Horizon: Rise and Crossover (Joshua 1)

{Note: We are going to consider together the book of Joshua over the next couple of months … join us on Sunday mornings at 10:30 as we contemplate the truths that we are taught.}

The Lord said to Joshua “Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan …” (1:2)

The people stood on the horizon of entering the promised land. We all face the times in our life when we are standing on the horizon of change, of receiving something amazing. Perhaps it might be a new job, or going to college, or looking into the eyes of someone and saying “I do.” These new events carry with them a sense of excitement and bewilderment wondering what will happen.

Will I have success? Or will I fail?

The book of Joshua is about the nation of Israel receiving the promise of the land that was given to them by God. Without getting into detail here is a quick synopsis of the first message to help with joining with us for the second message.

1. Going into Canaan was the place of promise. God states in this chapter that every place the feet of the Israelites steps they shall experience victory (1:3,4). The reason that they will experience this victory is because God Himself will be them, and God will not fail them or forsake them. Point: I am reminded of the great commission where our Savior said the same thing” “I will be with you till the end of the age” Matthew 28:20.
2. Also, going into Canaan was the place of danger. As we step off the horizons of life into the unknown there is great promise of a fantastic future but in this world, there is also danger. Therefore, be strong and courageous (1:6,7, & 9). Notice once again that the reason for the victory and now stepping out with courage is not because of our own strength but because the Lord will not forsake us as He is always with us. Verse 8 speaks of holding to the book of the law. Meaning, abide in Me and my words abide in you, you will bear fruit (John 15:7).
3. Hard to imagine but as we crossover the Jordan of life with faith by being strong we can face the new life with a deep peace in our souls because the promised land is the land of rest. Rest is not found in ourselves but in trusting the Lord. Do not miss that the Jordan dried up and the people crossed on dry ground. The start of the journey was a miracle as is the start of the believer. It is started through the work and Christ. In Hebrews 4:1, we read that the promise of entering his rest still stands. The rest is found in believing. So, as we step into the horizon we can find the rest offered by believing, and trusting.
4. If the nation stood at the precipice of entering the place of promise, to successfully traverse the dangers, to find the rest they must do something, what must they do. They must be committed and step out by crossing over. In this chapter, we find the people committing themselves to “all” that was commanded and to Joshua as the leader (1:16-18).

Here it is in summary and application … as the nation of Israel was challenged to enter the promised land to receive the rest that was offered by God so are we. A rest that overcomes this world. But it requires that we be willing to take a risk and be committed to the plan that God has put before us. This is the challenge of Joshua chapter 1.

Question: Are we committed to God’s plan of rest in and through His Son? If you have never trusted God’s Son Jesus Christ as Savior, why not now. His offer of rest is always there. He states “Come unto me you who are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” Trust the work of Jesus and you will find rest – then step into the horizon and cross the river of freedom and face the life in this world with strength and courage. Only then, even when this world throws at us terrible things we can have a peace that passes all understanding. We can therefore have a rest that is not only eternal but exists now in the center of our very soul. This rest will carry us through the days, the months, and the years.

Now unto chapter 2 and an unlikely alliance – what is it? Join us this Sunday for this fantastic study.