PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Joshua 3-4
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“I will give you every place where you set your foot.” (Joshua 1:3)
As part of God’s plan to restore creation, He sets up Israel first.
Like the beaches of Normandy, Israel gains a foothold on enemy territory.
The beaches are not the goal; they’re a first step towards total victory.
Jesus comes from this foothold to defeat the Enemy God’s way (the Jesus Way).
He crushes the serpent with grace and love to reclaim Adam’s throne.
Now he is at God’s right hand, and sends his followers into all creation.
Every place where we step is a part of his kingdom inheritance.
But are we ‘walking’ over the land in a Jesus-like and God-like way?
What kind of footprint are we leaving, wherever we walk?
Are we blessing or crushing, are we pursuing love or self-interest?
Our world is currently groaning because of the unholy footprint left by humans.
This passage assures us Jesus will win; but this shouldn’t lead to arrogance.
We do not follow Joshua in the way of war and violence.
We follow Jesus in the way of grace and peace… wherever we set our feet.
PRAYER
Lord, may the steps I take today leave your footprint of grace and peace.
God tells Joshua to: “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law”. The spies go out and they hear Rahab’s request as she lies to protect them – to save her and her family because she says of the fear her people have: “our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.” Rahab’s testimony saves her. She was brave as she hid the Jews – just like some of my ancestors did during the Nazi occupation. God protected them – Rahab and her family were spared harm – she was courageous as she protected the Israeli spies! Lord help me to be strong and courageous too and not to lose hope in this world!
Memory stones.
The 12 stones were a visual reminder of what the Lord God had done for the people. They were reminded of His goodness, His protection, His leading.
What reminders do I have?
We too have memory stones this day of how the Lord God has helped us on our way. There are precious memories of what has happened in our lives that remind us of His presence and in hindsight we see that presence. An accident where He spared my life, our daily food, family members coming together in celebration of His goodness, daily health so that I can serve Him . . . I need to see Him each and every day in all I do and say for He is with me. He is here. Emmanuel.
In the stars His handiwork I see
On the winds He speaks of majesty
Though He ruleth over land and sea
What is that to me
I will celebrate nativity
For it has its place in history
Sure He came to set His people free
What is that to me
Till one day I met Him face to face
And I sought the wonder of His grace
Then I knew that He was more than
Just a God who didn’t care
That lived away up there, and
Now He walks beside me day by day
Ever watching o’er me lest I stray
Helping me to find that narrow way
He’s everything to me