TIME TO TAKE ACTION

Joshua 1: 10-18

Have you ever tried driving while looking at the rear view mirror? If you do this, chances are high that you will get into a major accident and not reach your desired destination.

Unfortunately, there are some people who are living their lives looking at the rear view mirror. They are people who are very much stuck on their past. They have not gotten over their past failures and painful experiences so much so that they are missing the blessing of a greater future.

On the contrary, the apostle Paul was the kind of man who never dwelt in the past. He was always striving to achieve a greater future. Once he wrote the church in Philippi and told them:

Notice his words, "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead." Evidently, Paul understood that it takes some radical actions in order to experience God's planned future for him.

Likewise, Joshua lived out this principle. Last Sunday, we have seen how God has revealed to Joshua and the Israelites their future. We also have emphasized the assurances that God has given them such as His presence and power being with them as they obey Him. This morning, we will find Joshua applying God's words, taking some essential actions in order to attain God's future for him and the nation of Israel. Let's look at our passage and examine the initial actions that Joshua had taken:

I     HE DIRECTED WITHOUT PROCRASTINATION: (vs. 10-11)

After Joshua had received the Word of the Lord, he believed it wholeheartedly and acted without delay. He went to his military officers commanding them to tell everyone to get ready for in three days, they will cross the Jordan River.

Why three days? Why not after a month or two? He could have reasoned, "We have already been delayed for 40 years, a month or two will not make a big difference"

The truth of the matter is for many people the longer they delay, the more they become reluctant to comply with God's requirements. Listen to these words of the Psalmist:

Joshua was wise enough to act immediately. How about us? What are we waiting for? Is it possible that you are still waiting for a better condition? For the right moment? Someone once said these wise words:

Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must be overcome first.

What do think had happen if Joshua gathered a committee, and tried to get some consensus? I think he would spend another 40 years trying to overcome the people's objections. I believe with all my heart that once you have a sense of where God is leading you, His desire is that you act without delay.

II    HE DEMANDED PREPARATION: (v.11)

"Get your supplies ready"

Another important lesson we can learn from Joshua if we want to move into a great future is the value of right preparation. When he said to his officers - GET YOUR SUPPLIES READY, he was commanding them to prepare their food primarily the meats of animals such as sheep, or cows which they have obtained from the countries they have conquered. Of course the manna that God supplied to them was still available, but it could not be kept overnight without getting spoiled.

Why is this so important? Well, the Israelites are crossing the Jordan River to possess the Promised Land, which was inhabited by giants. They all need to be physically fit to face all the challenges ahead of them. From the place where they were settled to the Jordan was about eight miles; then, after they have crossed, they will have to fight some big battles. They really have to be ready!

Now, by application, we also should make sure that we are properly nourished physically and spirituality if we are to enter into our places of blessings in God.

Are you fit for the battles of life? God has proper provisions for all of us:

Be aware that Satan will do everything to keep us from entering into our promised land. We need to be well-equipped to overcome his every evil scheme against us. Just like Joshua and his army we can be victorious if we are well prepared.

III   HE DEPENDED ON PARTNERSHIPS: (vs. 12-18)

The next verses are really interesting. Joshua reminded the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh that though they had received their inheritance east of the Jordan, they have promised to fight with their brothers and assist them conquering the land west of Jordan (Num. 32:16-32; Deut. 3:12-20).

Then, in verses 16-18, we will find their response that shows they have not yet forgotten their promise and were ready to stand by it. Even to the point of serving as front liners in the attack on Canaan.

In principle, this effort of Joshua to bring in the two and a half tribes promoted the concept of God's people being a TEAM. Very clearly, he wants to send the message that:

WE DON'T JUST FIGHT FOR OURSELVES, BUT FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS ALSO

We all need partners in life. This is the reason why we have our family, our friends, and brothers and sisters in Christ. We must be willing just like the Reubenites, the Gadites, and half of the tribe of Manasseh to make the sacrifices of leaving wives, children and valuable possessions behind to help our brothers and sisters attain their promise land.

Apparently, the idea of partnership begins from God:

• Moses and Aaron (Ex. 4:16)
• Caleb and Joshua (Ex. 14:6)
• Elijah and Elisha ( 2 Kings 2:6)
• Seventy Sent Forth Two by Two (Lk. 10:1)
• Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:2)

Beloved, let us not try to have a great future on our own. Let's do our best to assist our loved ones and fellow believers to be the best they can be for the glory of God.

Before I close, I don't want to miss a portion in verse 17, wherein the two and a half tribe included in their response - A prayer for Joshua:

Only may the Lord your God be with you as he was with Moses.

Thinking of partnership among believers, great partnerships can be forged in prayers. The warriors have recognized the significance of Joshua's leadership among them, and so they have invoked God's presence upon him.

We should absolutely invoke God's presence and power upon each other. The apostle Paul was never embarrassed to request prayers from the believers:

Consider these verses, Paul seeks prayers because he acknowledges the fact that his effectivity will come from God's sufficiency upon Him. Can you commit yourself to pray for someone? Can I count on you to pray for BCI and all her leaders? As the Lord moves us into a greater future, we will need more prayers.

Once again, if you have sense God's direction for you, you have to start taking some actions. Don't delay. Make the necessary preparations and forge some significant partnerships. Your promised land will not come to you. You have to go and possess it.