Victory’s Battle Cry—A Study in Joshua-Part 1; From Servant to Commander in Chief
There was an incredible Christian lady I met once at a conference who declared that in the book of Joshua was found every secret needed by a child of God to be victorious in every battle against the forces of sin within and the enemy without. So, I have decided it is time to embark on a journey through the book of Joshua.
As an introduction to the history behind Joshua, let us quickly review the scene on which this book begins. Moses had been chosen to lead the Israelite nation out of Egypt where they had been enslaved and into the Promised Land that had been given to Abraham so long before. God had promised this land to Abraham and his descendants.
Despite the grave moments of failures in faith and the sin filled hearts seeking self exaltation, God had preserved His remnants of faithful followers who sought after God with all their heart and soul. Despite their own human frailties they had seen just enough of God’s Glory that they knew Him to be their greatest treasure and they became those who were chosen to carry on the message of God from generation to generation
Moses had led the people out of slavery and into the wilderness; but as the trials came, much of the nation turned to seek after idols of their own making—one’s they could mold out of gold. Thus a generation would be left to wander in the wilderness until all had died and a new generation of faith filled people would emerge from the ashes to follow after God. Moses had lead the people out and had been given the law written in stone by God’s own hand. The ark of the Covenant was built to “house the presence of God” among the people and the book of the law was housed within the ark. There had emerged from among the people a young servant who ministered to Moses, who fearlessly went forth to battle against the enemies of God and who had remained faithful awaiting Moses when he had pleaded with God for the people and when Moses had seen the glimpse of God’s Glory—Joshua was waiting just below. Joshua had known the victory in battle found only with God’s help as he had fought the Amalekites and Joshua never forgot the truth that God is the Victory, without Him there is no hope.
Deuteronomy 34: “8 And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days: so the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended.9 And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses.10 And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face,”
And so, we come to the book of Joshua.
Joshua 1: “1 Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying, 2 Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. 3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.”
Joshua has now been called out to lead God’s people into the land that God had promised. What made Joshua a good leader?
1. He had been a good and faithful servant to Moses, even when the crowds had turned away—Joshua stood beside Moses.
2. He always remembered God’s faithfulness in the past and thus trusted God’s faithfulness in the future. He knew that God keeps His promises.
3. He saw nothing as impossible for God to accomplish.
What about you and me? What has God called upon you to do? What trial stands before you that looks impossible? Look back at all the trials that God, alone has helped you through. Has God asked you to be the faithful servant of someone? Perhaps you are the leader He has prepared to sound the Victory’s Cry today. Our battle every day is against sin within our own hearts and God wants us to be victorious. God has prepared us for the battle and He is our Victory.
That is the truth known by David Ring as he sings There is Victory in Jesus.
© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to any brands, products or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides regarding the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”