Introduction
The book of Joshua serves as a pivotal transition for the people of God, contrasting their experiences under the leadership of Moses with those under Joshua. As they move out of slavery in Egypt towards the promised land, we can extract timeless lessons meant for our lives today. The Apostle Paul reminds us that the historical accounts of God’s people are not mere stories; they are intended for our admonition, showing us how God works and what He desires for us. In studying Joshua, we particularly address two pressing questions for those pursuing a deeper relationship with God: How can we truly know God loves us, and how can we discern His will for our lives? While we ultimately affirm that God's love is profoundly manifest through Christ's sacrifice, our primary focus in this lesson will be on understanding how to be led by God.
Main Points
To Navigate The Complexities Of Life
To navigate the complexities of life and to truly know God’s will, we must first seek His presence. In Joshua 3:4, the Israelites are instructed to follow the Ark of the Covenant, which symbolized God’s presence among them.
- This command underscores a vital point: to discern His will, we first need to orient ourselves towards God.
- We must cultivate an awareness of where He is leading us, especially into new and uncharted territory.
- The text emphasizes that they had not passed this way before; likewise, we are often called into experiences and decisions that challenge our comfort zones.
- God’s will is not always about straightforward paths but about trusting Him in the unfamiliar.
Following God Often Means Embracing Change
Following God often means embracing change, even when it brings challenges and uncertainties. As the Israelites prepared to cross the Jordan River, they encountered the reality that this journey would lead them into battles and obstacles.
- The promised land, rather than a serene paradise, represented continuous struggles ahead.
- Understanding this allows us to mentally and spiritually prepare ourselves for the demands placed on us when we step into God's will.
- Each new season might bring unexpected difficulties, like medical diagnoses or relationship breaks, but we are called to rise up and follow God through these trials.
- This is where we learn to trust Him deeper, as His guidance often leads us through hard places that ultimately shape our transformation.
Joshua Calls The People To Sanctify
Joshua calls the people to sanctify themselves, indicating that preparation is essential before stepping into God’s promised wonders (Joshua 3:5). To sanctify means to cleanse ourselves from anything that impedes our relationship with God. As we seek to fulfill God's will in our lives, we must let go of our old ways and desires that keep us bound to the wilderness of sin. This process is not merely physical but involves a heart transformation, inviting us to reflect on aspects of our lives that need surrender. To witness the wonders of God, we must be willing to make space in our hearts for His leading. The people's commitment to obey Joshua also illustrates the importance of spiritual authority and accountability in our lives.
They Promise To Follow Wherever He
They promise to follow wherever he leads, as long as the Lord is with him (Joshua 1:17). This speaks volumes about our need for guidance within a community of faith; as disciples, we are to support and encourage each other in our spiritual journeys. We should be prepared to obey God's commands through those He places in authority over us, recognizing that our obedience is crucial for witnessing the wonders He has for us. In following God's appointed leaders, we also align ourselves with His will and purpose. Ultimately, our journey in discerning God's will leads us back to the redemptive work of Jesus. We recognize that true sanctification comes from accepting Him as our Savior, who knew no sin but became sin for us to set us free (2 Corinthians 5:21).
The Invitation Remains Open For All
The invitation remains open for all who have not yet embraced this gift: accepting Jesus means stepping out of darkness and into the flow of God’s perfect will. His cleansing power provides us the strength to overcome our pasts, allowing us to embrace the fullness of life He promises.
Conclusion
In reflecting on the lessons from Joshua, we discover that understanding God's will requires us to actively seek His presence, navigate the challenges He leads us through, and prepare ourselves through sanctification and obedience. Our journey of faith may not always be predictable, yet it is filled with the promise of God’s wonders and joys. As we engage in this process, let us continually remind ourselves of the love of God demonstrated through Christ, urging us to walk in His ways with an expectant heart, ready to experience the abundant life He offers.