Over the history of mankind, we see times when the evil prosper and the righteous suffer. What is important is that we are ready and prepared to act and to lead when God moves. Let us pick up some cues from Joshua. There is a theme to, “Be strong and courageous…Be strong and very courageous. “ (Joshua 1:6-7)
Now we in America find ourselves facing “unconquerable walled cities”. Our cities have many names including: Spiritual Suppression, Educational Falsehoods (CRT), Political Correctness and many more. Recently we have seen a few stones fall from the walls around these “cities.” Only a few, but they are falling. God’s people are moving with strength and courage as in the new “Momma Bear” movement where parents are standing up to their local School Boards and calling them out for their educational and moral atrocities. Politicians are leading their cities and states against federal mandates. These, and many more, are returning freedom and power back to the people.
The keys for success in Joshua’s time are still valid for today. In Joshua 1:2 we see that the Israelites were instructed to prepare, to get ready for the battles before them. At the same time they were reminded that God was moving ahead of them. As church leaders we are to prepare our congregations through teaching, practicing and giving inspiration for the tasks before us. Then we all must get involved in the battles. The Israelites, one and all, marched forward to Jericho to participate as God had instructed. In our congregations we have those who can run for offices of various types. Legislature, city council, school board, and a multitude of various commissions are all in need of God’s people leading our communities in godly living. Not only has the Bible and prayer been banned in most of our public settings, but basic morality has become a withered and tattered standard. God promised the Israelites that He would give them every place where they set their feet (Joshua 1:3). We set our feet in His name by entering these battle grounds.
This all may seem very frightening. We may not feel qualified. Neither did the Israelites feel qualified. Yet forward they marched together. As they did, they had God’s blessings moving along with them (Joshua 1:4-5). They remembered that God did not hold back the waters of the Jordan River until they stepped into it. We are God’s people, placed here for these times. What are we waiting for? When the priests stepped forward with the Ark of the Covenant, the Israelites were ready to move with them. The principle for us today is…see what God is doing and join Him! (Joshua 3:3). Secondly, consecrate yourselves Joshua 3:5). Simply put, set unnecessary things in your life aside. Trim off the extras that are using your time, energy and resources. Focus on the tasks at hand. And follow God’s leading.
“Come here and listen to the words of the Lord your God. This is how you will know that the living God is among you and that He will certainly drive out before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizites, Girgashites, Amorites and Jebusites (insert the names and organizations for today). See, the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord of all the earth will go into the Jordan ahead of you.” Joshua 3:10-11).
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