READ: Josh. 1:10-18
So they answered Joshua, saying, ‘All that you command us we will do, and wherever you send us, we will go.’– Josh. 1:16
Just because Joshua is greatly encouraged by God and taught thoroughly does not mean he should passively wait for things to happen. Being in God’s service doesn’t mean having nothing to do! On the contrary, we will eagerly serve God with the means He provides.
Joshua also fulfills his role as a leader and immediately gives his orders through the officials. The people must prepare themselves with provisions and weapons to cross the Jordan and take possession of the land the LORD is giving them. The LORD gives it, and they are responsible for taking possession.
Furthermore, the tribes that would receive their territory beyond the Jordan are also put to work. They, too, must fight in the land of Canaan. This condition was set earlier. The LORD gives them the rest of the promised land, but they must fight first.
The beautiful thing is that these tribes willingly agree to this. They commit to brotherhood, even if it requires time and effort. The Spirit of the LORD is present here, showing the expression of the communion of the saints. They work as an active unit, putting in effort and sacrificing for the good of others in the church.
This willingness is evident on the part of the tribes beyond the Jordan: they leave their wives and children behind for the LORD’s sake. They do this in faith, resting on God’s promise that they will be able to return to their assigned land.
In this way, they use their gifts and strengths for the benefit of God’s people as a whole. They demonstrate that they are one body of Christ in one Spirit (1 Cor. 12). They even encourage Joshua, the leader, with earnest words from the Spirit in vv.17 and 18.
What is your sacrifice for the unity of the church?
Singing: Ps. 122:1