We’re following the story of Joshua. First, he was given encouragement from his mentor Moses and later that same word of encouragement was Confirmed By God. Let’s pick up the story…
God’s word of encouragement came to Joshua in the face of daunting defeat.
Thirty-six men dead.
The battle of Ai had been deceiving.
Was God not able to deliver such a small city into the hand of His people?
How could Joshua expect the host of Israel to follow his leadership after this defeat?
The man of God lay on the earth with his face before the ark of the Lord. The elders followed his lead.
It was eventide.
“Get the up,” the Lord spoke to Joshua.
“Wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face? Israel hath sinned…therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies…”
The very next day Joshua and the elders of Israel delt with the offenders – Achan and all that was his – as God commanded them.
Thus the righteous anger of God was satisfied for this man’s blatant disobedience that resulted in Israel’s defeat in battle and the death of 36 innocent men.
And the Lord said unto Joshua,
“Fear not, neither be thou dismayed: take all the people of war with thee, and arise, go up to Ai…”
When Joshua lead Israel into obedience, God supplied the battle plan, the courage, and the victory!
As an act of worship, Joshua built an altar to the Lord, and wrote on the stones a copy of the law of Moses.
Then, in the presence of his people – the children of Israel – Joshua read the law.
There was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua read not before all the congregation of Israel, with the women, and the little ones, and the stangers that were covenant among them.
- This story is found in Deuteronomy 34 & Joshua 1.
All Scripture quotations are taken from the KJV.
Think about it:
The promises of God are contingent upon active obedience to His Word. They are not a license to sin.
Deuteronomy 28 straightforwardly sets before us the blessings of obedience, and the curses of disobedience.
Here are some steps to claiming the promises and encouragement of God; this list is not exhaustive.
- Invite the Lord to search your heart for anything unpleasing to Him, and deal with any offenses. Psalm 139:23-24
- Acknowledge the Lord daily, and sincerely seek His perfect will before making any life changing situations; surrender to His wishes. Provers 3:5-6
- Claim God’s promises, even in the face of mocking circumstances; the Lord honors our faith (although He is not obligated by it). Hebrews 10:35-36
- Commit to and delight in His daily plan and purpose for you. Isaiah 55:11
- Rest in His timing. Psalm 9:10
Next up: Joshua’s Encouragement – Part IV – Turned Outward
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