As the nation of Israel crossed into the Promised Land for the very first time, they were embarking on the most amazing adventure of their lives. God had brought them to this place and to this moment in history in order to continue His plan and purpose. And this was not only for Israel themselves, but in order for them to be a light to all the nations.
Just as the Israelites stood on the verge of a new era, the church of today has also entered a new era. Over the last few weeks we’ve been looking at some insights from Joshua chapters 1-4 to help us navigate our own transition into the new. Joshua 5 is the capstone to these previous chapters. There’s so much in it, that it will take a couple of posts to unpack it. So here goes:
Expect heart surgery
Now when all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings along the coast heard how the Lord had dried up the Jordan before the Israelites until they had crossed over, their hearts melted in fear and they no longer had the courage to face the Israelites. At that time the Lord said to Joshua, “Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelites again.”
Joshua 5:1-2 (NIV)
I find it fascinating that at the very moment victory was assured, the Israelites had to pause and undergo circumcision. Under the old covenant, circumcision signified their consecration to God alone. And it was not just a physical act – it also meant a circumcision of the heart (Deuteronomy 10:16; 30:6; Jeremiah 4:4). What is in our innermost being has always mattered to God!
As we move into the new, we too, should expect God to do some heart surgery within us. That’s because God is also calling us to re-consecrate ourselves to Him. To have Him in first place in every aspect of our lives. We dare not be tempted to take any glory for ourselves. Jesus put it this way: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23, NIV).
Denying ourselves is never easy but absolutely necessary if we are to follow Him into the new. So let’s not be surprised when the Holy Spirit convicts us of attitudes He wants to adjust, thoughts that are not in line with His agenda, and behaviour that does not show His heart of love.
Expect shame to be rolled away
Even though the Israelites had physically left Egypt 40 years before, the shame of slavery and the victim mindset that went along with it, was very slow to leave them. A decisive moment came when they were circumcised, and re-dedicated themselves to the Lord.
Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” So the place has been called Gilgal to this day.
Joshua 5:9 (NIV)
Realise that the victim mindset and feelings of shame that are associated with your past, are things that God will transform when you willingly allow Him to do the necessary heart surgery.
So rather than focusing on the transformation that you need or want to see in your life, focus on the God who does the transforming. And watch Him do it for you. Expect the Holy Spirit to transform you as you re-dedicate yourself to Him and allow Him to circumcise your heart afresh.
Don’t rush ahead, half-healed
And after the whole nation had been circumcised, they remained where they were in camp until they were healed.
Joshua 5:8 (NIV)
When we get the bit between our teeth and what’s ahead begins to unfold, it’s very tempting to jump in boots-and-all, no matter what. There are certainly times to do this. But if God is doing some heart surgery, we need to allow Him time to complete the work. We should not think He must be finished because we experience just one cut from His knife.
Instead, let’s allow Him to finish whatever He wants to do, so we are fully prepared for the exciting adventure ahead.
Remember, preparation is hugely important. We might be in a rush to get things moving, but God isn’t! He specifically stopped the Israelites in order to do this inner work and get them fully focused on Him. And it’s the same for us. Investing time in preparing our hearts will pay huge dividends later on!
