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. – Joshua 1:5
Some children learn that “Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho… and the walls came tumbling down” in their Sunday School class. Archaeologists have found these ancient walls, which were at least 13 feet high and backed by watchtowers that were 28 feet tall. The archaeologists have found evidence that the walls made of mud brick and stone had collapsed. Some who study acoustics have said that the marching of about 8,000 men and the audible sounds of the shofars could have created “infrasounds (sounds per second in the range below what the human ear can hear)” which could have contributed to the falling of the Jericho walls. The fallen walls are part of a larger complex in Israel’s West Bank now protected as a World Heritage site.
Joshua was the leader of Israel after Moses died and led the people to cross into the Promised Land. Professor of Bible and Theology at Emmaus Bible College, Dr. Jonathan Routley, writes, “Embedded in the historical narratives are some aspects of Joshua’s experience that hint at the person and work of Jesus.” He says Joshua was a “leader who follows the Lord’s Law, a deliverer who rescues sinners, a warrior who conquers his enemies, a prophet to speaks the Lord’s words, a victor who shares the inheritance with his people, and a servant who faithfully enacts the Lord’s will.” In the life of Joshua, Routley writes, “We have a powerful picture of Jesus, who said of himself that he came as a servant to give his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). Jesus is the ultimate servant of the Lord who perfectly kept the law and perfectly lives for the glory of his Father”
In today’s verse, God promises Joshua that no one will be able to stand against him and that He will not forsake him. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, these same promises are yours. “If God is for us, who can be against us” (Romans 8:31), and “Never will I leave you; Never will I forsake you“ (Hebrews 13:5, NIV). Be encouraged. Keep moving ahead in the will of God for you. Be assured of His presence and power. He can tear down any wall that stands in your way. As Dr. Adrian Rogers reminds you, “Living victoriously is not your responsibility; it is, rather, your response to God’s ability.” You have conquering power through Christ. Be thankful and courageous!
Today’s Verse: Joshua 1:5
No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, I will be with you. I will not abandon you, and I will not forsake you
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Hebrews 13:1-9
Let brotherly love continue. 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 3 Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. 4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. 5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we can confidently say,
“The Lord is my helper;
I will not fear;
what can man do to me?”
7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 9 Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
