Moving on from 2 Corinthians, I've decided to get back into the OT. Doug's been preaching a lot from Joshua, so that seemed like a good place to go.
Joshua 1:1 "Moses my servant is dead." says God. I love how matter of fact God is.
Joshua 1:3-5 - What a string of promises. I imagine that Joshua fell back on his memory of these promises over and over throughout his life. How much more should we cling to and remember the promise of the gospel in every situation of our lives. A long time friend shared recently how everything he could have possibly rely on has failed him. He's bounced from job to job as employers reneged on promises, his marriage is failing, he's moved out of the house they worked so hard for and had to file for bankruptcy and he recently wrecked his car. How does he carry on? He remembers the promises of Jesus and clings to the unfailing hope of the gospel, a hope that will not fade or fail him.
Joshua 1:6-9 - So, if God was going to be with him, why is then told 3 times to "be string and courageous"? Even though God is with us, that does not mean that the way will be easy. Obedience and faithfulness is hard work, and God, although he sticks with us, is certainly not opposed to letting us suffer.
Joshua 1:12-15 - These 2 1/2 tribes already had possession of their land, but the expectation was that they would stand by the other tribes and go fight with them to conquer the remainder. They were part of a larger nation, and they needed to all stick together until all were provided for.
