Go, consecrate the people. Tell them, 'Consecrate yourselves in preparation for tomorrow; for this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: That which is devoted is among you, O Israel. You cannot stand against your enemies until you remove it.
There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded that Joshua did not read to the whole assembly of Israel, including the women and children, and the aliens who lived among them.
The men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord. Then Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the assembly ratified it by oath.
From Joshua 7-9 NIV
God prepares us for the tasks we have been given. Faith, given by the Spirit, is a requirement to receive the gifts from God. By faith Moses, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and so many others accomplished their work. By placing faith in a devoted item, an idol, a mind is split; for one cannot serve two masters. God caught him, the one with the devoted things. Israel purged itself by stoning him. James tells us to come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Ch 4:8 NIV. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1 NIV.
Part of leadership is giving direction to colleagues, team members, classmates, parisioners, and community members as a whole. Here Joshua does not leave anyone out in explaining expectations. Here we read that women, children and foreigners were included in this instruction of every word. Nothing was left out. All members had knowledge and were aware of expectations. We all have leadership roles as parents, members of the community and as members of the Body of Chirst. The position of leadership is a difficult position. By faith in Christ, we can do much.
God has told Israel to wipe out the inhabitants and to not make treaties. Look at what happend to Joshua when he used his own knowledge and did not look to the Lord. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
In what do you place your faith? Any devoted items?
How do you consider the leadership roles God has given you? How do you acknowledge him in those roles?
What things do you give to God for daily direction and guidance?
How do your actions show that you are raising up Christ in your life?
Pray for safety, protection, and open hearts to the Lord for our children.
In Christ,
David P
No comments:
Post a Comment