Read Joshua 4:1
Highlights:
Twelve stones are a testimony that the hand of the Lord . . . is mighty (Josh. 4:20-24). The Israelites enter a new chapter in their lives by the Covenant of cirumcision (Gen. 17:10-14) and celebrating Passover. Then the walls of Jericho come tumbling down (Josh. chap. 6)!
Joshua led the nation of Israel over the Jordan River into the promised land. He faced the task of leading this unstable nation into battle against giant enemies within well-fortified, high-walled cities protected by armies with chariots. As he considered all this, behold, there stood a Man over against him with His sword drawn in His hand: and Joshua went unto Him, and said unto Him, Art Thou for us, or for our adversaries? And He said, Nay; but as Captain of the host of the Lord am I now come (Josh. 5:13-14).
The Captain of the host (the army of the Lord) is the Hero of this Book and every Book in the Bible and of any life devoted to pleasing God, for this is Christ revealed to us in the Old Testament. Joshua fell on his face . . . and did worship (5:14).
The question Joshua had to face was not one of receiving help, but of accepting leadership of the Captain of the host.
When believers submit to the leadership of the Lord, all other fears vanish. It is His place to lead; it is our place to follow by faith. The Bible contains everything needful to make us wise unto salvation (II Tim. 3:15). The Holy Spirit confirms this through the Apostle Paul who was led to write: Though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed (Gal. 1:8).
It is important that we read all the Bible, for in the Word of God we discover the wisdom of God who dictated all of it. Incredibly, we discover God Himself. All Scripture is . . . profitable . . . for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect (well prepared) . . . for every good work (II Tim. 3:15-16).
The Law contains direction to be followed, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein (Josh. 1:8). The command: This do, and thou shalt live (Luke 10:28) is common both to the Old and New Testaments. The difference is that Old Testament Law could tell us what was right but could not empower us to do it. As Christians, we have the indwelling Holy Spirit to guide us and empower us to overcome every temptation (I Cor. 10:13). Obedience is proof of our love for Christ who said: If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and We will come unto him (John 14:23). But, we can't keep something we don't know. Hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep His Commandments (I John 2:3).
Thought for Today:
Praise Him for His mighty acts: praise Him according to His excellent greatness (Ps. 150:2).
Christ Portrayed:
As the Captain of the host of the Lord (Josh. 5:14). Christ is the Captain of our salvation (Heb. 2:10).
Word Studies:
4:6 sign memorial monument; 4:11 clean passed finished crossing; 4:14 magnified exalted; 4:20 pitch get up; 5:11 old corn produce from previous harvest; unleavened feast-free; 5:14 host of the Lord army of the Lord; 6:1 straitly shut up carefully barricaded; 6:3 compass march around; 6:9 rereward rear guard; 6:19 consecrated sacred, set apart to the Lord; 6:26 adjured them required an oath of them; 6:27 noised spread abroad.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Henry Rogers • Government Official: Sen. Tom Coburn (OK) • Staff: Rita Guerra • Country: Algeria (31.5 million) in North Africa • Major languages: Arabic and French • Opposition to the Gospel is intense • 96.7% Muslim; 3% non-Religious; .29% Christian; .01% Baha'i • Prayer Suggestion: Realize that the will of God is often different from our own desires (II Cor. 12:8-9).
Optional Reading: John 5:1
Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Peter 1:1
