Joshua’s Conquest of the World (Joshua 1:1-6) 2/13/2022
The 24 Answer of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd RUTC:
Joshua’s Conquest of the World (Joshua 1:1-6) 2/13/2022
Joshua’s world conquest is the eighth model of a disciple who conquers the world. Who is Joshua? He became the leader who led Israel after Moses, completed the conquest of Canaan, discovered a disciple like Rahab, the prostitute, within that, and documented all of that for the next generation (book of Joshua). Simply put, he saved the church, field, and posterity.
- God desires to carry out those works through us in this age and desires for us to live while enjoying that blessing.
1) God surely desires to raise us as spiritual leaders who will revive the church, field, and posterity.
This blessing is the first covenant of Genesis 1:27. It was why He chose Israel in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 33:29), and the covenant that God reconfirmed when the Israelites were oppressed by the world and brought captive because they lost hold of this very covenant (Isaiah 55:3-5).
This is also why we are holding the church officer training. It is so that you may be used importantly, not only in the church but also in the world.
2) The conquest of Canaan that was completed through Joshua is the conquest of the field for us.
We meet problems and enemies in the family, school, and workplace as we live in this world. Enjoy spiritual victory there(Ephesians6;12). It was not all smooth roads when Joshua conquered Canaan. He had to fight numerous obstacles and adversaries. The Jordan River split, and the Wall of Jericho crumbled when God worked. Although there was a temporary defeat in Ai’s battle, the Israelites eventually triumphed. The last battle was the one against the united armies of the prior inhabitants of Canaan; it was there where the famous unprecedented works took place. There was a hail from the sky, and the sun and moon stopped when Joshua prayed. Are you in difficult times? Pray that God may work with the power and authority of the throne and believe that He will give you unprecedented evidence and go forth.
3) Rahab, a prostitute discovered among the inhabitants of Canaan, becomes an ancestor of King David and Christ.
The Gibeonites who came to Joshua and made a covenant with him become those who serve the city. This is the blessing of evangelism and missions. One person’s life change through the evangelism and missions we do and their posterity is used by God. 237 missions change the future of one nation (Korea today was made through the many devotions of foreign missionaries).
- How did God train and bless Joshua until He was used in such a way?
May you restore important blessings as you see Joshua’s entire life and focus on three things.
1) some people trained Joshua to be used as the spiritual leader of one age.
In Verse 1 of the passage, Joshua introduces himself as “the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant.”
① Moses chose and trained Joshua when he was a young adult, and Moses had laid his hands on him (Deuteronomy 34:9).
He thought about the spiritual leader who trained, blessed, raised him by his side, and gave thanks (2 Kings 2:12). “Assistant” or “attendant” means that he was always with Moses and carried out his errands. That was an opportunity. There is one verse that explains this role very well. Joshua did not leave the tent when Moses led worship and went home (Exodus 33:10-11). He stayed behind alone and finished what was left to do. This is where his spirituality grew.
② His father’s name was mentioned, and the word “son” was used.
This was basic respect and gratitude for parents. There are no records of how well the parent treated the child. The content is not that important. However, we must obey, thank, and serve our parents for simply being our parents. This is the only law among the ten commandments that holds a promise (Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6:1-3). “Your days may be long and prosperous.” How one treats his parent is a fundamental aspect that becomes the foundation in serving the eternal Father God(Mark7:10-11).
2) many helped Joshua, but the one coworker who was powerful but hidden in his help was Caleb.
① Joshua met Caleb as a fellow spy to Canaan during Moses’ time.
He ripped his clothes and boldly spoke of faith when everyone else had unbelief. He was someone who could connect with Moses with three things (Numbers 14:6-8). They could share about God’s plan, connect with the faith that believed in God’s power and challenge themselves to the future. He proclaimed, “This land is a promised land by God; if God helps us, we will conquer the land.”
② He retired as his friend became a leader, but Caleb helped Joshua during dire times (Joshua 14:6-15).
If one coworker like this becomes my life team in my entire life, my life and history will change.
3) There was a mystery for Caleb that allowed him not to be shaken regardless of whatever problems and crises along his way to be a leader.
1) What was the very important thing that was relayed through Moses? It was the covenant (verses 3-6).
The promise that was given to his ancestors and Moses was reconfirmed. “Just as I promised to Moses.” “Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon, I have given to you.” It was the covenant of Canaan. This is the covenant of Christ and the covenant of victory to enjoy within that. “From the wilderness and this Lebanon as the great river, the river Euphrates shall be your territory.” It is the covenant of conquest and the covenant of evangelism and missions. “No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, I will be with you.” This is the covenant of God’s method.
2) Joshua made this covenant his imprint, root, and nature throughout his life and made it his own (my covenant, my gospel).
The eyes to see himself, problems, and people changed from then on. This is where the 3 todays to continue lifelong comes forth.
① “Be strong and courageous” was repeated three times (verses 6-9). Where does that come from? It is the mystery of prayer (today’s prayer).
Joshua crossed the Jordan river (Joshua 3:1) and woke up at dawn before destroying Jericho (Joshua 6:12) (day starting with prayer). He marched around Jericho every day without speaking a word. Prayer came first rather than talk, and Jericho crumbled by the power of prayer. It records that Joshua prayed to God for the sun and moon to stop when he fought against the united armies of Canaan (Joshua 10:12).
② You shall meditate the Word day and night; then you will be prosperous” (verses 7-8). This is the power of the Word (today’s word).
He found the answer and way in the Word, and the Word came first when he did something important or was before a crisis (Ark of the Covenant). It says, “Do not turn from it to the right hand or the left” (verse 7). This is more important than listening to my own words or others.
③ He raised Rahab, the prostitute, and the Gibeonites to do God’s work. This is the ministry of evangelism and missions (today’s evangelism).
Do not be quick to judge others but see them as God’s plan and plan evangelism. We cannot persuade and change others with our strength. Pray that the darkness among them may crumble, and pray for the Holy Spirit to work. Relay the accurate Christ and share the mission of God, which desires to use every one of us. They will stand as disciples.
Conclusion – Once again, hold onto the meaning within the meetings with a spiritual leader, parent, and coworker just as Joshua had done. Create a life that deeply enjoys the relationship with God through the 3 todays. May the church be revived through us individually, and nay your life be a life where evidence continues in your field.