“And the Lord said unto Moses, Behold, thy days approach that thou must die: call Joshua and present yourselves in the tabernacle of the congregation, that I may give him a charge.” Deuteronomy 31:14
It is one thing to be called by men to accomplish a certain task or mission. It is quite another to be called by God, the Almighty, and Holy God. It was the Apostle Paul who wrote to the believers in Galatia: “Paul, an apostle (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead…” (Gal. 1:1) In speaking also of the fact that he did not live to “please men,” in order to be the servant of Christ, he would go on to speak of the Gospel which had been entrusted to him, “…for I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1:11,12) Over and over Paul in his epistles would write emphatically on this matter of his calling. To the Ephesians he would write: “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God…” Finally, to Timothy he would write: “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope.” Paul knew his calling, submitting to God concerning it, living and ministering according to the promises and power associated with it.
In the case of Joshua, who had begun his preparation to succeed Moses by being his servant, God would reveal to Moses that Joshua would be the one to replace him, and to lead the people of Israel into the promised land. Several times we see Moses clearly declaring this, reemphasizing it before the people of Israel. However, there came a day when the words of Moses, though they were of God, faded in strength in comparison with the magnitude of the revelation of God, of Christ, to Joshua personally. On that day, “the Lord appeared in the tabernacle in a pillar of a cloud: and the pillar of the cloud stood over the door of the tabernacle.” (Deut. 31:15) The power and effect of the presence of God, now revealed to Joshua concerning the charge the Lord would give him, became a dominant conviction from that day forward. The Lord would give Joshua the charge that day: “Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I swore unto them: and I will be with thee.” (31:23) Moses was present at this moment when God charged Joshua, however, there would come a time in the near future when Moses will no longer be present. The calling which God gave to Joshua that day would remain in its full force and strength. On the day, after Moses had died, the Lord would speak to Joshua, not only concerning the command to go into the land of promise, but to possess every place where the sole of his foot would tread upon and conquer every foe that would stand before him to oppose him and his calling. There was a commandment associated with the charge and calling of Joshua. It pertained to what Joshua had to be, and this, without hesitation, doublemindedness, or question. It was connected to “the law” that God had given to Moses, the revelation of the righteousness of God, in the truth of God. Joshua was commanded to meditate upon, day and night, in order to obey it. God, in giving to Joshua this commandment laid the foundation in his heart and mind for consistent communion with God, where God would reveal Himself to him, confirming His presence, power, and blessing. Thus, in order to abide by the truths concerning communion with God, in the face of enemy nations of godlessness around him and the people, the Lord would say to him: “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” (Joshua 1:9)
Dear Father, Grant us Christ’s devotion. In Jesus’ name, Amen.