The Old Testament books of Exodus, Numbers and Deuteronomy record amazing events that took place as the Israelites left Egypt, were formed into the people of God at Mt Sinai, and subsequently followed God’s presence through the wilderness for the next 40 years. Incredible things happened during those years, and they saw the miraculous provision of God in so many ways.
Yet when they came to the Jordan River, and Joshua took over leading the people, everything changed. So much so, that God specifically told them, “you have never been this way before” (Joshua 3:4).
Today, the global church has entered a new era. Like the Israelites as they stood on the verge of entering the Promised Land, we are in a transition between the old and the new. It’s important to realise that God is the One who has led us to this point. And like the Israelites, we have never been this way in previous times. It’s a brand new, exciting adventure into the new!
If we are indeed entering new land, then Joshua chapters 1-5 could provide a helpful blueprint for us. Over the next few weeks we will be unpacking some key ideas from these chapters. These keys will help us navigate our own transition into the new of today.
A new leader for a new era
The first thing we see is that while Joshua takes over from Moses, he is a totally different kind of leader to Moses. Moses was an incredibly humble leader (Numbers 12:3), an intercessor (Exodus 32:7-14), who spoke face to face with God (Exodus 33:11). He was exactly the type of leader the Israelites needed to bring them out of Egypt and lead them through their transition into the people of God during the wilderness years.
But Joshua was a military commander. The first time he is mentioned in the Bible is in Exodus 17. Here he leads the Israelites in battle against the Amalekites. Later, when Joshua is on Mt Sinai with Moses for 40 days, he interprets the sound of idolatrous celebration in the Israelite camp as one of war (Exodus 32:17). Joshua hears this type of sound, because he has been formed by God to be alert to military-type things.
In the new era of today, God is raising up new leaders who are different to those who have led in past seasons. You might even be one of them! These new leaders will hear and see differently, for the new era. They will have different gifts, different personalities and lead in completely different ways that we may not be used to. And we need to make room for them for they are called to pioneer into the new.
Keep the Word of God central
Even though Joshua was a military commander, God tells Joshua to meditate on His law, both day and night.
Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the 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 1:7-8 (NKJV)
As the primary leader, Joshua needed to model the way for all those under him. Even in a time of warfare, Joshua’s awareness of the battle had to come second to his awareness of God’s ways and His instructions.
God’s instructions often lead us to do unusual things. Someone once said that the Bible is a window into eternity. Therefore what is written on its pages leads us far beyond the printed words. It lead us into the heavenly realm. As the Apostle Paul says, “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4, NIV). If we do not fight from the heavenly realm, we cannot hope to be victorious.
It was important for Joshua to be attuned to the heavenly realm and the instructions of heaven. Look at how the fortress of Jericho was overcome!
So let’s make sure we are using God’s weapons, keeping God’s word central and following His instructions, just as Joshua and the Israelites did as they entered the land. If we try and fight earthly battles, we will just end up bruised and sore.
Moving together
The tribes of Reuben, Gad and half the tribe of Manasseh were given land on the east of the Jordan. Yet they were not able to take possession of their land until the land on the west of the Jordan had also been conquered. And there were severe consequences for anyone who refused to help (Joshua 1:18)!
We need to remember there are no “lone rangers” in the kingdom of God. We are a one body, with one head – Jesus Christ. And God is calling us to move forward together into the new. Let’s be mindful of each other, and follow Paul’s advice to the Colossians:
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:12-15 (NIV)
Moving forward
With the change in leadership, the promises from God, and the orders from Joshua, the Israelites began to get ready to move forward. There must have been a sense of anticipation, excitement and probably some apprehension as they did not know what was ahead.
2022 is going to be an exciting adventure for each of us. Just as God promised the Israelites “[I] will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9), so He is with us too. Let’s get ourselves prepared, as the Israelites did, for what lies ahead. He has already promised us the victory – we just have to move forward and take hold of what God has already prepared.
