Joshua
by David SanfordAfter hearing the report from the two spies, Joshua leads God's people across the Jordan River–a fierce, swollen torrent that threatens to drown them. Joshua assures them, however, that the Lord will perform a miracle (Joshua 3:5). After nearly 40 years at Moses' side, and having crossed the Red Sea on dry land, Joshua knows the Lord God can be trusted to keep His word–always!
True enough, God stops the flow of water, allowing the Israelites to cross over on dry land (vv. 15-17).
Humanly speaking, many of the things that occur in the book of Joshua would seem impossible. But Jesus reminds us: ″What is impossible with man is possible with God″ (Luke 18:27), for ″With God all things are possible″ (Matthew 19:26). These words echo statements made throughout the Old Testament, from ″Is anything too hard for the Lord?″ (Genesis 18:14) to ″'It may seem marvellous to the remnant of this people at that time, but will it seem marvellous to me?' declares the Lord Almighty″ (Zechariah 8:6).
These words shouldn't surprise us, because God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is almighty and nothing is too difficult for Him–during Joshua's time, during Jesus' time, and in our time. With the Lord in charge, we can rest assured that He will make the way for His will to be done. Nothing is too hard for our omnipotent Lord God, who created the heavens and the earth with His word. He's the Almighty God, indeed!
What is Joshua's response? He shows an unflinching, wholehearted faith in God's power to carry out His promises. Our role as the Lord God's faithful followers, then, is not only to trust and obey Him, but also to encourage others to do the same, just as Joshua did.
All told, the Lord will speak directly to Joshua more than a dozen times through this book. As we continue our Journey Through Joshua, may we listen to the Lord as He speaks through His Word to our hearts. And may we trust and obey, and–like Joshua–encourage others to do the same.
Which is harder for you: to obey the Lord's commands or to trust in His promises? Do you find it easy or hard to give Him glory for His miracles?
Is there something you have prayed for which you feel is impossible? Commit it to the Lord in prayer today, and trust that if the Lord wills it, it will be done.
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