Crossing the Jordan • Messianic Livestream | Lessons From The Book of Joshua | Messianic Teaching

In this engaging Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship, as introduced by Matthew Vander Els, the focus is on drawing profound and practical lessons from the Book of Joshua. The session features a guest speaker, Katie Price, who has been an integral part of the fellowship since its early days, even before its official establishment in 2013. Price, a former public school teacher who transitioned to homeschooling, brings a wealth of educational and spiritual insight to her teaching.

Price begins by sharing her initial hesitation to fill in as a guest speaker, noting that she felt overwhelmed with other commitments. However, after receiving a second request due to the pastor’s illness, she felt it was a prompting from God to say yes. Before delving into the teachings from Joshua, she leads the congregation in prayer, asking for God’s presence, guidance, and that everyone present would receive a personal touch and takeaway from the message.

The core of Price’s teaching centers around the life of Joshua and the significant transitions and challenges he faced, particularly as he stepped into the leadership role after Moses’ death. She emphasizes that God had been working in Joshua’s life for many years, preparing him for the tasks ahead. Drawing from various passages in the Old Testament, Price illustrates the different facets of Joshua’s preparation:

• Military Leader: In Exodus 17:14-16, Joshua is depicted as a courageous military leader who played a crucial role in defeating the Amalekites while Moses held his arms up in prayer. This experience instilled in him the qualities of bravery, strength, faithfulness, and the willingness to fight battles even when the outcome is uncertain.
• Moses’ Assistant: Exodus 24:12-13 highlights Joshua’s role as Moses’ assistant. This position demanded faithfulness, intelligence, helpfulness, a servant’s heart, and trustworthiness. By serving alongside Moses, Joshua learned firsthand the responsibilities and challenges of leadership.
• Faithful Witness: During the incident of the golden calf in Exodus 32:17, Joshua remained with Moses and did not participate in the idol worship, demonstrating his blamelessness and growing understanding of the importance of being in God’s presence.
• Seeker of God’s Presence: Exodus 33:7-11 describes how Moses would enter the tabernacle when the Lord’s presence descended, and Joshua would remain there even after Moses left. This signifies Joshua’s deep yearning to be in God’s presence and his dedication to seeking Him.
• Man of Faith and Prayer: In Numbers 13 and 14, when the spies were sent to the promised land, Joshua and Caleb stood out as the only ones who believed God’s promise and were confident in their ability to conquer the land. Their unwavering faith contrasted sharply with the fear and doubt of the other spies.
• Appointed Leader: Before entering the promised land, Moses laid his hands on Joshua and anointed him as the new leader, as documented in Deuteronomy 34:5-9.

Application for Everyday Life:

• Recognize God’s Preparation: Understand that God is often working in your life over time, preparing you for future roles and challenges.
• Cultivate Leadership Qualities: Strive to be strong, courageous, and obedient to God’s word in all areas of your life, whether leading formally or within your family.
• Obey God’s Word: Make studying and meditating on the Bible a priority to gain wisdom for decision-making and guidance in life.
• Have Faith in New Seasons: When entering unfamiliar territories in life, trust in God’s guidance and follow His leading, just as the Israelites followed the Ark.
• Remember God’s Faithfulness: Intentionally memorialize the times God has answered your prayers and provided for you, creating tangible reminders to look back on during difficult times.
• Share Your Testimony: Share your personal stories of God’s faithfulness with others, as your testimony can lead to their repentance and faith.
• Trust in God’s Acceptance: Remember that God’s love and grace are for everyone, regardless of background or past mistakes.
• Seek God’s Presence: Prioritize spending time in God’s presence through prayer and worship to receive His peace and guidance.
• Find Rest in God: Avoid striving in your own strength and learn to rest in God’s peace, allowing Him to empower you.

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References:

• Exodus 17:14-16
• Exodus 24:12-13
• Exodus 32:17
• Exodus 33:7-11
• Numbers 13
• Numbers 14
• Deuteronomy 34:5-9
• Joshua 1
• Jeremiah 29:11
• Joshua 1:6

Books and Resources Mentioned:

• Tree of Life Version Bible