Scripture Text: Joshua 3:1-7
The Lord said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.
Joshua 3:7
Before crossing the Jordan river, God exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel so that people will respect and honor him as God's anointed leader, and they realized that God's presence will be with Joshua until his last breath.
Then, Joshua commanded all the people to purify their hearts from any contaminant or sin because the Lord will do great miracles and wonders among all the Israelites. The people obeyed Joshua's command and also followed all the instructions, particularly the exact distance between the people and the ark of the covenant that will be carried by the priests which is about 1,000 yards / 2,000 cubits / 3,000 feet. The ark of the covenant symbolizes God's presence, power, and it signifies the Lord's throne. God himself led the Israelites to the right direction of their home.
Furthermore, God developed Joshua as a true servant leader in his youth under the leadership of Moses, and one of his characteristics was being humble before God and he obeyed the Lord's will. As a result of his obedience, the Lord exalted him and made him great in the history of mankind.
To lead a large number of people without the presence and enlightenment of God was not an easy task. The people knew that God was with Joshua until his last breath. Therefore, they gave him the highest respect, honor, and cooperation in all the days of their lives.
The God who gave the assurance of victory to Joshua was the same God who assured eternal victory to the apostles/disciples. He is also the God who gave assurance of eternal victory and hope to all genuine Christians, who followed Him until the end of their lives through the empowerment and presence of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 28: 20b says, "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
God’s presence is enough for us to win the battle of life. All we need to do is to always be humble before God and to obey Jesus Christ forever.
Reflect
1. Do you know the benefits of God's presence to His people?
2. Do you experience God's presence in your daily life?
3. Do you enjoy the benefits of eternal victory given by God?
Remember
God's presence is the assurance of victory; we cannot win any battle without the empowerment of God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Lord Himself leads His people to the right direction in their lives through the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit.
Read
Joshua 4:14; 1Peter 5:6; James 4:10
Pray
Dear God, thank You for the assurance of victory for every battle we encounter in everyday of our lives. Thank You for the eternal triumph given to us by our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank You because the Word reminded us to remain humble before your Holy Throne. We ask the Holy Spirit to be with us always. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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