Sermon: “Its Your Turn”
Text: Joshua 1:1-5
Introduction/Historical/Theological Statement:
The Old Testament record is guided by two principles: Providence & Promise. The Providence is the concept that God is constantly guided history through events that bring man to the ultimate purposes, the reality of Jesus Christ. The Promises of God are God’s future plans revealed to humanity for the purpose of enhancing faith in God. These concepts are found in the Old Testament, and they aid in our understanding of the passages that has been selected for our consideration. We discover in the book of Genesis, God spoke to Abram and gave him a promise that he would be the “father of many nations.” Yet God took his descendants through some situation to develop them for his glory, and to prepare them for the promise land. God has taken us through a plethora of problems that seem to be are downfall, but God was using the situation to prepare for the promise place of deliverance. This text that has been chosen for consideration certainly rings forth such theological significance.
We come to a critical point in the history of Israel. Their leader, who led them through the wilderness for forty-years, has died. The former generation has died; because of disobedience and faithlessness. This is the challenge in this generation, where there is so much change. We are challenged to believe God. Now believing God does not mean you do not recognize the reality of your problem, but your faith transcends the reality of your problems. It allows you to proclaim with confidence that, “God is real.” Furthermore, it allows you to proclaim his goodness. Here is Joshua, Moses assistant; he is now in the process of leading this younger generation into the promise land. However, he could not lead them with wilderness mentality, but he had to lead solely based on the promises of God. Many times we become stuck on our past experiences that we miss out on the blessings and benefits of this day. Therefore, it was necessary for Moses to take time to instruction to these young people. There is a problem in our modern Church. We have a lot of excited people, but very little insight. We want to shout, but there is very little knowledge of the one we are shouting to.
Therefore, we come to this point where God is setting the stage for the conquest of the land of Canaan. This is a conquest that will not be easily won, but it is place that will require much battle. Thus, God speaks to Joshua concerning this divine appointment, and provides for him encouragement that I believe finds application in this modern era. There are three principles that we should observe in this passage.
Transition into assignment: (1) This whole even is marked by a transition. The Old Generation, out of disbelief, could not go into the promise land, but God was developing the younger Generation to take the land. Thus, Moses, the servant of the Lord is dead
Now after the death of Moses, the servant of the Lord, it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses Minister, saying.
It is interesting to note that the name Joshua means “the Lord Saves.” Thus, God is preparing to fulfill a promise that had been given over four-hundred years ago. Now Moses is dead. However, his death does not nullify the promises of God. Just like Abraham died, Isaac was there. When Isaac died, Jacob was there. Finally, Jacob died, and Joseph became the next person in line. God moves in process. There are times when we feel that God should bless us when he says he is going to bless us, but contrary to popular belief, it does not work out that way. In the mind of God, he knows how everything is suppose to come together. Notice, Moses dies, but God still is speaking. If we die, God will raise up another in our place. Thus, leadership must understand that they cannot hold on to anything that is not theirs. Suppose Moses was selfish in training Joshua? There are some many leaders today who are afraid of their sons/daughters becoming greater than them, but it is suppose to be that way. Moses did not have to worry about a legacy; because when he died he a unique testimony that he walked with God. Now it is Joshua’s turn to step up to the plate, and lead these people. Finally, notice the Timing of this transition, when Moses died, God spoke to Joshua and commissioned him. Whatever you are planning to do, you must be able to move when the timing is right.
Proclamation of assignment (2) Let us think upon this proclamation to Joshua. No doubt he is feeling a sense concerning the future of the Children of Israel. The greatest leader has died, and he must take them the rest of the way. He does not feel adequate, in his own eyes. However, out of discouragement, the Lord proclaims these words in his ears.
Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.
Notice the terms “people” & “land” , God is supplying a land for a people who have no place. There was no need to give them anything that was needed for living in the land until they came into the land. For example, God could not have given Abraham the land; because he did not have enough people to occupy the land, and he could not give the land to Moses; because his generation was faithless. However, in this period of history, they have what they need, quantity of people & quality of people. These are people who are now ready to take the land. Another point that needs to be referenced is: when they ate of the corn of the land, the manna stopped fallen. Once they entered the land, they had everything they needed for agricultural living & producing. Notice, the provision of God did not stop; it just took on a different form. You cannot live off the blessings from yesteryears, but with every different situation, God strategically blesses you in a way that fits your social-economic context.
Confirmation before the assignment: (3-5) As God continues this speech to his military leader, he brings a note of confirmation that needs to be noted in three areas:
Confirmation of assured conquest: (3) God gives Joshua this assurance, “Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon. That have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.” The theological concept of “treading” means to take possession of a land or of something. Now the children of Israel taking the land are rooted in the Sovereignty of God, or the control of God. That is, there is people already in the land, but according to the Psalmist David, “the Earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and they that dwell therein.” Based on that theological assessment, he has the right to give to his people what belongs to him. The reason why you are where you are is simply: your destiny or your promised place is in the hands of an almighty God. He makes this statement, “ as I said unto Moses.” Now what did he say to Moses?:
Confirmation of established Borders (4) These borders were set in Genesis 15: 18-21, and confirmed in Deuteronomy 1:19-21, now it must be noted that these established have not yet been fully actualized. There are still some areas that need to be given, according to Jeremiah 16:14-16, Amos 9:11-15, Zech. 8:4-8. What does that say about the promises of God? It says that they may not have everything, even at this time, but God’s word is must come to pass, based on the covenant promised. Although they are in the process of waiting now, they are going to possess what is theirs. Practically, what does that mean for us? This is a fast generation that desires what they want, when they want it, but the Lord wants us to understand that we must learn the “principle of waiting on him.” Sometimes we can delay our blessing, but we can’t destroy the promises of God; because he said.
Confirmation of assured Presence: (5) This passage gives great assurance to this you man, who was an assistant to Moses, but now has bas to fill shoes that is bg. For example, I took over the Youth Pastorate at the new Hope Temple Baptist Church. I came into a place where the former Youth Pastor had great impact, and I felt inadequate to handle this position, but the Lord suggested, “ if you could handle it, then you would not need me.” Thus, Joshua is being assured of the presence of God in the conquest of the Promise land. If the Lord is with you, then your opposition will never prosper against you.
Introduction/Historical/Theological Statement:
The Old Testament record is guided by two principles: Providence & Promise. The Providence is the concept that God is constantly guided history through events that bring man to the ultimate purposes, the reality of Jesus Christ. The Promises of God are God’s future plans revealed to humanity for the purpose of enhancing faith in God. These concepts are found in the Old Testament, and they aid in our understanding of the passages that has been selected for our consideration. We discover in the book of Genesis, God spoke to Abram and gave him a promise that he would be the “father of many nations.” Yet God took his descendants through some situation to develop them for his glory, and to prepare them for the promise land. God has taken us through a plethora of problems that seem to be are downfall, but God was using the situation to prepare for the promise place of deliverance. This text that has been chosen for consideration certainly rings forth such theological significance.
We come to a critical point in the history of Israel. Their leader, who led them through the wilderness for forty-years, has died. The former generation has died; because of disobedience and faithlessness. This is the challenge in this generation, where there is so much change. We are challenged to believe God. Now believing God does not mean you do not recognize the reality of your problem, but your faith transcends the reality of your problems. It allows you to proclaim with confidence that, “God is real.” Furthermore, it allows you to proclaim his goodness. Here is Joshua, Moses assistant; he is now in the process of leading this younger generation into the promise land. However, he could not lead them with wilderness mentality, but he had to lead solely based on the promises of God. Many times we become stuck on our past experiences that we miss out on the blessings and benefits of this day. Therefore, it was necessary for Moses to take time to instruction to these young people. There is a problem in our modern Church. We have a lot of excited people, but very little insight. We want to shout, but there is very little knowledge of the one we are shouting to.
Therefore, we come to this point where God is setting the stage for the conquest of the land of Canaan. This is a conquest that will not be easily won, but it is place that will require much battle. Thus, God speaks to Joshua concerning this divine appointment, and provides for him encouragement that I believe finds application in this modern era. There are three principles that we should observe in this passage.
Transition into assignment: (1) This whole even is marked by a transition. The Old Generation, out of disbelief, could not go into the promise land, but God was developing the younger Generation to take the land. Thus, Moses, the servant of the Lord is dead
Now after the death of Moses, the servant of the Lord, it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses Minister, saying.
It is interesting to note that the name Joshua means “the Lord Saves.” Thus, God is preparing to fulfill a promise that had been given over four-hundred years ago. Now Moses is dead. However, his death does not nullify the promises of God. Just like Abraham died, Isaac was there. When Isaac died, Jacob was there. Finally, Jacob died, and Joseph became the next person in line. God moves in process. There are times when we feel that God should bless us when he says he is going to bless us, but contrary to popular belief, it does not work out that way. In the mind of God, he knows how everything is suppose to come together. Notice, Moses dies, but God still is speaking. If we die, God will raise up another in our place. Thus, leadership must understand that they cannot hold on to anything that is not theirs. Suppose Moses was selfish in training Joshua? There are some many leaders today who are afraid of their sons/daughters becoming greater than them, but it is suppose to be that way. Moses did not have to worry about a legacy; because when he died he a unique testimony that he walked with God. Now it is Joshua’s turn to step up to the plate, and lead these people. Finally, notice the Timing of this transition, when Moses died, God spoke to Joshua and commissioned him. Whatever you are planning to do, you must be able to move when the timing is right.
Proclamation of assignment (2) Let us think upon this proclamation to Joshua. No doubt he is feeling a sense concerning the future of the Children of Israel. The greatest leader has died, and he must take them the rest of the way. He does not feel adequate, in his own eyes. However, out of discouragement, the Lord proclaims these words in his ears.
Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.
Notice the terms “people” & “land” , God is supplying a land for a people who have no place. There was no need to give them anything that was needed for living in the land until they came into the land. For example, God could not have given Abraham the land; because he did not have enough people to occupy the land, and he could not give the land to Moses; because his generation was faithless. However, in this period of history, they have what they need, quantity of people & quality of people. These are people who are now ready to take the land. Another point that needs to be referenced is: when they ate of the corn of the land, the manna stopped fallen. Once they entered the land, they had everything they needed for agricultural living & producing. Notice, the provision of God did not stop; it just took on a different form. You cannot live off the blessings from yesteryears, but with every different situation, God strategically blesses you in a way that fits your social-economic context.
Confirmation before the assignment: (3-5) As God continues this speech to his military leader, he brings a note of confirmation that needs to be noted in three areas:
Confirmation of assured conquest: (3) God gives Joshua this assurance, “Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon. That have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.” The theological concept of “treading” means to take possession of a land or of something. Now the children of Israel taking the land are rooted in the Sovereignty of God, or the control of God. That is, there is people already in the land, but according to the Psalmist David, “the Earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and they that dwell therein.” Based on that theological assessment, he has the right to give to his people what belongs to him. The reason why you are where you are is simply: your destiny or your promised place is in the hands of an almighty God. He makes this statement, “ as I said unto Moses.” Now what did he say to Moses?:
Confirmation of established Borders (4) These borders were set in Genesis 15: 18-21, and confirmed in Deuteronomy 1:19-21, now it must be noted that these established have not yet been fully actualized. There are still some areas that need to be given, according to Jeremiah 16:14-16, Amos 9:11-15, Zech. 8:4-8. What does that say about the promises of God? It says that they may not have everything, even at this time, but God’s word is must come to pass, based on the covenant promised. Although they are in the process of waiting now, they are going to possess what is theirs. Practically, what does that mean for us? This is a fast generation that desires what they want, when they want it, but the Lord wants us to understand that we must learn the “principle of waiting on him.” Sometimes we can delay our blessing, but we can’t destroy the promises of God; because he said.
Confirmation of assured Presence: (5) This passage gives great assurance to this you man, who was an assistant to Moses, but now has bas to fill shoes that is bg. For example, I took over the Youth Pastorate at the new Hope Temple Baptist Church. I came into a place where the former Youth Pastor had great impact, and I felt inadequate to handle this position, but the Lord suggested, “ if you could handle it, then you would not need me.” Thus, Joshua is being assured of the presence of God in the conquest of the Promise land. If the Lord is with you, then your opposition will never prosper against you.
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