Joshua 4 (7)

Read Joshua 4

Reflect.
1.  It was important that the people of Israel should have tangible reminders of the presence of God with them as they crossed the Jordan and entered the land of promise. Why? 

2.  The Lord has given us His Supper as a tangible reminder of His presence with us. Do you think the Lord’s Supper is as important to us as it ought to be? Why or why not? 

Think about it.
The danger always exists that the people of God will trust more in their leaders and programs than in the Lord. The people of Israel witnessed the greatness of Joshua, and they feared him. They observed the military prowess of the armies of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. But while these leaders and fighters were important, the people must trust only in the Lord.

To that end, God reminded His people of the mighty work He had done for them. They watched as the Jordan River withdrew from the ark of the covenant and stood in a heap while they crossed. And they understood the meaning of the memorial stones, both those in the camp at Gilgal and those left behind in the Jordan.

Now they were in the land of promise, following trusted leaders and protected by armed warriors. Would they continue to trust in the Lord only, or would they and their leaders begin to put more confidence in the flesh? Would God give them another sign to remind them that they were His people and they must trust in Him?

Meditate and discuss.
1.  Do we as God’s people face the temptation to put more confidence in men than in the Lord? Can you give an example?

2.  Do church members have a responsibility toward their leaders, to help them focus on and trust in the Lord? Explain.

3.  Our calling as believers is to seek the Kingdom and glory of God (1 Thess. 2.12), and to lay hold on His precious and very great promises (2 Pet. 1.4). Israel set up camp at Gilgal, but that was just the beginning of their mission. We build churches, hire pastors, and set up programs. But these are just the beginning of our mission, not the end of it. What is our mission?

“For all our present life is designated as one day. Therefore we are instructed through that mystery not to put off our acts and works of righteousness until tomorrow but rather ‘today’—that is, while we are living, while we are lingering in this world—to make haste to accomplish all things that pertain to perfection, so that on the tenth day of the first month, we shall be able to enter the land of promise, that is, the blessedness of perfection.” Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD)

As I think about the mission You have appointed for me today, Lord, I…

Pray Psalm 135.
Reflect on God’s sovereign power and saving mercy as you head out into your Personal Mission Field today. Give Him thanks and praise for what He has done and call on Him to help you go forward into His promises in the day ahead.

Psalm 135 (St. Gertrude: Onward, Christian Soldiers)
Praise the Savior, praise Him, for His Name is good; 
Sing, for it is pleasant, to our glorious God!
All whom He has chosen and redeemed by grace, 
Praise His Name together, praise Him in this holy place!
Refrain v. 1
Praise the Name of Jesus, you who serve His Word!
Raise your voice and praise our good and glorious Lord!

Great and sovereign, Jesus rules o'er all above, 
Doing as He pleases, sovereign in His love.
Clouds and seas obey Him, lightning, too, and rain; 
He the winds brings forth in pow’r and sends them back again.
Refrain

Egypt’s firstborn fell to God's redeeming pow’r; 
Kings and nations crumbled in redemption's hour.
He the land of promise to His people gave; 
Thus His Kingdom Jesus gives to all He's pleased to save.
Refrain

Evermore Your Name, O Savior, shall endure!
Your renown throughout all ages is secure.
For You have compassion, vindicating all
Those who serve Your Name and on Your saving mercy call.
Refrain

Vain the nations serve the idols of their hands; 
Mouths and ears they have but cannot understand.
Every idol vain is, lacking life or breath; 
All who serve them, like them, shall be lost to lasting death.
Refrain

Bless the Lord you people, all who love the Lord!
Bless Him, you who trust His sovereign, holy Word!
Bless the Lord from Zion, Him Who in it dwells; 
Praise Him! Lift your voices, all His grace and glory tell!
Refrain

T. M. Moore

The seven lessons in this week’s study in the book of Joshua, and all previous weeks, are available as free downloads by clicking here.

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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).