, but He expects us to do the footwork. (See Philippians 2.12)

Chapter 2

God is full of surprises as this chapter demonstrates the joy of knowing all of Scripture increases our ability to marvel at God's grace. Joshua's feet are on the move as he sends out to spies to Shittim. We saw in Numbers 25 this was place in which Israel had participated in spiritual and literal adultery.

It would make sense to have military spies stay at a residence of prostitution that housed many travelers with lots of information about the people and city. After what happened in Numbers we witness a wonderful work of God in that He would create living faith in a person whose profession had tempted Israel to sin against the Lord. Rahab the prostitute would go on to be listed in the genealogy of Jesus, the "Hall of Fame" in Hebrews, and held up as an example of good works in James. Marvelous indeed are the works of our God.

I'm wondering what unforgivable sin you think you have committed. Remember Paul's words to Timothy in 1 Tim. 1.15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.

Chapter 3

There are several themes the re-emerge to show God's power to a new generation as well as demonstrate again that Joshua is God's chosen servant to lead Israel.

The people were to consecrate themselves because they were going to be in presence of a Holy God. The Arch of the Covenant was not a magical tool, but a representation of God's holiness, and was to be treated with great respect.

The following note about the Jordan River drying up is fascinating:

Josh. 3:15 At the appropriate dramatic moment, the biblical narrator notifies the reader that the Jordan overflows all its banks-caused by spring rains and snowmelt from the Mount Hermon region and the Jordan's headwaters-throughout the time of harvest, the grain harvest of March-April. The Jordan's swollen waters would have been considerably more daunting than the river at its normal 3- to 10-foot (0.9- to 3.0-m) depth and 90- to 100-foot (27- to 31-m) width. Crossing such water would be no less miraculous than crossing the Red Sea. (ESV Study Bible)

Chapter 4

This must have been a great scene that paralleled the crossing of the Red Sea. God demonstrated his power over the gods of Canaan. He was putting the whole world on notice that the God who had powerfully delivered Israel from Egypt had now led them to Canaan to take this land. As Rahab earlier commented on the great fear that the peoples already felt because of Israel, this must have been even more terrifying for the nations of Canaan.

We should also note the great responsibility to teach children about the great things that God has done. Do you talk with your children about the great works of God? Do you talk with them about the great things God has done in your life? Why would your children want to serve your God?