JOSHUA'S FIRST TEST OF LEADERSHIP

Passage: Joshua 1:10~18  

Key verse: 16


1. Get ready to cross the Jordan (10,11)

Joshua told the people to prepare to cross the Jordan in three days. They would go in and possess the land God was giving them.

2. 2½ tribes settled on the east bank (12-15)

Moses had allowed the tribes of Reuben, Gad and half of Manasseh to settle east of the Jordan in land already conquered--on the condition that they join with the other tribes to fight until the whole land was conquered. Now, the time had come to cross the Jordan and fight. It was tempting for them to forget Moses' command and their promise, and settle down with their families to enjoy an easy life. Joshua challenged their fighting men to lead the way, fully armed, across the Jordan, and to fight until the land was conquered.

3. Whatever you command we will obey (16-18)

The men of these three tribes wholeheartedly obeyed Joshua. They prayed that God might be with him, and that he might be strong and courageous.


Prayer: Lord, forgive my desire for an easy life when so much of the world mission task is still not done.

One Word: ...until the land is conquered...