The grandeur of Israel with their renowned leader, Moses, does not end when Moses ascends to the peaks of Mt. Nebo to view the Promised Land. It does not end when God takes the body of Moses and buries it in an unmarked tomb. The reality is that far greater days lay ahead for Israel under a new leader, Joshua the son of Nun.
Joshua, A Chosen Vessel
The reality is that we know so very little about this great leader, but what we know shows that he was a vessel chosen by God to accomplish His will. Before the Jews, having passed through the Red Sea, even arrived at Mt. Sinai, they were attacked by the Amalekites. Israel had no army for they had been slaves for many years in Egypt, but Moses instructed Joshua to become the leader of the battle with this nomadic tribe. It was on this occasion that the uplifted hands of Moses lead to victory over the enemies.
The second mention of this chosen vessel is when Moses ascended Mt. Sinai to receive the tablets of stone. Joshua, described as the assistant of Moses (Ex. 24:13), ascended part of the way on Moses’ upward journey. Joshua was still there forty days later when Moses descended from the mountain because of the building of the golden calf (Ex. 32:17).
Joshua, A Man Appointed by God
Right before Moses ascended to the peaks of another mountain, Mt. Nebo, he entreated God to select his successor (Numbers 27). Joshua was brought before the nation and, in their presence, he was inaugurated as the new leader (Num. 27:23). Joshua had received the Spirit to help him and this happened when Moses laid his hands on Joshua (Deut. 34:9). He received Divine wisdom to enable him to do his work.
Joshua, A Man of Faith
The life of Joshua is centered on the faith he had in God. No man could have accomplished what he did without having deep faith in the Almighty God and His help. We must never overlook where faith comes from, not only in one who is seeking to become a child of God, but also in the oldest Christian who seeks great faith. The key to greater faith is greater knowledge of His word.
Look at the charge given to Joshua by God. “Observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left… This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it” (Josh. 1:7-8).
Let me urge you to be used by God like Joshua.
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