Being Real

Decades after Joshua, at God’s request, took over from Moses the rains of the Israelites in order to lead them to the promised land across the River Jordan, along with the Ark of the Covenant, Jesus, God’s only son, must deal with corruption of the whole point of everything Moses did. It is upsetting that the scribes and Pharisees are occupying Moses’ seat in the synagogues , and in doing that, their teachings should be true to Moses’ teachings and should be followed. But on the other hand, those modern “professors” did not model or live the life about which they were teaching. Jesus warned his apostles and friends - they do not practice what they teach/preach. In fact, they parade around like VIPs, doing deeds just to be seen by others,  making their “phylacteries broad and their fringes long.” They love to have the place of honor at banquets or in synagogues, adore to be greeted in the marketplace with much aplomb, and for people to call them Rabbi, when they really are not.

Jesus, in his time, also reminded the crowds and his disciples that all are students, not rabbis. There is only one Rabbi. And there is only one true Father, and He is not living on earth, but in the heavens. The same goes with calling some one an instructor, because in that day and time there was only one instructor  - the Messiah. Jesus himself. And best of all is for each one to be a servant, not a master because the master is the Holy Father and all who exalt themselves, will find out they are at the end of the line, while all who humble themselves, will be exalted, at the front of the line. It will be God’s will and God’s choice. And following this, Jesus declares the seven woes on the teachers of the laws - aimed a the Pharisees, calling them hypocrites.

Who could have been a better example of God’s wishes than Moses, and then Joshua, who inherited the tasks of Moses to lead the Israelites into the promised land. Not only was Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide, but interestingly, the name Joshua means Jesus - the Lord Saves. Now Joshua is fascinating. He was leader of the Israelite army that defeated the Amalekites. He went part way up Mt. Sinai with Moses when he heard the Israelites were bored, agitated  and so rebellious they created and worshiped a golden calf. As Moses aide, Joshua knew how to be respectful: he remained in the tent when Moses met with God, fought for Moses honor when Eldad and Medad showed disrespect; He was also one of the 12 spies sent to explore Canaan and was one of two (the other Caleb) who brought back a good report, for which they were rewarded.

The book of Joshua, about 40 years after the Exodus, shows us the beauty of believing in and trusting and worshiping God Almighty. It chronicles the Israelites entering and taking stake of the land promised by God in the covenant with Abraham;  defeating every one of their enemies residing there so they could rest with battles over; victory won since there were no more enemies to threaten them, and, for a while, allowed the Israelites to worship God without a bump. It also allocated the land to the tribes of Israel preparing to pass their inheritance on to future generations. Most important was the sovereign presence of the holy and living God right there with them all the way, although  later, these very people began to question and forget God.

As the masses moved across the Jordan River from Moab to Canaan, the treasured Ark of the Covenant accompanied them, lead the way like a super bodyguard, and through God’s mercy, blocked off the raging Jordan River much like Moses stoped the seas when his people had to escape Pharaoh. The Ark not only solved the natural barriers of crossing the Jordan, but as well helped later with the human barriers of the walls of Jericho, and surely other touches of God. The Ark symbolized God was with them, all the day and the night. It carried in its bounds the two tablets of the Ten Commandments made at Mt. Sinai, Aaron’s rod and a pot of the controversial manna, which not only fell from the sky in the nights, but was the only salvation meal to fussy Israelites in the desert during their 40 years roaming in search of the promised land. Wherever the Ark was, God was. And it was a must for the Israelites to know this because God’s covenant required obedience, not just for the Israelites but for all mankind. Through this obedience came the blessings for not only the Israelites, but for all people. And throughout history, it has given all those who believe in God a way to bless others. That’s you and me called to take care of those who have no God or no blessings.

So to boost our memories, remember that God told Joshua as they came out of the Jordan River on the other side, the promised side, that every place they set foot, would be theirs, from the desert to Lebanon, from the Euphrates river to the Mediterranean Sea. And God promised:

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Although Jesus, the Son of God, said there was no more law, in the days of Joshua there was the law to get them on the right path. And through Joshua, God speaks: keep this book of the law always on your lips; meditate; be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

These words still thrive today. We must work together and not against each other. All people, no matter what race, color, history or faith. God is All. And if we work together as faithful servants of God, we can do anything. We won’t be defeated. It’s only when we are divided that we can lose.  God bless.

 ~ Rev
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audrey@audreytaylorgonzalez.com
www.audreytaylorgonzalez.com