The Book of Joshua

Sent: Saturday, January 28, 2012 8:20 AM

Gang,

I thought I would share a tidbit as I go through each book of the Bible. I hope you enjoy. Joshua The Book of Joshua teaches that the fulfillment of God’s promises of blessing to Israel depend on their cooperation. The blessings of victory, inheritance, abundant provision, peace and rest all came to the people of God as they obeyed Him. Faithful meditation on His Word and faithful obedience to His commands are the key to blessing and abundance. Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful 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. Also, Joshua called the people to a life of obedience and faith. Joshua 22:5 But take careful heed to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, to love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to keep His commandments, to hold fast to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

Today, this abiding trust provides a clear foundation for our growth and blessing. As surely as blessing follows obedience, judgment follow disobedience. Achan’s sin reveals the principle that no man lives to himself (ch. 7) but the sin of one affects the lives of many including our children. Obey and He will bless our children. Proverbs 20:7 The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him. God hates sin and is just as faithful to punish the disobedient as He is to bless the steadfast. These principalities of blessings and cursing are object lessons for us on our pathway to maturity. Joshua’s life and leadership demonstrated that spiritual maturity is not independence from God, but responsive dependence on God. To be victorious, we must surrender to Him; to lead others, we must follow Him.

The Book of Joshua provides other valuable lessons: attitudes essential for God-given victory; principle of leadership; the fatal result of pride; the relevance of memorials; God’s faithfulness to His Word; examples of His miracle power.

Blessings to you,

Tony Sanchez