THE GOAL OF CHRISTIAN LIVING. [Joshua 1:1-4] God’s master plan was to have His people in Canaan, which was the goal He was leading them to. It was a land flowing with milk and honey. He had promised this land to Abraham. Deliverance from Egypt was preparation for enjoying Canaan's rest. [Heb. 3,4]. The foundations of our faith—the new birth and justification—are laid so we can build a Christian life in sanctification and holiness. We were brought out that we might be brought in.
Four persons named in the scriptures are called “the servants of the Lord”: Moses, Joshua, David, and the Messiah (Jehovah’s Perfect Servant). The Lord spoke directly to Joshua to encourage him in the new leadership role he had been given, which would have greatly strengthened his faith. He knew the Lord was with him because God said He would be. The Lord urged him to obey all the law said. When a person knows God personally and gladly does His will, he or she will be successful. Successful work for the Lord depends on a person’s courage, thought life, and obedience to Him. Keeping God’s word in our hearts will shape our character and guide us through both good and bad times.
Many Christians are content to stay in the wilderness and remain there. “Just as long as I am saved, that’s all I want.” That is where Christians live in defeat rather than victory. We do not gain the rest God promises through resolutions, consecration, prayer, and fasting. We receive the blessings of the promised land by faith and approach victory from a place of victory rather than trying to work up to it. The cross and the empty tomb give us victory. “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
We only possess what we claim. [Jos. 1:3-4]. A generation of doubters died before they claimed the land. Many Christians perish in indulgence, worldliness, and sin and are “saved by fire.” Joshua and Caleb “wholly followed the Lord” and entered the promised land of blessing. There are enemies (seven nations) trying to hold that land. We wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities---powers---rulers of darkness---spiritual wickedness. We must press forward against every foe and each assault, knowing that our Joshua has conquered all enemies. The book of Joshua is more than a record of events; it reveals what God can do in and through the life surrendered to Him.
Joshua 1:1. Israel was at the Jordan River and had finished mourning for Moses, who had just died [De.34:7-8]. The disobedient generation had passed away, and now a new one is ready to possess the land. They have been taught to obey God’s laws. They have learned that faith and obedience lead to victory, while unbelief and disobedience result in tragedy. Three speeches in this first chapter are significant in their order and content. In the first nine verses, where we read the words of the Lord to Joshua, He calms the fear and uncertainty of this new leader by assuring Joshua of His presence and guidance when he is determined to do what the Lord intends. The Lord intended that Israel would possess the area described, but that only happened briefly under Solomon’s reign. Success is not guaranteed unconditionally. Obedience after meditation is the key to success because the Lord alone has the authority over the lives and course of His people.