A New Command

Joshua 4:11, 14 ESV
“And when all the people had finished passing over, the ark of the Lord and the priests passed over before the people…” “On that day the Lord exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel, and they stood in awe of him just as they had stood in awe of Moses, all the days of his life.”

Joshua was only sure of two things at this point of his leadership. 1) He knew God had put him in charge as the next leader of Israel. 2) He knew Moses had given him the go ahead to lead the people, but he had no idea at this point if the two million Jewish people were for him or against him.

When everyone had crossed over and the fighting men of Gad, Rueben and the half tribe of Manasseh had crossed over, one thing was for sure, the sky was the limit at this point for Israel. Then something marvelous happened; “…the Lord exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel, and they stood in awe of him…”

Many of us have been in times of our lives where we wanted people to believe in us. We may have known God was with us, but something inside wanted the people around us to recognize that we were where we were supposed to be.

Joshua must have been a bit unnerved. God had to tell him three times in Joshua 1 to be strong and courageous. Joshua assumed the role of leader; he did all that God commanded him to do and then God gave him favor with the people.

Remember these points; (1) Do what God tells you to do first, (2) then you will gain favor with God, (3) then He will give you favor with mankind.

Prayer:
Lord God Almighty, I seek Your face and worship You. I seek You and You only Lord first of all. Then help me to obey You completely! Then Lord, I will wait for You to give me favor with mankind in Your time. In the Mighty Name of Jehovah Nissi (God is my banner), Amen!