The One Disciple (Joshua 2:1-6) 8/29/2021
The Field of Answers of 1st 2nd 3rd RUTC:
The One Disciple (Joshua 2:1-6) 8/29/2021
What do you think about the situation in Afghanistan? One of the seven visions we pray for in the 2nd RUTC movement is “refugee missions.” Some people fear the increasing size of Muslim communities after we accept refugees from Afghanistan. Here, we must find the one disciple that God has prepared.
What was God’s intention when he sent the Israelites to Canaan? It was not to trample down upon the Canaanites nor to destroy them. He intended for the Israelites to save Canaan and make it into a land that is governed by God. The world is in a similar predicament. When the Lord returns, there are people that will go into eternal judgement, and there are others that will enjoy eternal life in unity. We need to find those individuals. That is world evangelization.
We need to find that one person who will be used for this blessed work; that one prepared individual who will devote with their lives for this work. It can be just one person. Today’s passage illustrates such a model.
- The importance of one disciple. This is the key to saving 237 nations and 5000 people groups.
1) Within our Upper Room Ministry, there are two exemplifications or Muslim missions.
We have a pastor in Bangladesh who is doing remnant ministry, and a pastor in Pakistan who serves as a translator. These two pastors truly have the Gospel, and they have learned to speak Korean very well. Originally, they were in Korea to make money, but came across upper room members and received the Gospel. Now, they have become pastors who are carrying out their ministries in their respective nations.
2) In order to meet the prepared individual, we need to reach everyone.
① As we help those people with whatever they need, we are looking for an opportunity to share the Gospel. Open their hearts with kindness, and even share a meal as you get closer. Listen to their stories and give help in whatever way you can (studies, work, etc.).
② Then, we must focus on those individuals who listen to the Gospel and follow.
If we don’t, it will end as a mere charity. It does not mean we don’t need charities and reliefs. Even governments and other non-believers can do those things. We must do what those people cannot do. We need to give them the help that will transform their entire lives. This is what Peter gave to the beggar in front of the gate called Beautiful (Acts 3:8).
- What must be different about God’s prepared disciples?
The Bible records Rahab as a prostitute. She built her house on the city wall at the border and worked as a prostitute. This lady held onto the Gospel that changed her life. How did she hear about this Gospel?
1) She had heard the word going around about the blessings of the people of God (verse 9-10)
① This is why we, as God’s people, need to look to God and enjoy our blessings. We are to become witnesses.
② Some may wonder why things are not working out for them.
Truthfully ask God in prayer. Are you someone that really looks to God in true faith? If you are asking him sincerely, and things are still not working out, then God is taking a longer time to prepare you because you will be used greatly as a greater vessel.
2) She must have heard from the spies. In the military, not everyone can become a spy. You must be well trained.
And certainly, they must have told her these three things. This is the core of the Gospel.
① They must have told her about how God freed them from 400 years of slavery (Passover, blood covenant of Christ).
② They must have told her about how God led them through the wilderness and toward victory (Pentecost, work of the Holy Spirit).
③ They must have told her about why God wants the Israelites to conquer Canaan (Tabernacle, mystery of World Evangelization).
Therefore, we must be fully equipped and trained to share this Gospel accurately when we meet prepared individuals.
3) Rahab later marries a man from the tribe of Judah, and through their descendants, come King David and Christ.
To be used this greatly, how much do you think Rahab struggled to renew her life after receiving salvation?
① First, for the Canaanites to have become a child of God was staking their lives.
They risk being separated from their people and family (Especially when Muslims receive the Gospel). In a non-believing household, they may receive lots of persecution. They are the real ones (Matthew 10:34-36). When you hear the Gospel after living a religious life as a churchgoer, Satan may bring all kinds of troubles to hinder you. As the Israelites went through the wilderness, they faced many problems, conflicts, and hindrances.
② None of those things were a problem. It was an opportunity to experience the three blessings.
It was an opportunity for them to experience holding onto the covenant of Christ (John 19:30) and how God holds himself responsible for His saved people. They had received salvation, but they needed to receive healing in their lifestyle and scars from their past years of slavery (defeatist mentality, slavery mentality, survival mentality). They were to grow spiritually and gain evidence to go as a blessed person of Canaan conquest (world evangelism). Here, we must discover our “only” because we are weak, lacking, and prone to fail. Works of uniqueness and recreation will arise.
③ How will we enjoy this blessing?
We cannot change overnight. We need to be strengthened through today’s word, prayer, and evangelism to have victory. We then need to edit our lives with the Word of God (transform the standard of our thoughts). Through prayer, we need to re-draft our lives (being guided as we search for God’s will and strength for our today and our lives). Through evangelism, we need to re-design our lives (entering to God’s heart and power). Even new believers can evangelize easily to people they connect with.
Conclusion – We must hold onto three blessings. Answers and blessings that will save 237 and 5000 people groups will undoubtedly follow. First, it was the meeting of the two spies and Rahab. The two spies illustrate the blessing of a team, and the meeting with Rahab represents the meeting with a disciple. May you hold onto this blessing as your eternal covenant. Second, that one lady Rahab became the door to Canaan evangelization. May you pray so that all your meetings be of such doors of evangelism. Third, it was the devotion toward raising up one disciple. All you need to do is give the people you meet the accurate scarlet cord (Gospel).