Joshua 1 (5)

And to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh Joshua spoke, saying, “Remember the word which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, saying, ‘The LORD your God is giving you rest and is giving you this land.’ Your wives, your little ones, and your livestock shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side of the Jordan. But you shall pass before your brethren armed, all your mighty men of valor, and help them, until the LORD has given your brethren rest, as He gave you, and they also have taken possession of the land which the LORD your God is giving them. Then you shall return to the land of your possession and enjoy it, which Moses the LORD’s servant gave you on this side of the Jordan toward the sunrise.” Joshua 1.12-15

Reflect and discuss.
1.  You might like to review Numbers 32 for the background of these verses. Summarize what happened there. 

2.  Why was it necessary for Joshua to address a special word to these tribes? Was there a danger these tribes might want to “rest on their laurels” rather than take up the challenge of conquering Canaan with their brethren? Is this a temptation we all face from time to time? Explain.

Think about it.
As we see in Numbers 32, the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh had already accomplished some considerable fighting. They had wrested lands and cities from pagan nations and were already busy setting up shop while the rest of the nation was preparing to enter the land. God had blessed them first and blessed them abundantly.

But He had done so in response to their word, the vow they took saying they would fight with their brethren to subdue all the land of Canaan and would only return to their appointed places once all the other tribes had received theirs. Here Joshua reminds them of God’s Word and theirs. They had taken a vow before the Lord, and Joshua was determined to help them keep it.

We’re all tempted to relax in the blessings of the Lord, and not to exert ourselves on behalf of others beyond our comfort zone. But the promise God made to Abraham – on which the conquest of Canaan would proceed – was that we are blessed so that we might be a blessing to others. That principle served as the condition for granting the request of these tribes in Numbers 32. God would bless them, but they must promise to help the other tribes gain their blessing before fully enjoying their own.

Here is another excellent principle of leadership: Hold people to their word, especially when that word – promise, vow, or stated intention – is based on God’s Word of promise to them. What are the implications of this principle for helping people fulfill their vows, whether of marriage, church membership, or church leadership?

We also notice that Joshua put these tribes at the head of the armies of Israel (v. 14). They had battle experience. The awareness of their victories, and of the lands they had won, would be always before all the people as they campaigned against the pagan nations of Canaan. Here is another solid principle of leadership: Those who are first blessed and most blessed must lead others into the blessings God has for them.

Meditate and discuss.
1.  What does it mean for you to be “blessed to be a blessing” each day? Do you seek the blessings of God in prayer? Does He grant them? Why?

2.  Complacency is a great sin, as we see in Jesus’ parable about the good Samaritan. We are too easily satisfied with our experience of faith, and not as willing to help or bless others as we should. Considering how Joshua spoke to the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh, what would Jesus speak to you about the work of your Personal Mission Field?

3.  If your church can be compared to the Reubenites, Gadites, and half-tribe of Manasseh, and your local community to the land of Canaan, how would you interpret Joshua’s instructions for your congregation?

“Rest is not given first to those who through Moses receive the inheritance—that is, those who pleased God through the law—unless they assist their brothers in the battles.…Thus those who are strong men, their loins armed and girded with truth, go forth to our aid and fight with us.” Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD)

Father, thank You for the many blessings I have known already this day. Strengthen me to take these blessings and…

Pray Psalm 126.
What is your vision for the work God has given you to do? As you think of your calling, and the Lord causing you to prosper in it, are you filled with joy and anticipation? What “sowing” will be required of you today?

Psalm 126 (Truro: Shout, for the Blessed Jesus Reigns)
When God restored our fortunes all, 
We were like those who sweetly dream.
Our mouths with joy and laughter filled, 
Made Him our constant song and theme.

Then the astonished nations said, 
“The Lord has done great things for them!”
Indeed, great things our God has done, 
Whose Name we praise, Amen, Amen!

Restore our fortunes, Lord our King!
Let grace like flowing streams prevail.
All they with tears of joy shall sing
Who sow while yet they weep and wail.

They who in tears of sorrow sow
And cast their seed on every hand, 
With joy shall reach their heav’nly home, 
And bring the harvest of their land.

T. M. Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006.