The RECIPE for TRUE SUCCESS in our lives
March 4 Bible
Reading: Joshua Chapters 1-3
The RECIPE for TRUE SUCCESS in our lives
The story of
the Israelites continues after the death of Moses when God appoints Joshua to
govern instead of Moses, and gives him instructions and encouragement (Josh
1:1-9) to cross over the Jordan
River into the land of Canaan. The time has come for the new leadership to
continue the work under God’s direction. A wise leader does not completely
abandon the past, but builds on the work already accomplished and progresses towards
the future. Moses was mentioned fifty-seven times in the book of Joshua, which
is a good indication that his leadership was still revered and emulated. Just
like Moses was mentioned twice as ‘the
servant of God’ in Josh 1:1-2, Joshua was also mentioned as ‘the servant of God’ in Josh 24:29. We
should note that the important person in the story is not the servant
but the Master.
During the
course of giving instructions and encouragement to Joshua, God also gives the recipe for true success, which is also very much meaningful for our
lives:
- God’s favor and presence should be
with us in everything we do. God told Joshua: "...as
I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake
you" (Josh 1:5b). Our Lord Jesus has also promised to be with us
always, no matter what: "...I am
with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matt 28:20b). For He (Jesus) Himself has said, "I
will never leave you nor forsake you" (Heb 13:5b).
- We should be strong and of good
courage. God told
Joshua: "Be strong and of good
courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I
swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, that
you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded
you" (Josh 1:6-7a). We have also received a similar exhortation: "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the
Lord and in the power of His might" (Eph 6:10). To aid in that
attitude, we are told to put on the whole
armor of God and supplement with watchful prayer at all times (Eph
6:11-18).
- We should read and continually
meditate on God’s Word. God told Joshua: "This Book
of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day
and night..." (Josh 1:8a). Bible reading and meditation is an integral
part of God’s recipe for true success.
- We should do everything that God’s
Word tells us to do.
God further told Joshua: "...that
you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will
make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success" (Josh
1:8b). The Book of the Law can be equated to God’s Word for us. Total obedience
to God’s Word will give us lasting and real success.
We should note that Joshua was one of the few leaders of Israel who had an unblemished and successful leadership. God did truly great miracles through Joshua, like parting the Jordan River, toppling the walls of Jericho and making the sun stand still. He was able to ‘walk wisely’ as and when He followed God’s instructions completely. God wants us also to obey His Word completely and follow the recipe for true success. Then we will be able to ‘walk wisely’ as well. "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise" (Eph 5:15).
