February 21, 2023 - Joshua 2-3

Joshua is now leading Israel, and the people said to Joshua, “All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you” (1:16,17). Oops! They're going to obey Joshua just like they obeyed Moses? Could be trouble. With Israel, we’re not looking at a particularly encouraging track record, are we?

Well, they have committed. The people have promised. But it’s one thing to say, “I’ll do this or that,” it’s quite another matter actually to do this or that. How do we put it: “Talk is cheap,” “Time to put up or shut up,” and other such sayings. Now, the hard work begins. The spies are sent into Jericho, where they meet up with Rahab and face all sorts of intrigue. In this Canaanite prostitute they found an important ally, and she, amazingly, is even found in the genealogy of the Messiah (Matt. 1:5). God works in wonderful ways and he often leads us in surprising ways.

Joshua to the people: “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you” (3:5). Oh, the people must work, but ultimately, the wonders they are about to see are God’s wonders. How did Paul put it? “He is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think” (Eph. 3:20).

He leadeth me: O blessed thought! O words with heavenly comfort fraught! Whate'er I do, where’er I be, still ‘tis God's hand that leadeth me.

He leadeth me, he leadeth me; by his own hand he leadeth me: his faithful follower I would be, for by his hand he leadeth me. -- J. H. Gilmore (1862)