In the hustle and bustle of today, it is so easy to forget something as we are pulled between the roles of husband, father, son, brother, worker, manager, leader, etc. We have emails, calendars, both digital and paper, memos, texts, and post-its to keep us on track. This past week, we studied “Focus” through the story of Joshua making the sun stand still in the sky.
This story comes on the heels of the exodus – Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt to the borders of the Promised Land. The Journey lasted longer than expected as it was riddled with episodes of Israelite grumbling, remembering the leeks and garlic of Egypt, but continually forgetting the majesty and faithfulness of God. They actually saw the plagues against Egypt, the splitting of the Red Sea, the pillar of cloud and fire, the Ten Commandments, His presence at Mount Sinai and the tabernacle, and they forgot. They forgot who God was and what His covenant with them, His chosen people.
The Lord renewed the covenant He had with Moses with Joshua, the new leader of His people. “Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses. No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them.” What great promises from God! It was interesting to see that Joshua in his leading agreed to a treaty with a deceitful people without seeking “guidance from the Lord.” Despite being deceived, he was faithful to his word. Does that remind you of someone else? In our relationships with God, is it He that deceives us? No! We are the sinful ones that turn our backs on Him. Joshua assists the deceitful allies, and God joins in the fight, killing more off the enemy armies with hailstones, than the Israelites killed. Time was running out and Joshua prayed that the sun would stand still. God heard the request and honored it.
Joshua is such an amazing example of having focus. Even in the story, when he did not demonstrate proper focus, he quickly aligned his sight on God. He exhibited a life of integrity. I have a feeling this was not just a one-time example of focus and faithfulness, but that Joshua lived with focus every day. In fact, in God’s words to Joshua in Chapter 1, God gives his expectations for Joshua. “Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Be strong and courageous, Joshua, to not only know the law, but to do it. Do not turn to the left or right. In fact, Joshua, meditate on it day and night. For then God can hear your requests and honor them.
Be strong and courageous, brothers! Not as you blaze a trail through this busy life, counting the casualties later. Be strong and courageous! Meditate on His word. Remember, the stories, for we are a part of this heritage of faith. The Israelites’ stories are part of our story, that is, they are a part of His story. Remember! Be strong and courageous! Keep your focus on Him even in the hectic busyness of life because it is not enough to know His word. We are called to do it. Live it. Follow Him… for He is faithful! Be strong and courageous, brothers!