Devotion for September 29, 2008

Entering the Promised Land

After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, it came to pass that the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying: “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses. From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the River Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your territory. No man shall [be able to] stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, [so] I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 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. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God [is] with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:1-9 NKJV)

Be strong and of good courage is repeated three times in this opening chapter of Joshua, a book that records the taking of the Promised Land. While it is not hard to see a need for courage when entering into a physical battle against very accomplished adversaries, it is not only the physical battle that they needed courage for but the spiritual also.

For Israel the two were closely connected that a picture might be painted for future generations. Today’s generation of believers is taking another promised land called heaven. Israel’s weapons were carnal; the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God to the pulling down of strongholds (2 Cor. 10:4).

However, even though they had to wield the sword, God’s prescription for success was the same then as it is now. Be strong and very courageous to obey all of God’s commands. This requires faith, but why courage?

Do you realize that unbelief and being cowardly are closely related?  Look at this passage in Revelation. “But the cowardly, unbelieving . . . shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8 NKJV) Do you remember when the disciples feared they would all drown when the great storm seized them? What was Jesus response to them? “. . . He said to them, ‘Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?’ Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.” (Matthew 8:26 NKJV)

Living the Christian life requires a good deal of courage if you live it successfully. I will leave it to your own conscience as to how unsuccessful you can be and still be His. However, to walk as Christ desires will cost you greatly. The Scriptures are clear:  “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12 NKJV)

The question is will you enter into the Promised Land? It is not by works of righteousness that you will enter, but by faith that works righteousness. This is a faith that keeps the commandments. As Joshua kept the commandments, God prospered them in their conquests. When we keep His commandments, He will prosper us.

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” (John 15:7-8 NKJV)

My dear friends employ the reading of God’s Word. Let its plow sink deep into your heart that sin might be exposed and fellowship enhanced. Remember, unless you abide in the vine you can do nothing.