Joshua 3:7-17 – Don’t just confess faith, live it!

Joshua had obediently and dutifully discharged his responsibility as instructed. He was faithful as Moses’ assistant. He kept all instructions given to him and did not renege on any of them. In so doing he had proven himself to be the rightful person to success Moses. The people had avowed to follow and obey him as they did Moses. And the moment had arrived and God was about to fully authenticate him as the leader.  More than any approval, it’s the approval of God that counts. The promise of His presence is the best validati0n and endorsement to a leader’s call into the role. Remember it is God who qualifies the call. It’s never about our educational qualification. The success of a leader depends much on the presence of God, his own diligence, faithfulness, and humility. Joshua was such a one and he had mirrored for us what a true leader looks like. There can be no true leadership without submission and obedience.  

Faith demands that we trust God fully. The opening of Jordan would just be an indicator of what God would do for the people afterward. Notice how Joshua revealed God’s plan to the people. He began by helping them to focus on G0d, assuring them of the presence of the living God in their midst. He made them see the victory they would be experiencing. He wanted them to know that with God’s help, they would surely overcome all the enemy forces found in the promised land. The issue is not about getting across River Jordan, the issue was about dealing successfully with the enemies they would encounter. It is one thing to cross the Jordan and quite another to confront the enemies. Similarly, it is one thing to acknowledge the Lordship of Christ in our life, but quite another to deal with temptation and trials we will surely encounter in our Christian journey. To say the sinner’s prayer and make Christ our Lord is just the first part. It’s the working out of our salvation with fear and trembling that demands our co-operation and collaboration with our Lord.   

As important as getting across the Jordan was, it would only be the first step. As with the opening of the Red Sea, the parting of Jordan River would also be God’s part. He would definitely do the opening, but it was the Ark bearing priests that must make the first move by faith. The critical lesson here is not so much in the crossing but in the dealing with the enemy forces across the Jordan. The lesson here is about diligently working out our daily walk that will determine the success of our journey with God. It’s more important to focus on the goal than the process.

It is one thing to be a Christian and quite another to live the Christian life. The goal of being a Christian is to be Christlike. Bear in mind that going to heaven is our destination and not our goal. The truth is this; salvation is not a point. It is a journey. It is not just about getting over to the Jordan. It is about how to live in the promised land. It is about dealing with the forces that can prevent us from possessing the abundant life.  

As it was for the people of Israel, it will be for us too in our Christian journey. The Living God in the person of the Holy Spirit is among us. The enemy forces in life as a Christian need to be dealt with. Our focus must be to become more like Christ as we conquer the forces that we would encounter in our daily walk.