40 Weeks of your Life: Joshua
05-25-2006
by Vicky Beeching

Joshua is one of my favourite books in the Bible, so it's a delight to be studying it with you! The book resonates with the call to believe God's promises, leave fear behind and step out into the 'promised land' He has prepared for us. Joshua 1:2 says it all: "Therefore, ARISE and go into the land I am giving to you".

I love Joshua's honesty and human frailty. I think we can all relate to him when he stands afraid to take up Moses' mantle of leadership. God speaks tenderly yet strongly to him: "Be strong and courageous…do not be afraid, do not be dismayed" (1:7,9). This call to bravery and courage are repeated so many times that it suggests Joshua was pretty freaked out at the task ahead! That encourages me on the days when my heart is scared and overwhelmed! How about you?

The book covers the timeframe from the death of Moses, to the death of Joshua. Between those two book-ends, Israel enters and begins to possess the land God has given to them. It falls into three rough sections: Chapters 1-12 describe how the land was conquered. Chapters 13-22 focus on allocating land to each tribe, providing for the tribe of Levi (who had the unique role of being Priests) and setting up cities of refuge. Finally Chapters 23 and 24 contain Joshua's goodbye speech and the account of his death.

Going back to the start of the book we read the opening words: "After the death of Moses…" (1:1). This starts the book on a note of sadness. We have come to know and love Moses from his role in the previous Law Books and his death is a sad loss. However, up from the ashes rises a new blessing for Israel - the leadership of Joshua. Out of the pain of losing their well known and trusted Moses, comes God's gift of a new man and a new season.

Joshua is a book of new beginnings, of upheaval, of loss - but all leading to deeper joy and greater inheritance of God's promises. It speaks to my heart, reminding me in times of change and uncertainty that whatever God is doing is for a good reason and for the ultimate best. At that time Israel were afraid without Moses, Joshua was afraid to take his place… Much fear and concern. Little did they know that Joshua was the man God had chosen to lead them in this particular and crucial season.

It reminds me that sometimes God's ways are so different to ours. He had Israel wander in the desert for forty years as preparation for their hearts. He chose when Moses would breathe his last breath, and God would raise up a new leader for a new season. Often pain and suffering confuse and baffle us. But God sees from a higher view and we must trust His eternal perspective and plan. We know that "all things work together for good, for those who love God and are called according to His purpose", and Joshua shows us that is true.

Be encouraged if you are in a confusing or painful situation - just when Israel couldn't face their wilderness one day longer….just when the pain of Moses' death overwhelmed them… that was when God provided Joshua and the entrance into the Land of Promise. Hang in there… sometimes the night is darkest right before the breaking of dawn.

Also, be strengthened if you are hearing God's call on your life, like He called Joshua. Perhaps the Lord is asking you to step into a role of leadership. Remember that it's OK to be afraid and feel too small for the task! Joshua did and look how the Lord used Him!