God Prepares You! 9-20–26

Welcome to the word for the week. Well as we have been doing for awhile now, let’s get straight to the point this week. It is common to declare that Moses led the people to the promise land. Joshua led them into the promise land. There is nothing wrong with that statement because it is the truth. It is also true that the original plan of God was for all of them who came out of Egypt to walk into that land. We know the outcome of that so we do not have to spend time there. The point this week is about the lessons learned along the way. That is something we have to be more mindful about so that we do not undo the plans that God has in store for us. This story should serve as a reminder to all of us that getting to a place and getting inside are two different things.

Joshua is not just anyone. He was the servant of Moses. He had an opportunity to see a lot of things up close and he learned a lot as a result of that. Never take for granted the times that God allows you to be in a room and learn something. When it is time for Joshua to lead the people God told him the same way He was with Moses He would also be with Joshua. That may not seem like much until you really think about how much God was with Moses. We are not talking about an ordinary person. God Himself said that with others He would show them dreams and visions to speak to them. With Moses, He spoke to him face to face. That cannot be overlooked. Moses saw the face of God and literally thought he would die as a result of that. Instead, that is how God spoke to him. Moses may have had a speech problem with man, but with God he was in a place that is truly hard to imagine.

God told Joshua that the same way He was with Moses He would be that way with him. He told Joshua to meditate on the book of the law. This is not just a matter of glancing at it. This was a matter of Joshua rehearsing it to himself until he knew and understood what it was and meant. Mediation is something that is powerful but rarely talked about. We are not talking about sitting in a chair and staring at the ceiling. We are talking about thinking about the things of God. We are talking about reflection on the word of God. This is that place where you do not simply strive to know the word. It is the place where you strive to live by what you know. This is the place where you seek God for a deeper understanding of His word. This is where you pray and ask how to apply that word to your daily living. Joshua was told to do more than just read the law. He was told to meditate on it. In other words, he was told to learn it to the point there was no denying it. Learn it to the point where he could instruct the people of God more clearly. Again, remind yourself that Joshua is the servant of Moses before we go further.

You are not in the places you are just because. It is not an accident or a matter of you stumbling into the wrong room. You are there for a reason. You are there because God has a purpose for you. No, we are not under the law today so that is not the point of emphasis. The real point is that we are under grace but do we understand it? Can you truly explain to people that grace is not a license to sin? Do you understand that well enough for yourself? Do you fully understand the plan of salvation? Do you understand the difference between works of faith versus works trying to be saved? Do you understand that you do not belong to yourself and therefore you do not get to plan out your own life? God has allowed you to see things for a reason. When it is your time to walk in those things will you be ready? Will you understand the importance of doing everything according to God’s will? Even as we speak, do you understand what it means to be a city set on a hill? Do you really understand what your light shining means? Joshua saw things ahead of his time to walk in them. Are you paying attention as you go or do you think you already know? Remember, you have others whose lives will be at stake based on your choices so choose wisely.

May the Lord continue to bless and keep you in His grace,
Bishop Carlos J. Lennon