Spirit of Joshua

Dear beloved:  Of the two spies who brought back a good report about the promised land to Moses, Joshua was eventually chosen to be the leader whom God appointed to take the children across the Jordan and into the land. Joshua, the son of Nun, was chosen as the leader of the tribe of Ephraim to be among the twelve spies to go into the land. Numbers 13:8 From the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea, the son of Nun.  The name Hoshea, in Hebrew means "salvation", so we see that Hoshea, or Joshua, is the old testament type and shadow of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Gr. Joshua, "Yahweh saves"), who leads us into salvation and the eternal promised land.

God first speaks to Moses  about Joshua in Deuteronomy 3:28 But charge Joshua and encourage him and strengthen him; for he shall go across at the head of his people, and he shall give them as an inheritance the land which you will see. We know for sure that Joshua was full of the spirit of prophecy as he was in agreement with the Lord's vision for the promised land for the children of Israel;  he saw the giants of the land, but his spiritual eyes were fixed on the greater vision, taking the land by the strength and power of the the Lord who would go before them.  But also, Joshua was full of the spirit of wisdom, the same as one of the seven spirits of God residing in Jesus (Isaiah 11:2).  Deut 34:9 Now Joshua the son of Nun was full of the SPIRIT OF WISDOM, for Moses had laid his hands on him.  So the children of Israel heeded him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses.  If we are to ask the Lord for anything this day, first it should be the spirit of wisdom so we can make good decisions, so our paths will be straight and we will bring glory and honor to the Lord in everything we do.  It is interesting to note that Joshua received this spirit by Moses laying hands on him and imparting it to him.  The mantle of wisdom and leadership, and the anointing that goes with it, is transferable, so get around strong and wise leaders and submit to them and learn from them.

One thing we would all be in agreement about is we need more strength and courage, not only in our daily walk, but in moving out in bold, new ways where God has called us forth as leaders.  Joshua was no different, the Lord knew he would need strength and courage to go along with his spirit of wisdom.  Seven times it was spoken over Joshua, either by Moses, or by the children of Israel, Be strong and of good courage. (Deut.31:6,7,23, Joshua 1:6,7,9,18).  I'm sure by then Joshua was starting to understand that the position God was calling him to was way above his human ability or understanding; the only way he could accomplish what the Lord was calling him to do would be to submit totally to the Lord's leadership. That is God's will for us as well, He will not call us to any task that is not a challenge to our human abilities.  He always calls us to a place where we have to trust Him more, lean on Him more.

The first time I went to Africa to preach crusades, I was feeling very weak and inadequate for the job I had signed up for. Traveling alone to Africa, into an unknown land full of pagans and witch doctors,  I was beginning to shake like the proverbial leaf in the wind. As I headed out for Kansas City to board the plane, I passed a brother in Christ who was stopped along side the road in his car. I stopped and asked him to pray for me, which he gladly agreed to do. He prayed,  " Be strong and courageous, for the Lord God goes before you.  It is He who will fight the battles for you!"  Beloved, pray for the spirit of Joshua upon yourself and your family, and your brothers and sisters in the battle.  Pray the Lord will give you a spirit of wisdom, then the strength and courage to carry out what He has called you to do.  May God bless you as you pray this day.  in Christ, Jim  www.jimrowh.blogspot.com