Slices
Prepare
Think about something you looked forward to for a long time. What kept you going during the waiting time?
Bible passage
10 So Joshua ordered the officers of the people: 11 ‘Go through the camp and tell the people, “Get your provisions ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you for your own.”’
12 But to the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joshua said, 13 ‘Remember the command that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you after he said, “The Lord your God will give you rest by giving you this land.” 14 Your wives, your children and your livestock may stay in the land that Moses gave you east of the Jordan, but all your fighting men, ready for battle, must cross over ahead of your fellow Israelites. You are to help them 15 until the Lord gives them rest, as he has done for you, and until they too have taken possession of the land that the Lord your God is giving them. After that, you may go back and occupy your own land, which Moses the servant of the Lord gave you east of the Jordan towards the sunrise.’
16 Then they answered Joshua, ‘Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. 17 Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only may the Lord your God be with you as he was with Moses. 18 Whoever rebels against your word and does not obey it, whatever you may command them, will be put to death. Only be strong and courageous!’
Explore
Joshua’s first act as leader was to organise everyone to be ready to cross the Jordan. He used the existing structure of leadership to do this (vs 10,11). What do you think was going through people’s minds as they prepared?
Some of God’s people – the Reubenites, the Gadites and half the tribe of Manasseh (v 12) – had been promised the land east of the river Jordan. Look at the oath that the warriors from these tribes made to Joshua (vs 16–18). The consequence of keeping this oath was that God’s promise of rest would be fulfilled (v 13). No doubt they had been looking forward to that day. How does verse 18 describe the consequence of breaking the oath?
Joshua knew that those who had been promised land to the west of the Jordan needed the help of the others to claim that land (see Numbers 32). He needed everyone on his side, regardless of their final destination, hence the oath. Only when the land to the west of the Jordan was taken would God’s people be able to rest, whether they lived to the west or the east of the Jordan.
The promise of rest was vital in helping everyone to work together during the time of preparation.
Respond
Give thanks for times when God’s promises have sustained you. Pray for those who struggle to hold on to God’s promises, that God will give them strength and hope.
Deeper Bible study
‘But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.’1 Be submissive to him over this today.
Having received his appointment and task from God, Joshua is ready for action. When we clearly hear that initial call from God we are fired up and ready to face all obstacles! Yet are we battling for land, or claiming it as heirs? Joshua’s closeness to God has been empowering. In him we see the fulfilment of God’s nurturing and teaching under Moses. Joshua calls the people to act, stating God’s plan and purpose: to inherit the land as heirs, not occupiers. The Reubenites, Gadites and Manasseh’s tribe would see their promises fulfilled. God has spoken through Moses regarding provision for the nation as a whole and also for specifics. This group will receive because God’s leaders in Moses and Joshua follow God’s instruction.
There is great unity in this passage, in leadership and also in the people’s relationship to their leaders. Joshua is quick to assume command but also to delegate (v 10) – no man can lead alone. Furthermore no one can lead without followers and the Israelites are prepared to follow Joshua as they did Moses. However, this appears to be conditional – Joshua must walk with God, ensuring that God remains sovereign. The people and leaders have confidence in God’s ability and therefore in God’s anointed one. ‘All Israel will bear its burdens, suffer its losses and share in its victories.’2 Are we united behind the vision of our God-appointed leaders, or are we prone to envious criticism? Are we prepared to be in the battle ahead of the pack (v 14), ready to help the people of God move forward? We all have different roles within the body, but the unity that comes from all the people having one purpose (despite their differences) means they can go forward, not trying to win the land, but to take possession of that which is already theirs (vs 11,15).
What was the last thing God laid before you? Have you acted on it, or dismissed it as an impossible dream?
1 1 Cor 12:18 2 Robert Hubbard, The NIV Application Commentary, Joshua, Zondervan, 2009, p86
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Exodus 21,22; Psalm 16
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for the central region team as they meet today to pray, review and plan under the guidance of team leader Simon Barker, asking that God will give wisdom and clarity of vision.
