Joshua | jxgomez.com

Archives For Joshua

What Battles are You Facing?

August 24, 2009 — 1 Comment

<Image courtesy of army.mil>

So much of life seems like it involves ‘battle.’ Think of how we describe much of what we endure in a single day:

At the beginning of the day: we fight to get out of bed.
During the day: we fight to maintain attention.
Sometime in the afternoon: we fight cravings.
Once things wind down: we fight to keep our eyes open.

And that’s just the normal kind of day; this is to say nothing about the different ‘corporate battles’ people face, those who find themselves ‘battling cancer,’ those trying to fight the battle of the bulge, fighting to keep the skeletons in our closets at bay, the couple in a rough patch who are fighting for their marriage (even though it appears they may be fighting each other). Then on top of that (or perhaps related to many of the things just listed), Scripture reminds us, like-it-or-not, believe-it-or-not, we are entrenched in a spuiritual battle where we have a very real enemy and there’s a great war occurring we usually can’t see.

Battles come every day. But how can you and I be ready when they come our way? How can we be sure that we are prepared to the extent that we don’t just ‘live to fight another day’ but find victory and hope in the midst of our circumstance?

I’m not trying to make you depressed, but take some time and think of the different battles you face. Go ahead, think. What battles are you facing?

…

Did you think of some?

In Joshua 4 & 5, we find the people of Israel, having crossed the Jordan River, now poised for battle. In fact, this is what is recorded for us:

Josh 4:

¹² The men of Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh crossed over, ready for battle, in front of the Israelites, as Moses had directed them. ¹³ About forty thousand armed for battle crossed over before the LORD to the plains of Jericho for war.

They were ‘ready for battle’ and armed. The time to fight was coming. But, before they went to fight the battle before them, they were given instructions to remember some important truths… and those same instructions help us to fight our own battles in such a way that victory can be won. Over the next few “Joshua” entries here, we’ll discuss what the lessons the people of Israel were reminded of and how we can learn to face the battles of life, love and ministry. In the meantime, it just might be a good idea to reflect on what you’re facing this week and be reminded of our simple need to rely the only One who holds the promise of genuine victory

In Joshua courage, Encouragement, faith, Joshua, Scripture, victory

Question: Have I Counted the Cost?

August 15, 2009 — Leave a comment

<image courtesy of iboy_daniel>

When it comes to taking those risky steps of faith, it can be difficult to know whether the ‘next step’ we see is our own desire or God’s leading for us. Scripture gives us a bit of a lens through which we can view those situations and determine whether or not ‘now is the time to take the leap. We’ve already asked, “Have I Put First Things First”, and, “Have I Waited?” You can read the introduction here.

When it comes to taking those risky steps of faith, it can be hard to know whether the ‘next step’ we see is our own desire or God’s leading for us. Scripture gives us a bit of a lens through which we can view those situations and ask if ‘now is the time’ to take the leap. We’ve already discussed asking “Are First Things First” and “Have I Waited.”

As Joshua and the people prepare for their crossing of the River Jordan, it’s obvious the risk hasn’t been exaggerated. Here’s what happens as they finally take the step of crossing the river:

Josh 3:

¹⁴ So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant went ahead of them. ¹⁵ Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, ¹⁶ the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (that is, the Dead Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. ¹⁷ The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD stopped in the middle of the Jordan and stood on dry ground, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground.

That is an incredible image: stepping in, the water stopping, and standing firm as the people crossed. Imagine what it was like to be there and experience the hand of God in the moment; to recognize that this was part of what you were preparing for just days before.

The way these few verses read, it’s easy to think entering/crossing the river was a quick, easy task with no risk at all. But the truth is that the Jordan at flood stage is a dangerous place to be. Because of a system of channels and locks on top of the high level of the water, there would have been a swift current with the river. The priests who had to first step into the water could easily have been swept away… and, some scholars suggest their first step could have put them ‘in over their heads’ with the steep banks of the river in places. But their duty as priests meant they wouldn’t leave the ark regardless of their personal circumstance (as in, “staying with the Ark even if it meant traveling downriver with it and drowning).

The point is, this ‘step of faith’ could have literally cost them everything. Look at this from the perspective of Joshua and the priests: the entire nation is hoping this works. The enemy on the other side of the river is watching, hoping it doesn’t. Everything was on the line: the future of the nation, their own pride, their hope, the very lives if the priests… and for Joshua, all of his credibility, his very ability to lead, was at stake.

That’s the way it is with many of the decisions we face in life… but it’s especially true when it comes to following Jesus—he’s pretty candid with us that following him will cost us everything. So he urges us to count the cost. And we see in Joshua that for those participating in all of this, the potential cost was astronomical.

“Counting the cost” doesn’t mean allowing fear to enter into our thinking and drive us, but it does mean being aware and informed, understanding consequences and thinking long-term (the ‘immediate’ step was into the river, but it was just one of many steps of faith which would be required to see the nation of Israel established).

On the one hand, taking the faith-step moves us to a place where we risk everything. But on the other hand it moves us to a place where we find great security, knowing that the same God who led us to the place of faith will see us through it. It seems for us, we must count the cost, and knowing what could be, we move… trusting that God will be God, and his Great Name will be praised regardless of the outcome.

Have you counted the cost?

In Joshua courage, Joshua, Scripture

Question: Have I Waited?

August 12, 2009 — 2 Comments

<image courtesy of wallyg>

We’ve been asking the question of how to know when to take steps of faith—and finding answers by asking other questions.

The first questions was “Are First things First”

Another question worth asking is the same as the title for this post:

HAVE I WAITED?

The people of Israel are getting ready to cross the Jordan River in order to begin conquering the land promised them in generations past. God has instructed them to cross the flooded Jordan. It’s obvious that this is the only next step from a strategic and logistical perspective.

Josh 3:

² After three days the officers went throughout the camp, ³ giving orders to the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. ⁴ Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between you and the ark; do not go near it.”

⁵ Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you.”

Even though they could see the land which was theirs; even though they knew what needed to be done to cross; even though everything was ‘obvious’ regarding next steps… everybody waited. For three days.

But those three days weren’t spent idly—there was a purpose in the waiting: the people were preparing themselves for what was ahead. Their journey wasn’t over yet, and though the land across the Jordan had been promised, it wouldn’t become theirs without a long and hard-fought military campaign. Mostly, though, they were waiting because they were going to be used by God (in a number of ways—but Scripture indicates that Israel was going to be used by God to execute his judgment on other nations and to bring his message).

A very important term in the above passage is ‘consecrate’—the same term used in reference to the Tabernacle… a very special place that only few could enter. The idea is something that is being set apart. The ‘translation’ of the instruction for the people is this: “God is going to use you, and you need to be ready,” or, “God is going to do something huge, and he wants you to get prepared.”

I know it’s been said before, but it bears repeating: our steps of faith have much less to do with us than they do with what God desires to do through us for his Name and the advancement of his Kingdom.

Again, for Joshua and the Israelites, there was no doubt what their next step was. But there was also no doubt that this same ‘next step’ was impossible if God wasn’t in it. They waited.

It’s a good lesson to learn, but not necessarily an easy leason to grasp. Before you leap—ask yourself if you’ve waited or if you’re moving impulsively. The truth is, God doesn’t lead is to our next step without preparing us first (not forgetting, of course, that he can, and often does, prepare us for ‘what’s next’ without us knowing that’s what is going on). What are you doing right now to allow yourself to be prepared? How are you taking time to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit? Are you faithful in the here-and-now? Are you serving faithfully where you are with what you have?

As counterintuitive as it may seem, sometimes the greatest act of faith is in the waiting rather than the stepping.

In Joshua courage, faith, Joshua

Question: Have I Put First Things First?

August 10, 2009 — 1 Comment

<Image courtesy of aschaeffer>
—

We’re answering the question of “How do I know when to take that leap of faith?” with a series of other questions found in Joshua chapter 3.

The Ark of the covenant is mentioned NINE TIMES in Joshua 3—and until now, it hasn’t been mentioned at all in the book. Remember, the Ark is a sign and symbol of God’s presence with his people and serves as a war standard going before them. Here’s what we find in the chapter:

When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God…

…keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between you and the ark…

Joshua said to the priests, ‘take up the ark of the covenant…’

Tell the priests who carry the ark of the covenant

See, the ark of the covenant of the LORD of all the earth will go into the Jordan ahead of you.

…the priests who carry the ark of the LORD…

…As soon as the priests who carried the ark…

…the priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD

It’s pretty obvious that the presence, leadership, and symbol of God going before his people was paramount to those about to cross the Jordan river. There was something significant to Joshua and the nation about having the Ark present and going before the people–everything in its proper order. Before we take steps of faith, the giver of faith needs to be foremost in our lives.

There’s an old recipe for rabbit stew that begins, “First, catch the rabbit…” When it comes to exercising faith, it’s important to make sure first things really are first. Otherwise, it’s kind of like trying to make rabbit stew without the main ingredient.

First things first for us means that God is the one leading us—and we aren’t being led by our own desires for promotion, comfort, recognition, safety, or complacency. It’s also important to note that church is not the same thing as God (though, I’m all for an incarnational understanding of being Christ). It’s possible to be the busiest most churchified person you know and not really have first things first. You can be religious without following God.

But if we are in Christ and he is in the place of prominence in our lives, we know we have his leadership, his comfort, his direction, his hope all in the pursuit of his Kingdom.

If we take a step of faith without having first things first, it’s probably not a step of faith at all, but is more likely an exercise in the worship of self. That isn’t a risk worth taking.

In Joshua church, faith, Joshua, Scripture

Questions and… Questions?

August 7, 2009 — Leave a comment

Image from Xurble

—

When Sarah and I first moved from Maine to Pennsylvania, we drove down in a U-Haul moving truck with our car towed behind. To this day, I’m still surprised we made it here unscathed, especially when you consider that the biggest thing I’d driven before that trip was a fifteen passenger van. If you’ve never traveled in a fully loaded U-Haul towing a car, then you’ve missed out on a unique experience. Picture Sarah and myself in the cab of the truck. Don’t forget to imagine the familiar sound of road noise inherently present in a truck. Multiply that road noise by, say, four times. Now, add the noise of a big engine working overtime to keep the truck up to speed on the highway. What do you get? A lot of noise, and no ease of conversation. Talking to each other required a lot of effort. If we hadn’t been in a moving truck, it would have sounded like we were doing a lot of yell-fighting–it probably looked that way to anyone in the passing lane.

I was focused on keeping the truck in its lane and finding an exit every twelve minutes so we could put gas in the vehicle (why they didn’t give us a diesel-powered truck I’ll never know). So, when it came time to make a decision, I’d trust Sarah to help make some of the decisions. Something you need to know about Sarah: her favorite pastime isn’t spent being ‘the decider’ of anything–she’s much more a ‘go with the flow’ kind of person . That meant our conversations, over the roar/noise/annoyance of the U-Haul experience, would go something like this:

Jeremiah: When would you like to eat?
Sarah: Well, when will we need to get gas?

Jeremiah: What kind of food do you want?
Sarah: Well, what do you think will be at the next travel center?

Jeremiah: What are you thinking for supper?
Sarah: Do you think they’ll have something at the hotel?

Most of the time, for whatever reason, our discussions ended up being questions answered with questions. And I learned something important that day: I really don’t like it when people answer a question with another question whether it’s a major decision or a small issue like what the next food-stop will be like. There are times, though, that answering a question with a question can help us think through some of those bigger things with a new perspective in hand… and make a better decision as a result.

As we’ve been walking through the book of Joshua here, a lot of our discussion has been focused on ‘faith’—in the form of being reminded of how to have strength and courage when facing the impossible, and also in our brief case study of some of Rahab’s story. But just how can we tell when it’s the right time to move—to actually take that step of faith? How do we know when to take a risk? When it comes down to executing that risky step of faith, how do we know if it’s God who is leading us or some kind of internal desire or other voice driving our next step?

As the story in the book of Joshua continues, the main character will be leading the Israelites across the Jordan River at flood stage—and ‘dangerous’ doesn’t begin to describe the situation there. In the lead-up to crossing the river, we discover some important questions that help us to answer the bigger question of when to take those risks. Over the next few days, we’ll be looking at those questions and unpacking them a bit–I hope they help you a bit when it comes to your own faith journey.

They are:

Have I put ‘first things’ first?
Have I waited?
Have I counted the cost?

In Joshua Joshua