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.’"- P62
16Then they answered Joshua, "Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go.
17Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only may the Lord your God be with you as he was with Moses.
18Whoever rebels against your word and does not obey it, whatever you may command them, will be put to death. Only be strong and courageous!"- P63
Joshua orders the officers to tell the people to prepare to cross the Jordan inthree days. He reminds the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manassehof their promise to help the other tribes until the land is secured. They affirmtheir loyalty to Joshua, promising obedience and encouraging him to bestrong and courageous as he leads.- P63
Joshua commands the leaders under him to prepare what is needed before the people cross the Jordan, reminding them that the land they are crossing into is given to them by God. This command conveys both a sense of urgency to accomplish the mission God has given and a sense of rest in the assurance of God’s promise. - P64
As we live in accordance with God’s Word, we too should carry a sense of eagerness to do all that God desires us to do. We also find rest as we obey God because He Himself empowers us to do what He commands. - P64
Let us lean on the empowering presence of Christ: In Him we will find the strength to do what God commands.- P64
Joshua gives a command to the leaders of the tribes that will settle beyondthe Jordan: Their troops are to fight alongside the rest of the nation. Then,
they may return to their land. The leaders promise to obey, respondingwith submission, allegiance, and words of encouragement. - P64
As Christianstoday, we are to display submission toward our leaders and even towardour peers. - P64
In the epistles, we are commanded to submit to one anotherout of reverence for Christ (Eph. 5:21). We are also commanded to speakencouragement to one another (Eph. 5:19). - P64
In our relationships-withour parents, pastors, employers, or friends-let us seek to serve others andencouragethem to faithfulness.
- P64
Dear heavenly Father, You are the place of my rest, whether the day brings joy and excitement or stress and fatigue. As I rest in You, fuel my soul with willingness and perseverance to obey Your will. In Jesus’ name, amen.- P65
These words were spoken in a military context, but the building blocks oftrust are the same in our personal relationships. Our positions of leadershipor influence are just as many opportunities to practice selflessness and buildtrust as we relate to one another: between husbands and wives, betweenparentsand children, between friends. This is how Jesus Christ led duringHis earthly ministry. And even today, He leads His bride, the church, bycaring for her, purifying her, and providing for her. Let us therefore trustHim and follow His example.- P65
