A Promise of Faithfulness
Joshua 1:12-2:4
Synopsis Joshua 1:12-2:4 4/8/2018
Reuben, Gad and Manasseh were the three tribes that had petitioned Moses to give them land east of the Jordan. Joshua confronted them to ensure their willingness to go into the Promised Land along with the rest of the tribes. The leaders of the tribes committed to following Joshua just as they had followed Moses.
About the same time, Joshua sent 2 men to spy out Jericho.
A Promise of Faithfulness
In the Proverbs it is written, “Many say, ‘My loyal friend,’ but who can find someone worthy of trust?” Prov 20:6
Joshua had to know if he could count on the three tribes before making preparations to enter the land. He forced the issue by confronting them. He received their assurances and pledge of fidelity.
Do You Also Want to Leave?
Jesus once said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?” John 6:67
He didn’t say this because he wasn’t sure. He knew what each one would do. He asked the question in order that each one could make a declaration. It was an opportunity for each of His disciples to declare their intention to be faithful – or not.
This way of givenness is public. A place of commitments that we make out-loud. We declare our intention to follow not because it assures God, but because it drives a stake in the ground as a reference concerning what I believe and what I intend to do about it.
Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong. 1 Cor 16:13
