Did God speak audibly to Joshua, or was this an impression from the Spirit? Did the people hear when God charged Joshua to lead, or did he speak directly to Joshua?
Scripture does not say that the people heard the charge to
Joshua. What we do know is that Joshua knew the Lord was speaking to him. Whether
the voice was audible in the company of witnesses or an impression in the
quietness of Joshua’s heart, his obedience was confirmed as Joshua moved
forward. He knew God had spoken.
Was it hard for Joshua to move without knowing that the Israelites
had heard God's charge over him? Would they listen? Would questions arise
whether he was properly trained? Would he be compared to Moses? So many
questions that could have halted his calling. When God speaks to us, we must
take him at his word and move!
Moses heard his charge at the burning Bush. He moved by
faith. Later, the people heard God speaking in the pillar of cloud, a confirmation
of his calling, but was it necessary for him to obey?
The birth of the calling is sometimes spoken to the
individual. Whether the calling comes in the witness of many or when you're by
yourself, our response must be to approve, surely God is in this place.
David was anointed and called before the witness of his
brothers and father. “So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in
the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of
the Lord came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah.”
(1 Samuel 16:13)
It may seem easier when the charge comes in front of the
witness of others. We may conclude that because others hear God's charge, the
task will be smoother. The people will
respect us and know the calling God has spoken. People will encourage us.
People will come alongside us. People, people,
people…a dangerous thing we lean on. Ask
King Saul!
Moses' charge was later confirmed, but the road was not smooth. They grumbled
against Moses. Opposition was often Moses's companion.
David’s challenges came from his own family and from the King
whom he would ultimately replace.
In Genesis 28, Jacob had an encounter with the Lord. He was
alone. God spoke to him in a dream and promised him that his descendants would
be like the dust. No other witness except the conviction and presence of the LORD,
YAHWEH. When Jacob awoke, he said, “Surely
the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” (v 16)
As I read Joshua 1, I see the charge placed on Joshua. We
don't read of any witnesses acknowledging that Joshua heard correctly. We don't
know if the voice was audible or just the impression of God’s Spirit upon Joshua.
What we know is that Joshua was charged to do as God said. Verse 9, “Have I not
commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be
discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you
go.” And Joshua obeys!
Faith is an interesting position to be placed in. Faith is
an action. By faith, we embrace the charge, or we may say the calling. As we
wait, it's in a position of faith. Faith does not come with a crowd of
witnesses; it does not come with a pat on the back; it comes with the assurance
that God has spoken. Our entire life's
position as a follower of Christ is a walk of faith.
Is God speaking to us? Yes, he is speaking. We walk according
to this gift we call faith. God is Good!
Sometimes he’ll send us
confirmation, known as witnesses, that spur us on to continue the good work.
But whether he does or does not, we must obey.
I know the charge placed on my life. I know the gifts that
he has placed in me. Over time, in his grace, he has sent those who have
confirmed my calling. I have submitted
to obey Him as long as I live.
This life of redemption was purchased by Jesus. He gives us directives, he orders our steps,
and the amazing thing is that he is already going before us! I’ll follow his footsteps.
What is He impressing you to do? What glory is your life displaying that honors God? We do have a Witness, it’s the Spirit of God! Now let’s walk and obey.
God bless you!~Liz
