A Servant

O. T. #500  "A Servant"
April 15, 2015
Summary of Joshua
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.  Joshua 1:8-9

LET IT GLOW

It's hard to believe that writing about the first six books of the Old Testament has taken me 500 posts. Thank you for walking along with me. We still have a lot more to cover.
Isn't it sad to let Joshua go? He has been such a great leader and spiritual example, a servant of God. But his purpose was achieved and his work on earth was done. He accomplished all that God had for him to do. Before we move on to another book, shall we review?

God called Joshua a minister, serving in the house of God and servant of the Lord. (1:1 and 24:29)
Servant means a bondman.

Moses changed Hoshea (meaning Salvation) to Joshua, whose name in the Greek language is Jesus, meaning Yahweh Saves. Not only did Joshua come to know the power of Yahweh, the promise-keeping God of his fathers, but he had learned that the children of Israel could not save themselves; only God Himself could save them. Joshua was a "type" of Jesus.

The Jeremiah Study Bible explains:
The themes of this book all point to one underlying message: Yahweh is a promise-keeping God. More precisely, the Book of Joshua provides an official account of how God fulfilled His promise to Abraham (Gen. 15:7-21) and Moses (Deut. 34:1-4) to give His people a land.

• Courage in the Lord: Exhortations to live courageously and act without fear occur a dozen times in this book-11 times in the first 11 chapters alone-when Israel is taking the land. God promised He would be with Joshua and Israel the entire way.
• Renewal: Calling Israel to remain committed to the Lord was characteristic of Joshua. Faith requires constant reminders and renewals to remain strong.
• Warfare: Both Joshua and Jesus were called to announce and establish the kingdom of God through warfare-Joshua fought physically the  battles for geographical kingdom of Israel, and Jesus fought spiritual battles for the spiritual kingdom. Both depended on God for strategy, wisdom, and power. War must be waged, but in God's way.
• Faithfulness: God promised Joshua success in establishing Israel in the land of Canaan-but only if he remained faithful to the covenant (1:8). What God commands will be successful if His people remain dependent on Him and loyal to His Word. Likewise, Jesus promised His disciples that He would be with them even to the end of the age (Matt. 28:20).

We, like Joshua, fight a spiritual battle daily in this life. Some days are easier than others; some battles are with self (pride, capabilities, money), family differences, church brethren, and those in the world (at jobs, community). Are we showing the faithfulness of God?

I will not leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and of good courage...  Joshua 1:6

LET IT GROW

David Jeremiah gives us heaven's path to success, which God gave Joshua:

• Stay the course and keep walking in the way to be right.
• Keep heart and mind with the words of the Lord.
• Immerse in the assurances of God.
• Live in day-to-day obedience.
• Trust and obey God.
• Live out the principles of God's Word , aided by the Holy Spirit.
• Be bold in our faith.

Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.  Matthew 6:33

Just as a review of this book, let's recall:

• God used Joshua to be Moses' successor as far back as the battle with Amalek. (Ex. 17:8-16)
• God spoke to Joshua (1:1).
• Joshua sent spies into Jericho, and Rahab keeps them safe. (ch. 2)
• Israel crosses the Jordan River. (ch. 3)
• Joshua renews circumcision and Passover at Gilgal. (ch. 5)
• Conquest of the land of Canaan. (ch. 5-12)
•  Appointment and dividing of the Promised Land among the 12 tribes of Israel, cities of refuge, Levitical cities, Joshua and Caleb's land. (Ch. 13-22)
• Joshua's blessings on Israel and farewell address. (C. 23-24)
• Review of Israel's history, covenant of the heart and stone. (Ch. 24)
• Joshua and Eleazar's death and burial. (Ch. 24)

LET IT GO

Meditate on God's Word.

Obey God's Word.

Be strong and courageous.

Be a servant of the Lord Jesus.

Live with God being with me wherever I go, walking and talking with Him.