GOD’S STRATEGIES WORK!
Greetings! Today I will share God’s Word with the Richmond Church family during the worship service and then meet with two churches this afternoon. Please let’s keep each other in prayer today.
This morning, I would like to consider the life of the faith hero Joshua. One of my favourite Bible verses is his statement, “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… . But as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15 NKJV).
The Lord “appeared” to Joshua to encourage him just before he carried out the mission entrusted to him to conquer the fortified Jericho and to lead God’s people to possess Canaan. That took place was when Joshua had felt a strong urge to pray prior to facing that challenge ahead. “It was with great anxiety and self-distrust that Joshua had looked forward to the work before him… .” (EGW, PP, 482).
Yes, after leaving Egypt Joshua was positively influenced by Moses to walk with God, under the impression of the Holy Spirit. Together with his faithful friend Caleb, another faith giant, Joshua was motivated to pursue that noble task. Both, Joshua and Caleb, forty years before made the decision to walk and trust in God’s power rather than joining the band of those who distrusted God’s promises. They had learned that God works not by “might nor by power, but by My Spirit” (Zac. 4:6).
The lesson here is clear for us. Every time we decide to pray earnestly, trust in God, and seek His presence in our lives, like Joshua did, we can count on His wisdom and direction. God told Joshua how to organize the Israelite army to take over Jericho. Joshua, a “war strategist”, was surprised with the “naïve strategy” introduced by God. The Israelites had to go around the city playing their trumpets and … shout. Would that be possible? Joshua had learned to respect and obey God’s Word. He followed His instructions and the Israelites were victorious.
Sometimes, we do not understand God’s plans and are tempted to think that they might not work. By doing that we forget that it is not by our own skills and strength, but by God’s Holy Spirit, that we will overcome our challenging situations in life.
When the Israelites finally conquered Canaan, Joshua encouraged them to always choose God, walk, and depend on Him. He could see some traits of idolatry amongst the people already. Then, he appealed to them: “Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in truth and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord! … But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:14-15 NKJV)
The people needed to make that decision by love, not by force, because love is the foundation of true worship. Only by God’s loving presence in our lives will we be able to stand and triumph against our enemy’s deceptions!
Happy Sabbath!
In His Service,
Wesley Torres
President
