The Great Faithfulness Of God
BRD REFLECTIONS:
Joshua 5:1-12 and Psalm 5 (NIV)
(Jabez Fong, Zone 4A Core Team Member)
READ:
Joshua 5:1-12 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
Joshua 5 depicts the culmination of the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness – they saw the fulfilment of God’s promise to Moses to bring them to a land flowing with milk and honey (Exo 3:8). While the conquest of the land was not yet complete and they were only just entering the land, God was already at work. We see that the kings living in the land were terrified by the miraculous act of God that allowed the Israelites to cross the Jordan River on dry land (v1).
God then commanded Joshua to circumcise the Israelite males in accordance with the covenant that was made with Moses. Beyond the physical deliverance of the Israelites to the land, God affirmed his covenant with His people by re-instituting the mark of the covenant – circumcision.
Finally, we see from verses 10-12 that the Israelites kept God’s Passover, and the very next day, they ate of the produce of the land (v11). It was significant that the manna only ceased after the Israelites had eaten of the bounty of the land that God promised them (v12). The Israelites never needed to be anxious or worried that their needs would not be provided. God was faithful to provide for each of their needs.
APPLY:
This passage reminds me of God’s great faithfulness to His people. In the text, I see how God remembers His promises to bring the people to the land He has prepared for them, affirms His covenant with them, and provides for all their needs until His promise is fulfilled.
In life, there are times when I get anxious because I perceive that what I am doing is insignificant and that I am simply wandering aimlessly in a desert. Other times, I fear that God has forgotten me, and I fall prey to the anxieties of life that make me believe that God will not take care of my needs. These fears result in me relying on my own strength.
But Joshua 5 reminds me that God is faithful, even when I take things for granted. Step by step, He leads me into a pleasing and bountiful place. He remembers His covenant with me. He provides for all my needs.
DO:
I go forth in a posture of rest, knowing that God is faithful to His promises not to leave or forsake me. To do this, I must continue to journal my journey with God as journalling allows me to remember His faithfulness in the moments when I waver and begin to fear.
PRAY:
God, who sees all my needs and anxieties, I thank You for being faithful when I am faithless and lacking in trust. In the moments when I fear the unknown – entering an unfamiliar place or facing seemingly insurmountable challenges – help me look to You. Give me faith to know that You are still working even when I take You for granted and do not see Your work. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
