May 5, 2014 (Monday)
Beginning at Genesis 11:26, which informs us of the birth of Abram, the Bible tells us the story of the Jews, although they were not yet called by that name. Born in Ur of Chaldea, God promised him many descendants. Eventually his grandson Jacob and his twelve sons arrived in Egypt, where the family grew into a nation within Egypt for 400 years. Accepted and honored at first, they were eventually made to become slaves. They cried out to God for deliverance, and God gave them Moses, who at 80 years of age became their leader for 40 years until his death. The story is easily followed by reading the first five books of the bible.
Now we come to the next book, the book of Joshua, which continues the story and tells of how, under the new leadership of Joshua, who was chosen by God for the task, the people cross the river and move into the promised land. Then follows the stories of conquest, and, finally, the division of the land for the tribes of Israel. Joshua’s death is reported in the book along with a great challenge: “Choose for yourselves today whom you will serve…as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15).
The Book of Joshua – Devotional Thoughts
The story was only partially told when Joshua, totally prepared for the mission, became the new face of leadership. He completed the task that Moses had begun. This reminds us of Paul’s word to the church at Corinth: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth” (1 Corinthians 3:6 HCSB). Moses will always be honored for his many achievements as a one-of-a-kind leader, and his greatness is recognized the world over for many reasons. Probably many people thought no one could take Moses’ place as leader, but God Himself chose someone who could do the job. Joshua’s words to the Israelites show us the kind of leader he was: “”Choose for yourselves today whom you will serve…as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Our real leader is the Lord Himself.
Moses was great, but so was Joshua. Today we can learn lessons from the past that guide us in the present as we plan for the future. The past is always relevant, especially as we contemplate the future.