The latter part of Joshua’s life was a battle, the conquest of Canaan, Israel’s God ordained inheritance.
The second occurrence of the word ‘meditation’ in the Bible is in the first chapter of Joshua. Israel came out of Egypt, (symbolises the world system) and headed for the land of Canaan, but as we know that generation failed to take the land. The ‘slave mentality’ may have been too deeply rooted in them after 400 years in Egypt, they couldn’t face the giants in Canaan, the land God had promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Their eyes were too focused on the enemy and not on the Lord!
Joshua and Caleb were the only 2 spies who brought back a positive report about the land promised by God;
7 and said(Joshua and Caleb) to the entire Israelite assembly, “The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. 8 If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. 9 Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but THE LORD IS WITH US. DO NOT BE AFRAID OF THEM.” Numbers 14:7-9
Joshua had fought the Amalakites Exodus 17:9 under Moses command, he knew about hand to hand fighting. He also knew that when Mose’s hands dropped before God, the enemy began to win. He’d experienced battle against real enemies and knew the dangers.
God said to Joshua 4 times in chapter 1, before they entered Canaan, ‘be strong and courageous, don’t be afraid of them’. But God also said to His chosen leader;
7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the Law ALWAYS ON YOUR LIPS, MEDITATE ON IT DAY AND NIGHT, SO THAT YOU MAY BE CAREFUL TO DO EVERYTHING WRITTEN IN IT. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:7, 8
KEEP DOING WHAT I SAY AND EVERYTHING WILL BE OK.
God couldn’t allow Israel to turn back a second time, they had to fight and win! So I believe it will be for the Church (Christ’s bride) in the coming times. Situations and circumstances may become difficult but we are also called to fight and win. God led Israel to victory after victory in the Land of Promise and He will do the same for the Church, but we’ll need to hear and obey His leadership. Things ahead may seem difficult, but if WE KEEP LISTENING AND LOOKING TO GOD AND NOT THE BAD REPORTS OF MEN AND THE MEDIA, He will bring His people through to a spiritual inheritance, the greatest harvest of souls in history. The outcome for the Church may well be determined by whom we’re taking our lead from, the FEAR OF GOD or the fear of man. God has planned a glorious climax for the end of the Age and Jesus return for His victorious bride.
God bless and keep you today.