Where He is King Part 1

The book of Joshua is another story of surrender. Like Joseph, God had a calling on Joshua’s life long before He brought His will to fruition. It is in the pages of his story that we find a man who prior to God calling him, was in the shadows of scripture, not idle but somewhat hidden until the appointed time came. Chapter 1 of the book bearing his name establishes the promise God gave to Joshua before He used Him in service to lead the Israelites to the promised land of Canaan.

“No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you or forsake you. “

Interestingly enough, God does not spend time in the scripture listing all of Joshua’s credentials. He has already had His eye on Joshua from time past. He knew his capabilities, but most importantly He knew his heart.

Who Was Joshua?

Born during the time of the enslavement of the Israelites in Egypt, Joshua was the son of Nun, a brick maker or heavy laborer that most likely had never lived outside of slavery. He belonged to the tribe of Ephraim to which Joshua returned at the point of his death.

Joshua was a mighty military commander successful in battle time and time again. Later he became the assistant to Moses as he led the Israelites through the desert In the time of their rebellion. Now in the book that bears his name, he was the successor to all that God had promised both Abraham and Moses. This was His finest hour; the time God had prepared him for from years past. He was the one chosen to conquer the land promised by God, the covenant between His chosen people and God Himself.

Joshua surrendered to God’s call without delay because he trusted in the promise of God.

Surrender is no short term, on my term's decision. Rather, it’s an all-out, give it up, relinquishing of my will in favor of God’s purpose for me. Sometimes, it’s scary. Sometimes it’s sweet, but always it’s right.

Surrender includes our willingness to take the promises of God seriously.

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