Heralds Digest

“Pass through the camp and command the people, saying, ‘Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you will cross over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you to possess.’” (Joshua 1:11 NKJV) Responsibility and respect are two sides of a single currency, which unlocks the gate to great possessions in life. Everyone is capable of showing both responsibility in order to earn respect, and respect in order to reward responsibility. While the officers of Israel passed through the hosts, it may be difficult for anyone within the camp to see the two sides at the same time; But no one might have been able to pass over Jordan without trusting the commands from each of the officers. Taking responsibility and rewarding respect in life represent the making of consistent preparation in order to own personal challenge of possible Jordan jump to our possession.

"Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses." (Joshua 1:3 NKJV) A turn-by-turn global positioning system (GPS) device is required to navigate a place previously unknown,even after one has obtained a valid right of operation on the land. God's promise of fruitfulness to Joshua may appear boundless, if the statement is considerably taken out of context; But the 'every place' is bounded by the detailed knowledge of the boundaries mapping of the Promised Land, and the unceasing meditation on the law of God. Every footstep in place outside the outlined path is obviously an effort in futility.

"But since then there has not arisen in Israel a prophet like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face." (Deuteronomy 34:10 NKJV) In the world of facebook, twitter and other social networking capabilities, face to face communication is being redefined. Even while Moses lived in a primitive world with no cyber socialization, the challenges of managing the nagging problems of the Israelites are sufficient distractions from effective communications. Inspite of the prevailing physical distractions, Moses cultivated a spiritual intimacy with the throne of grace which enables face to face interactions with the Maker of heaven and earth. Face to face intercation with earthly challenges will definitely enhance face to face intimacy with heavenly resources, if we are open to divine intervention.

“The eternal God is your refuge, And underneath are the everlasting arms; He will thrust out the enemy from before you, And will say, ‘Destroy!’” (Deuteronomy 33:27 NKJV) Destruction is the natural trademark of the enemy. Therefore, there is no sense in negotiating deliverance with any agent of darkness. God offers not just a great deliverance from every attack from the camp of the wicked, He specializes in wasting all the armours of unrighteousness. It may take time to effectively annihilate the strategies of the devil, there will be no harm for all who are contented with the shadow of the Almighty. Total deliverance in the refuge of our eternal God comes with complete destruction of the Destroyer.

“Now see that I, even I, am He, And there is no God besides Me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; Nor is there any who can deliver from My hand.” (Deuteronomy 32:39 NKJV) In the depth of every man’s state of disorganized potentials and damaged possessions, it is easy to see nothing but frustrations and shifting of accusations. Even when it’s possible someone orchestrate actions that acceptably diminish the potentials of self or others, God’s ultimate plan remains good for those who can fully surrender to His sovereignty. Although He often kills to keep alive, and may open wound to keep healthy, seeking alternative path to prosperity will obviously be an effort in futility. While it is normal to query the incidences of our trials, God’s intentions are unquestionable.

"Then He inaugurated (commissioned) Joshua the son of Nun, and said, "Be strong and of good courage; for you shall bring the children of Israel into the land of which I swore to them, and I will be with you."" (Deuteronomy 31:23 NKJV) The bringing of the children of Israel into the Promised Land is no small project; it extends beyond the life of Moses. With Joshua's commissioning, the continuation of the project, from where Moses stopped, was guaranteed. Needless to underscore the fact that any project without God's commissioning instrument must die with its initiator. We are all called to serve our generation while we breathe. Although every engagement in activities that produce any good is commendable, only those with the backing of God, and guarantee the extension of goodness beyond our life, are commendable. Invariably, we can live forever when we elect to become God's project, instead of assuming the position of the manager.

“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV) Change is easily managed and highly motivated when all new conditions clearly indicate improvement over the old conditions. However, when conditions and circumstances surrounding the life project appear to proceed without clear improvement, the cause for alarm is evident. All of Israel, including Moses and Joshua, understood the dilemma of the proposed change of leadership from Moses to Joshua; and how it could create fear and discouragement, unless God’s position is accepted by faith. We can only accept any change in condition, location and position with motivational strength and courage, when we are confident about the fact that God that lead the way is unchanging.