Point 2 – Joshua’s Suffering

Joshua was born into Egyptian slavery and knew what it was to suffer. In Exodus 3:7-9, Scripture records the Jews experienced great affliction in Egypt and cried out to God for deliverance. The Hebrews had the Prophetic Words of encouragement while they were, in bondage, in Egypt:

• God Promised to Abraham that his Descendant would inherit the Land (Genesis 12:7; Genesis 15:18-21).
• God Promised of Deliverance from bondage (Genesis 15:14).
• God reiterated His Promise of His Presence to the Nation of Israel (Exodus 6:6-8).
• Joseph’s word concerning Israel’s deliverance and possession of the Promised Land (Genesis 50:22-26).

God’s pattern for life is that suffering must come before glory. This was true of the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 24:26; 1Peter 1:11; Philippians 2:6-11), and it is true for His (God’s) Servant (1Peter 4:13; 5:10) – 1Peter 5:10 “And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (NIV).  When His Servant suffers in God’s Will and depends on His grace, that suffering has a maturing and purifying effect on his life.

Sadly, we have too many Leaders today, in Christendom, who proudly display their medals, but they cannot show us their scars. Jesus’ Calvary wounds are now glorified in Heaven, an eternal reminder that suffering and glory goes together in God’s Purpose. Suffering sometimes makes people bitter. But when suffering is mixed with Faith and God’s Grace, then it becomes a wonderful “way” for building godly character (2Corinthians 12:1-10). When God’s Servant accepts suffering as a moulding process in fulfilling God’s Purpose, then suffering can work in His (God’s) Servant and for the Servant to accomplish His Will.

Point 3 – Joshua’s Faithfulness

1Corinthians 4:2 “Moreover, it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” Definition – A Faithful Person is one who can be relied on, accountable, steadfast in affection or allegiance, firm in adherence to promises or in observance of duty. The Person is trustworthy; one who shows himself faithful in business transactions, carrying out of commands or the discharge of official duties; conscientious, accountable. Exodus 24:13 “And Moses rose up, and his Servant, Joshua; and Moses went up into the Mount of God,” Joshua is called Moses’ Servant (Minister), which indicated that Joshua was now an official assistant to Moses, the Leader of Israel.

Joshua accompanied Moses to the Mount and went with him when he judged the people for making the golden calf (Exodus 32:17). It was not enough that Joshua be a good Warrior; he also had to know the God of Israel and the Law God gave His people to obey. The secret of Joshua’s victories was not so much his military skill but his submission to God (Joshua 1:8) and to God’s Word (Joshua 5:13-15). Joshua was not only a man of faith and courage, but he was also a man of unqualified obedience both to Moses his Leader and to God (Exodus 17:8-10; 24:13-18 with Exodus 32:15-18; Numbers 27:18; Deuteronomy 34:9).

To be continued….. Stay tuned…..