Read: Joshua 1
Highlights:
Joshua given position of leadership; spies sent to Jericho; pledge between spies and Rahab; direction for crossing Jordan; the Israelites pass over Jordan.
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 (Josh. 1:8).
The Holy Word of God is the only thing to which God has linked true success, and Joshua clearly explains how we can achieve that success.
The key to Joshua's great faith was his love for the Word of God. True faith is not an act of human reasoning, but is based upon what God has spoken through His Word.
Forty years earlier Joshua and Caleb were the only two out of the twelve spies who believed they could conquer the Canaanites and take possession of the promised land. The report by the others showed they doubted the Word of God that He would give them victory.
Therefore, the crossing of the Jordan River, led by Joshua, was a major step of faith in the ability of God to fulfill His Word. The earlier generation refused to place their faith in the promise of God.
Joshua's battles were outward, but our battles are primarily inward emotional conflicts. We wrestle not against flesh and blood (that is, our conflicts are not actually with people), but against principalities, against powers (Eph. 6:12). Our battle is not with men, even though Satan may use people at times to resist our efforts to please the Lord.
Just as Joshua was enlightened to know the will of God by meditating upon the His Word day and night, so our faith is also strengthened as we daily read and meditate upon His Word. Our victory is assured by the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (6:17).
The more we read His Word, the more we realize the presence of God. The unfailing mark of true discipleship is reverence for the Word of God and humble submission to all its teaching.
It is of utmost importance that every Christian spend time with the Lord in reading His Word — to meditate therein day and night (Josh. 1:8).
The vital principle of victorious faith is also revealed in the New Testament: But whoso looketh into the perfect Law of Liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed (James 1:25).
Thought for Today:
The unfailing mark of true success lies in meditating on the Word of God and humbly submitting to all its teachings.
Christ Revealed:
Through the scarlet line in the window that saved Rahab and her household — symbolic of the blood of Christ (Josh. 2:21; Heb. 11:31; James 2:25). The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin (1 John 1:7).
Word Studies:
1:1 minister, assistant; 1:4 coast, territory, boundary; 1:15 rest, peace; sunrising, east; 1:17 hearkened unto, obeyed; 2:17 blameless, free, released; swear, promise under oath; 2:19 on our head, our responsibility; 2:20 quit, free; 3:16 Salt Sea, Dead Sea; against, opposite
Prayer Suggestion: Pray and give thanks to the Lord for your brothers and sisters in Christ (Col. 1:2-3).
Optional Reading: John 4
Memory Verse for the Week: Philippians 2:14
