“…His Divine power has given unto us all things…whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the Divine nature.” 2 Peter 1:3,4
Dear Ones:
There came a very momentous day in the life of Joshua, after Moses had died, that the Lord spoke to him and said: “Moses My servant is dead; NOW THEREFORE arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people unto the land which I do give to them, even unto the children of Israel.” (1:2) The commission given by God to Joshua was not only specific to him, but with regard to the magnitude of the responsibility, it was overwhelming. How was he to “arise” and “go?” Certainly he felt his own need, insufficiency, and inadequacy with regard to this daunting task. What was God’s means of dealing with Joshua, which would enable him to live by the resources of God with regard to the needs of his heart, mind, and body?
The first thing we see is that, with the commandment, comes “exceeding great and precious promises.” The first is: “Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that I have given unto you, as I said to Moses.” (v.3) There is NO place in the will of God where He will not only be with Joshua, but will grant him victory. The second promise is: “There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the day of thy life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” (v.4) The promise pertains to victory over every foe that would seek Joshua’s demise, and obstruct in his mission. The point here is that God has chosen and appointed Joshua to accept and embrace a mission that is beyond his natural resources and capacities to accomplish. But God has put at his disposition “promises of commitment” from God, whereby He will meet Joshua in every way. The issue then becomes one of faith and obedience. There is the submission to Christ’s authority, but there is also the appropriation of all IN CHRIST for the accomplishment of the mission.
In the book of Isaiah, there is the prophesy concerning the coming of a ruler who would be instrumental in the rebuilding of the temple, and Jerusalem. Cyrus would appear on the scene about 150 years after Isaiah prophesied concerning his coming and mission. The Lord gave to Cyrus some very specific words, promises, which would most certainly be instrumental in the success of his mission. He first speaks of holding the “right” hand of Cyrus, that hand of authority which will be directed and enabled. Secondly, he speaks of dealing with the enemies of Cyrus, kings that would oppose him. God promises to intervene to loosen the grip of power that these kings (…primarily spiritual), have on their kingdoms. Then the promise comes with regard to access to these kingdoms, and that which would resist Cyrus’ rule, “to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut.” (Is. 45:1) He goes on to promise to Cyrus: “I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron: And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places.” (v.3) Why does God give to Cyrus these “exceeding great and precious promises?” It is first for the accomplishment of his mission, for by these promises Cyrus will be victorious. However, the overriding purpose is that Cyrus, and the rest of the world, will KNOW that the Lord is the God of Israel. He has called Cyrus by his name, to reveal that there is NO other God but Him, absolutely worthy of our trust and obedience.
Dear Father, Thou God of Joshua and Cyrus, we yield ourselves to Thee. Bring us into conformity with Thy purposes and perfect will, enabling us to use well the wonderful promises by which we can see, and know that Thou art God. We praise and thank Thee in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad