Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I have been studying the Old Testament as part of our study of the Bible. We’ve covered over 400 years of Israel’s history. At this point, Israel is entering a new and long era of permanent settlement in their homeland.
Joshua is leading the nation and his first task is to tell the officers, who are administrative officials, to get the people ready to take over the land.
Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, “Pass through the camp and command the people,
‘Prepare your provisions, for in three days you are to cross over this Jordan, to go in to take possession of the land that the Lord your God gives you to possess'” (Joshua 1:10-11).
The reason for the journey to Canaan is clear. The Israelites are set to inherit the land and drive out its inhabitants. This fulfills a promise made to Abraham centuries ago.
A Community Affair
If you have been following our study, you will remember when the families of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh wanted to live on the other side of the Jordan River. Moses was very upset about this because it reminded him of the unbelief shown by the spies who said they couldn’t take the land.
In response, these tribes promised Moses they would join the others to defeat the Canaanites. Now, with Joshua, that promise is being renewed.
But to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh Joshua said, “Remember the word that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, saying,
‘The Lord your God is providing you a place of rest and will give you this land.’
Your wives, your little ones, and your livestock shall remain in the land that Moses gave you beyond the Jordan. But all the warriors among you shall cross over armed before your kindred and shall help them,
Until the Lord gives rest to your kindred as well as to you, and they also take possession of the land that the Lord your God is giving them.
*Then you shall return to your own land and take possession of it, the land that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you beyond the Jordan to the east” (Joshua 1:12-15).
The unity of the church is crucial because it reflects God to the world.
Think in terms of a team. When everyone works together, we have a better chance of winning. If some sit on the sidelines, or others join the opposition, or some criticize, our effectiveness drops. Playing together makes us stronger.
In his high priestly prayer, Jesus asked for a unified church. He wanted the world to know that he was sent by God and that they were loved by God. Our unity is crucial for the cause of Christ.
“The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one,
I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me” (John 17:22-23).
Words and Deeds
The three tribes declared their full commitment to the mission. They pledged complete loyalty to God’s purpose for them.
They answered Joshua, “All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go.
Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you. Only may the Lord your God be with you, as he was with Moses!
Whoever rebels against your orders and disobeys your words, whatever you command, shall be put to death. Only be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:16-18).
Frank Laubach brought literacy to a fierce Moro tribe in the Philippines in the early 1900s. When the Depression hit, their funding dried up. Laubach announced that they couldn’t continue teaching literacy because they couldn’t pay the teachers.
The tribe’s king made a bold statement. He declared that each person who had learned how to read must teach someone else to read. If they didn’t, they would be killed.
From this moment, Laubach’s ministry got its name and was known for years as “Each One Teach One.”
The three tribes felt that following Joshua’s command and the Lord’s mission was crucial, so they spoke words similar to those of the Moro king.
We might not face the same pressures to serve God, but we should still serve Him wholeheartedly and with joy.
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today.
Real Voices 