![]() ![]() I agree with the respected commentator W H Griffith Thomas who wrote How many years Joshua waited for his personal allotment is difficult to discern with certainty, but the distribution of land is estimated to have taken 18 years, so it is conceivable he waited all this time to receive God's promise! In summary, it is clear that Joshua was a superlative example of the faith and patience we are called to imitate in Hebrews 6:12! How are you doing fellow follower of Christ? He patiently waited for his land "doing nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regarding others as more important than himself!" (Php 2:3 +). Joshua's patience is also seen in the fact that he was the last Israelite to receive his allotment of the land. And there is no record of Joshua grumbling or complaining during this difficult season in the wilderness (Are you in a "wilderness season"? Then imitate the example of Joshua!).Notice also that even when Joshua had miraculously crossed the Jordan into the promised land, he patiently, faithfully fought against the Canaanites for 7 years. Note also the patience of Joshua, who waited 38 years during the wilderness wanderings before he was allowed to enter the promised land. Faith enough to ask God to cause the sun to stand still (Joshua 10:12,13 +). Faith enough to believe God would make a way across the flooded Jordan so that he boldly declared "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.” (Josh 3:5ff +)." Faith enough to believe God's word that He had given Jericho into Israel's hands and all they had to do was march around Jericho! (Joshua 6:2-3 +). Faith enough to counter the bad report of the 10 faithless spies (Nu 14:11 +, contrast Nu 32:11 + and Nu 32:12 +) and stand firm even when threatened with death by stoning (Nu 14:10 +). Hebrews 6:11-12 + And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence ( spoude) so as to realize the full assurance ( plerophoria) of hope ( elpis) until the end (of this age or your life), 12 so that ( hina - purpose/result) you will not be sluggish ( nothros), but imitators ( mimetes - see 1Co 11:1 +) of those who through FAITH and PATIENCE inherit the promises.ĬOMMENT - How much faith did Joshua manifest? He had. It was not about Joshua's perfection, but his direction and the same is true of us, beloved. He was not a perfect man but he diligently sought to follow the perfect Lord. ![]() Joshua is one of those Old Testament men of God like Joseph about whom nothing negative is written. And in the following notes, we will discover how it was supernaturally possible for Joshua to follow the Lord fully. Psalm 101:6 My eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me He who walks in a blameless way is the one who will minister to me.ĬOMMENT - The Hebrew word for " minister" ( sharath Lxx = leitourgeo) is the same word used in Joshua 1:1 + to describe Joshua as Moses' servant or attendant! Joshua clearly walked in a blameless way, for he (and Caleb) followed the Lord fully (Nu 32:12 +). Phillips paraphrase - "For all those words which were written long ago are meant to teach us today that when we read in the Scriptures of the endurance of men and of all the help that God gave them in those days, we may be encouraged to go on hoping in our own time."ĬOMMENT - The principles we learn from the teachings ( didaskalia) of Joshua's life when believed and practiced will be used by the Spirit to energize supernatural encouragement, endurance, and hope. Romans 15:4NET + For everything ( HOW MUCH?) that was written in former times was written for our instruction ( didaskalia), so that ( hina - purpose clause - Prompts question "What purpose?") through endurance ( hupomone) and through encouragement ( paraklesis) of the Scriptures ( graphe) we may have ( present tense - continually have) hope ( elpis = " Hope sure, not hope so!"). So why should we meditate on the "old, old story" of the life of Joshua and even seek to imitate his example? I'm glad you asked! Let's see how Scripture answers this question. Some evangelical pastors (e.g., Andy Stanley) say the Old Testament is of no value for New Testament living. Joshua's Rest Foreshadows a Greater Rest.Joshua's Personal Relationship with the LORD.Joshua's Training as a Disciple of Moses. ![]()
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