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Charles Spurgeon · Citado em PreceptAustin
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Spurgeon note). Adrian Rogers - I know folks who have had just enough religion to make them miserable; they have come out of Egypt, but they've never entered into Canaan. I heard about a man who hadn't been to church for a long time. His pastor went to see him; he said, "Why haven't you been?" He said, "Well, the kids have been sick. And, you know, the weather—it's been raining; it's rained everyday—raining, rain, rain." The pastor said, "But it's dry at church." He said, "Yes, and that's another reason why I haven't come."....(Canaan) was also a land of rest. You see, the Book of Hebrews calls it a land of rest. Now, rest doesn't mean inactivity. It's not rest from work; it's rest while you work. It's the difference in burning the wick or burning the oil (ED: "OIL" SYMBOLIZES EMPOWERMENT BY THE HOLY SPIRIT - cf 1Sa 16:13, Jn 3:34+). A Christian is to have a rest; his life is to be marked by rest, the believer's rest. Jesus said, "Come unto me... and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28+). But, before they entered into Canaan, they knew no rest. They had come out of Egypt, but they didn't know any rest. They had gone round, and round, and round, and round in the wilderness. They knew every grain of sand by name. They had sat on every cactus, but they had not found rest. Don't you want rest unto your souls? Wouldn't you just kind of like to relax in the arms of Jesus and find the believer's rest? That's what the land of Canaan pictures....Now, here's the key to the whole thing: God has already given you victory. Did you hear me? God has given you victory. You say, "Well, why don't I have it then, if God has given it to me? God has given it to you, but you haven't taken it. You have not yet possessed your possessions. The key to all of this is verse 3—look at it—God says, "Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you" (Joshua 1:3). Now, notice, they weren't even in the land, yet. They hadn't even crossed the River Jordan yet, and God says, "Every place that the sole of your foot sets down—every place that you tread upon—that have I given you"; not, "I'm going to give it to you. I've already given it to you. It's yours. Now, go. Take it." When Jesus Christ died on the cross, He bowed his head, and He said, "It is finished" (John 19:30). The victory was won. Jesus, at Calvary, said, "Now shall the prince of this world be cast out" (John 12:31). Did you know the devil is already defeated? You say, "Well, he doesn't act like it." He hopes you don't find it out. He is already defeated. Jesus, on the cross, defeated Satan. Jesus, by the power of His redemptive death, has given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you now have the victory. Christians don't pray for victory; they pray from victory. Victory has already been won. The land of victory is yours....That land is your land, but you are going to have to put the foot of faith upon the promises of God and say, "This is mine; I claim it." And, until you do, you'll never know reality. We need to possess our possessions. That land is your land, but you are going to have to put the foot of faith upon the promises of God and say, "This is mine; I claim it." And, until you do, you'll never know reality. We need to possess our possessions. ILLUSTRATION - Did you know it's possible to have something and still not have it? Some of you have books in your library that you haven't read. Now, I want to ask you a question: Whose book is it? It's your book, but it's not your book, because you haven't read it. You have not yet possessed your possession. When I was a little boy, my mother told me of an immigrant coming from the old country to this country, and he bought a passage on an ocean liner. But, wanting to save money, he took along some cheese and crackers; and, while everyone else was feasting there, in the dining room, he was eating cheese and crackers. He almost starved till he discovered that the cost of his meals was also included in the ticket. Oh, you see, he'd already paid. I mean, it was his, but he failed to possess his possessions....God has given it to you. Listen. The Bible says that He "hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness" (2 Peter 1:3)—not will give, hath given all things. In Jesus Christ you're complete. One of these days, we're going to wake up to understand what God has already given His children. The Christian life is simply possessing your possessions. Do you know what the life of victory is? It is simply walking on conquered ground. It is putting down your foot, by faith, on the promises of God, and saying, "This promise is mine. It is mine. I claim it." (Joshua 1:1-9 - Possessing Your Possessions) How The Promised Land Was Won Giant #1: Fear -- How to begin to possess your possessions: 1. Lay claim to God’s promises. Property (Joshua 1:3-4) “I have given you this land” Power (Joshua 1:5) (cf. Romans 8:37) Presence (Joshua 1:5,9) (cf. Deuteronomy 31:6-8) 2. Look carefully to your preparations. Trade cowardice for courage (Joshua 1:6,7,9) (cf. Deuteronomy 20:4) Trade supposition for certainty (Joshua 1:8) Trade preaching for practice (Joshua 1:7) (cf. James 1:22-25) Trade fear for faith (Joshua 1:9) (cf. Hebrews 3:16-4:3) 3. Live confidently and prosper. You will begin to see victory when you say goodbye to the world once and for all. You will begin to see victory when you get tired of going in circles in the desert of indecision. You will begin to see victory when you get tired of eating manna! (Joshua 1:11) (cf. Exodus 16:35). Summary Statement: your battle with fear is personal; someone else’s faith won’t win it! George Bush (ONLINE OR HERE) - 2. Moses my servant is dead. As Joshua was of course aware of the fact of Moses’ decease, these words could not be intended merely to announce to him that event. They are equivalent to saying, ‘The death of my servant Moses has left the people without a leader and a head to conduct them into the promised land. It is necessary that his place should be immediately filled. Thou hast been selected for that office, and the time has now come for thee to enter upon the active discharge of its duties. Arise therefore, and go at once about the work of thy high calling.’ Probably Joshua’s deep sense of his own insufficiency and unworthiness, and of the many dangers and difficulties which encompassed his path, had caused him somewhat to despond and waver in spirit, and rendered necessary this direct and rousing summons, which, for the same reason, God was pleased to accompany with so many encouraging promises. When it is considered that Joshua was now ninety-three years of age, that he had to govern a very perverse and rebellious people, and was going to contend with a warlike and formidable enemy, it will perhaps appear, that nothing short of the divine assurance he now received, could have sustained his courage in such an arduous station. Go over this Jordan. This river, which you now have in full view before you, and on the banks of which you are encamped. For a description of the Jordan, see ‘Illustrations of the Scriptures,’ p. 20. It was doubtless a severe trial to Joshua’s faith, to be thus called upon to make immediate preparation for crossing a river that was now overflowing its banks, chap. 3:15, and for getting over which he was totally unprovided with the ordinary means, whether of boats or bridges. But as God had given the command, he must not doubt that he would open a way for his people, though it should be by cleaving the waters and repeating the miracle witnessed at the Red Sea. It was as certain that they should be conducted over the Jordan, as it was that they should be led into Canaan, and to this the Most High had pledged himself by the most solemn promises, renewed from age to age, from the time of Abraham down to that of Moses. With a ‘thus saith the Lord’ for our warrant, we may boldly go forth in the face of obstacles that are absolutely insuperable to human power. Thou and all this people. That is, with the exception of Reuben, Gad, and the half tribe of Manasseh, to whom was granted, at their own request, a possession on the eastern side of the Jordan, where they were now encamped, Num. 32. Unto the land which I do give to them. Heb. אשר אנוכי נתך להם asher ânoki nothën lâhem, which I am giving to them. That is, the land of which I have long promised them the inheritance, and of which I am now in the very act of putting them in possession. Though the promises of God may be slow in fulfilling, yet the accomplishment will come at last; not one jot or little shall fail. Though ‘the vision be for an appointed time, yet at the end it shall speak, it shall not lie; though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.’ Joshua 1:3 "Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you, just as I spoke to Moses. Jos 14:9 De 11:24 Titus 1:2 Joshua - Portrait of the Man God Uses - overview of Joshua's life Joshua 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Joshua 14:9+ (SPEAKING TO CALEB) “So Moses swore on that day, saying, ‘Surely the land on which your foot has trodden will be an inheritance to you and to your children forever, (WHY?) because you have followed the LORD my God fully.’ (NOTE OBEDIENCE IS THE KEY TO BLESSING AND POSSESSION!) Numbers 14:24+ “But My servant Caleb, because he has had a different spirit and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land which he entered, and his descendants shall take possession of it Deuteronomy 11:24+ “Every place on which the sole of your foot treads shall be yours; your border will be from the wilderness to Lebanon, and from the river, the river Euphrates, as far as the western sea. Titus 1:2 in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago, POSSESSING YOUR POSSESSIONS BY WALKING FORTH IN OBEDIENCE God's sovereignty is emphasized here, but man's responsibility is also juxtaposed. God's way is not "let go, let God," but more accurately "let God, let's go!" Personal passivity has no place in the walk of faith and obedience. Ray
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Spurgeon note). Are you facing a formidable task? Trust God's presence to dispel your fears and give you renewed strength and courage. Courage is spelled C-H-R-I-S-T. GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 1 Review by Cyril Barber on George Bush - Bible students, whether laypeople or pastors, should eagerly acquire the writings of this fine biblical scholar and for their own edification and enrichment read what he wrote. (The Minister's Library - Vol 2 The Minister's Library - Vol 3) Have not I commanded thee? I, whose authority is paramount, whose power is infinite; who am able to carry thee through all difficulties and dangers, and whom thou art bound implicitly to obey. So in the Christian warfare, it is the God of heaven whose battles we fight, and in whose service we are engaged. Were it only an earthly monarch to whom we had devoted ourselves, we ought to serve him with all fidelity; what then should we not do for the King of kings, who has not only chosen us to be his soldiers, but has himself taken the field for our sakes, to subdue our enemies, and to deliver us from their assaults?—It should be remarked, that the interrogative form of speech is often used, not as implying any thing doubtful, but as the most emphatic mode of expressing either a negation or affirmation, particularly when the speaker wishes to rouse and excite strongly the attention of the hearer. Instances are innumerable. The Lord thy God is with thee. Here is somewhat of a remarkable change in the persons, from the first to the third, but whether with any peculiar significancy it is not easy to determine. The Chaldee renders it in reference to the Son, ‘The Word of the Lord thy God shall be with thee.’ Considered as a pledge of the presence and support of the God of heaven with all his faithful people, in their trials and conflicts, the promise is full of precious meaning. He says to us, in effect, what he says to Joshua; and what encouragement can we desire more? Joshua 1:10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, the officers of the people: The {shoterim,} or officers, were different from the {shophetim,} who were the judges among the people. The {shoterim} have been supposed to be subordinate officers, whose business it was to see the decisions of the {shophetim} carried into effect. Calmet conjectures, that the {shoterim} here may have been the heralds of the army. Jos 1:10 Joshua - Portrait of the Man God Uses - overview of Joshua's life Joshua 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries JOSHUA STEPS UP TO THE PLATE! To step up to the plate means to take responsibility for something that must be accomplished! Joshua proves himself to be a man UNDER authority, the authority of the Captain of the Hosts (Joshua 5:15+), by obeying without delay. THOUGHT - Do you (I) obey God's commandments without hesitation like Joshua? Remember, God has given him these commandments in the context of impending warfare. Obedience was critical to assure Israel's military victory over their strong enemies. Are you experiencing victory over your supernaturally strong enemies the world, the flesh and the devil? If you are not, could it be that you are delaying to obey some critical command from your Captain (Joshua 5:15+)? If so, confess, repent, return and obey (1Jn 1:9+, Rev 2:4-5+), for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus then to trust and obey! If you want or need a little exhortation to fight the good fight of faith (1Ti 6:12+), invest 50 minutes of eternity and listen to Charles Haddon Spurgeon's powerful message Driving Out the Canaanites and Their Iron Chariots. I can assure you, you will not regret your "investment"! Joshua immediately gets things organized for the project of possessing their inheritance. Then - Don't miss this "expression of time"! When is "then?" Clearly the context (Josh 1:9 and preceding passages) shows that this "then" is after Yahweh has given Joshua His word of encouragement and exhortation. THOUGHT - This is why it is so important for us to DAILY (Mt 4:4+, Dt 8:3+ not periodically or sporadically) be IN THE WORD, for there is no other way to get God's encouragement and exhortation INTO US beloved. Dear soldier of the Cross (2Ti 2:3-4+) you receiving your "marching orders" each morning before you go out into the battlefield of this godless, devil-controlled (1Jn 5:19+) world? If not, then you should not be surprised at the "wounds" you receive during the day, for your enemy is relentless and continually prowls "around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." (1Pe 5:8+). In the same way our fallen flesh is continually firing into our minds, those seductive "fleshly lusts which (present tense - continually) wage war against the soul." (1Pe 2:11+) "The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But victory belongs to the LORD." (Pr 21:31) Joshua commanded the officers (shoter - see same word in Nu 11:16) of the people, saying - Joshua commanded by the Captain of the hosts (Joshua 5:15+), now faithfully passes on His commands to the officers (or leaders) of Israel. We see herein Joshua's faithfulness to His Lord and His Word and his confidence (cf strong and courageous) to take charge, speaking God's commands with a "ring of conviction." The Septuagint translates officers (shoter) with the word grammateus, the word used for scribes in the NT, those who were well versed in the Law. It was also used of a chief executive officer of a governmental entity. Donald Campbell makes an excellent point that "this situation closely paralleled the dilemma Moses and the Israelites encountered at the Red Sea (Ex. 14:1-31+). In both cases the obstacle occurred at the beginning of the leaders’ ministries. Both were impossible to overcome by natural means. Both demanded implicit trust in and absolute dependence on God’s miracle-working power." (The Bible Knowledge Commentary) Brian Harbour - Despite his fear and uncertainty, Joshua nevertheless acted in obedience to God’s commands. He didn’t hesitate. He didn’t wait for someone else to lead the way. Joshua took the initiative himself. This is one of the competencies that characterizes leadership—the willingness to take the initiative. Matthew Henry Concise - Verses 10-15. Joshua says to the people, Ye shall pass over Jordan, and shall possess the land; because God had said so to him. We honour the truth of God, when we stagger not at the promise of God. The two tribes and a half were to go over Jordan with their brethren. When God, by his providence, has given us rest, we ought to consider what service we may do to our brethren. GEORGE BUSH Notes Critical and Practical on the Book of Joshua - Chapter 1 Review by Cyril Barber on George Bush - Bible students, whether laypeople or pastors, should eagerly acquire the writings of this fine biblical scholar and for their own edification and enrichment read what he wrote. (The Minister's Library - Vol 2 The Minister's Library - Vol 3) Commanded the officers of the people. Heb. שטרים shoterim. These were under-officers, subordinate to the שפטים shophetim or judges, whose duty it was to see to the execution of the orders of the heads of the people, whether Moses, Joshua, or his successors the Judges. Deut. 16:18; 20:5–9. The original is usually rendered γραμματεις, scribes, in the Gr. version. See Note on Ex. 5:6, where the import of שטרים shoterim is more fully discussed. Officers (07860) shoter describes a scribe, an official, a magistrate, a record keeper, and an officer. The word is used primarily to denote an officer or overseer. TWOT says shoter "is a general term, widely used for an official in many areas of government and society. It names the Jewish sub-offcials under the Egyptian overseers who drove the Hebrews to hard labor (Exodus 5:6, 10), being accountable for both the amount and quality of the work (Exodus 5:14-19). During the years of wandering in the wilderness (Numbers 11:16), it designates the sub-offcials of the seventy elders of Israel whom the Lord gave to Moses to share the weight of administration (Deut. 1:15). Throughout the early days of Israel, they seem particularly attached to the elders, sometimes in the civil administration (Deut. 31:28) or in matters relative to military affairs (Deut. 20:5ff.; Joshua 1:10; Joshua 3:2). The position apparently continues into the united and divided monarchies where they are involved in military affairs (1 Chron. 27:1; 2 Chron. 26:11) and as Levites, in judicial and religious matters (1 Chron. 23:4; 1 Chron. 26:29; 2 Chron. 19:11; 2 Chron. 34:13)." (Patterson) Questionable Separation - Theodore Epp - Joshua 1:10-18 Joshua 1:10-18 - A rather sad note enters in with regard to some of the tribes of Israel. They did not all have the same degree of separation from the evil around them or the same degree of surrender to God. The background for this lies in the fact that while Moses was still leader, the Israelites conquered some of the kings on the east side of Jordan and took possession of their lands (Dt 3:1-13, .Dt 2:24-37) It was good land with strong, walled cities (Dt 3:5) and a countryside ideal for the raising of cattle. Two and a half of the tribes, Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh asked to stay on that side of the Jordan. It must be said on behalf of these two and a half tribes that their warriors were willing to help the other tribes take the land across the river and possess it. But the Reubenites and Gadites wanted to return to the other side of Jordan where things were more appealing to the eye and where there was ease, comfort, plenty and riches as the world would look at it. They tasted of the blessings of the Promised Land and helped the others to secure it, but they themselves longed for the world--its pleasures and indulgences--and were eventually trapped and ensnared by it. This is always the danger of those who would live on the border and not get into the land. "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us" (Hebrews 12:1+). Joshua 1:11 "Pass through the midst of the camp and command the people, saying, 'Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you are to cross this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the LORD your God is giving you, to possess it.'" three days: Jos 3:2 Ex 19:11 2Ki 20:5 Ho 6:2 you are to cross this Jordan: De 9:1 Dt 11:31 Joshua - Portrait of the Man God Uses - overview of Joshua's life Joshua 1 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Joshua 3:1-3+ Then Joshua rose early in the morning; and he and all the sons of Israel set out from Shittim and came to the Jordan, and they lodged there before they crossed. 2 At the end of three days the officers went through the midst of the camp; 3 and they commanded the people, saying, “When you see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God with the Levitical priests carrying it, then you shall set out from your place and go after it. Deuteronomy 9:1+ “Hear, O Israel! You are crossing over the Jordan today to go in to dispossess nations greater and mightier than you, great cities fortified to heaven, Deuteronomy 11:31+ “For you are about to cross the Jordan to go in to possess the land which the LORD your God is giving you, and you shall possess it and live in it, PREPARE PROVISIONS TO POSSESS YOUR POSSESSION Pass through the midst of the camp and command the people, saying, 'Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you are to cross this Jordan, to go in to possess (yarash) the land which the LORD your God is giving you, to possess (yarash) it - Note 3 commands, two for the officers and the third for the officers to the people. Possession of their promised possession called for preparation. Note the verbs prepare, cross, go in (he could have just said cross, but they were not to just get to other side and stop, but were to move forward - let the soles of their feet step on the ground and) possess, with emphasis of possess. Note also the pattern for victory given here and repeatedly emphasized throughout the Bible - Man's Responsibility and God's Sovereignty. Man must fight, but God gives the victory! THOUGHT - Each day of the believer's life introduces a new spiritual battle (or battles plural). And as with Israel, it behooves the Christian soldier to cross over into this God hating world having prepared for the battle! Begin with the Word (Joshua 1:8) and prayer to prepare in order to prevent defeat by your strong spiritual foes. Be strong (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) in the Lord and the strength of His might (Eph 6:10+). Remember the words in Zechariah 4:10 "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the LORD of hosts." Strong in His Spirit, not strong in self! Adrian Rogers adds "It's time for a change of diet. It's time to get away from this desert diet, it's time to move into Canaan, it's time to possess our possessions. It's time to have all that our Lord God has promised us and so Joshua says, "Prepare...victuals" (Joshua 1:10KJV). What's he talking about? Well, he was talking in that day about physical food, but the spiritual application is that we're going to have to have a change of diet. We're going to have to start feasting on the Word of God like we've never feasted on it before. Listen, if you want to inherit Canaan you'd better start feeding on the Word of God and I'm not talking about twinkles, I'm talking about beefsteaks! I'm not just talking about nick knacks, sandwiches, hors d'oeuvres or appetizers. I'm talking about going down deep, and getting into the Word of God, and letting the Word of God get into you and nourish you until you are strong in The Word. Prepare as if you are going to possess your possessions. You see, there is a call to preparation. Now, you know what some of you are apt to do? You're apt to listen only so long and then tune me out. I heard of an old Arab who was traveling through the desert. He was weary at the end of the day so he got down off his camel and sat down on the sand cross-legged, got his little knapsack and pulled out three dates. That's all he had for his meal that evening. Then he got his lamp, and lit his lamp in the darkness, and he took the first date, and held it under the lamp, and opened it, and there was a worm in it so he threw it over his shoulder. He reached in the knapsack, took out the second date, opened it, and looked, and there was a worm in that one. He threw it over his shoulder. He reached in his knapsack, got the last date and leaned over, blew out the lamp and ate it. Now, do you know what happens so many times when the light of God's Word shines upon our desert diet and shows us just what it is rather than obeying the Word of God? We blow it out and keep on eating the same thing. Now, listen, are you going to hear the Word of God today or are you just going to say, "Well, ha, ha. Rather than obeying it I'll just ignore it." Friend, that's your privilege, that's your privilege. You can ignore what I'm saying today, but I'm telling you, dear friend, that if you want to possess your Canaan, you had better make preparation, you'd better prepare. You'd better get in the kitchen and start preparing something from the Word of God that will nourish you because an army travels on it's stomach and this is especially true about God's army. (Joshua - God's Call to Conquest) Ryrie on within three days. The mission of the spies (chap. 2) apparently took place before this command to prepare was given. What is described in 3:2 may be the same as in 1:11 or may have followed it.
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Spurgeon - Joshua 1:2,3 Taking Possession of Our Inheritance - "First, let us take a survey of the inheritance; secondly, let us glance at the title deeds; and thirdly, let us make a move towards taking immediate possession. For all this may the Holy Spirit. make us sufficient!" People who become great leaders Sometimes need to learn How to serve and follow others— Then they’ll get their turn. —Sper William Newell applies this text to NT believer's life comment: In the therefore of Joshua 1:2, we see that legality or our own efforts (represented by Moses) must die in us ere we can possess the inheritance that is ours (He 4:10-note). The reason why many Christians do not get into the fulness of their inheritance in Christ is because, in some way or other, they are still looking to Moses, that is, to their own fair doings to get them in. But Moses could not even enter Canaan himself, to say nothing of bringing in anyone else. And Israel had to wait till Moses was out of the way, ere they could enter the land, under their new leader. Moses stands to us for the law, Joshua for Christ, when we consider this matter of entering upon our promised possession. It may be that we are still trusting to our good resolves or to our consecration, to get us into the enjoyment of what we see some Christians experience—if so, Moses is yet alive with us: we cannot "go over Jordan". It may be that we are still thinking of our prayers, our earnestness, our Bible study, our faith, our zeal—it is all Moses, Moses, with us yet. Let us mark well these opening verses of this great book which is to bring the people into Canaan: "Now it came to pass after the death of Moses, the servant of the Lord that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun. saying Moses My servant is dead; now Therefore, arise, go over this Jordan. thou ad all this people." Now this is the first great lesson we must learn, that Joshua, not Moses, leads the the people into the land. Joshua's name means, Salvation of Jehovah or "Jehovah Salvation" and its New Testament form is Jesus (Mt 1:21). Oh, that all Christians would simply trust their faithful Joshua leaning only upon Him, following only Him! How quickly would He lead them all into the full realization in experience of what He has so vvondrously purchased for us by His cross! May Moses die now with each of us that we may know none else hereafter as our Leader but Joshua (Jesus)! (Lessons from Joshua - The Book of Possession) Joshua 1:3 "Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you, just as I spoke to Moses. Comment: This verse emphasizes the importance of Man's Responsibility in laying hold ("claiming") God's Sovereign Promises. God in His omnipotence and goodness and grace has already given them the land, but it is their responsibility now to put one foot in front of the other and begin possessing their possessions (See Pastor Chuck Smith - Possessing Our Possessions ), stepping out in faith (and obedience) and claiming what is theirs by divine order. When Abraham first came into the land, the same dynamic was called for. See God's word to him in (Ge 13:14 15, 17). There is an important lesson for us today in all of this and it is that God has blessed us with "every spiritual blessing" in Christ Jesus (Ep 1:3-note), and yet we like the tribes of Israel must step out by faith (and obedience) to lay hold of God's precious and magnificent promises (2Pe 1:4). The Lord has set before each of us an open door that no one can shut (Rev 3:7). We are called to walk through that door by faith, to claim our possessions for the glory of the Lord and for ourselves, possessions that are ours because of Christ's victory on the Cross! Perhaps it's in a tough family situation that you have to claim new territory. Maybe it's in the workplace---an especially difficult relationship that you need to face or a challenge that you've been given that you don't feel capable of meeting. Maybe it's something at school, if you're a student, etc, etc. God gives, but man still must "lay hold of" what God gives. How do we lay hold of God's promises? By faith (Col 2:6, 2Co 5:7). It's the idea of "possessing in reality the possessions that are already yours because Christ's victory at Calvary". So on one hand we are "filled with the fruit of righteousness" (Php 1:11) yet we still must "work our our salvation in fear & trembling" (Php 2:12). A LAND IN THE OT A LIFE IN THE NT An abundant land was given to the people of Israel, just as an abundant life in Christ is made available to believers (Jn 10:10b), not based on any merit but on God's sovereign gracious pleasure. And just as the land that had been given needed to be possessed, so too believers today must lay hold of God's precious and magnificent promises by faith. This is not simply "name it, claim it" but specifically is a faith that shows itself genuine by obedience, for faith without works (of obedience) is dead (non-working) faith. The title deed to the Land and to the Life (every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ - Eph 1:3) is the gracious bountiful gift of God, while the possession of His promises is the result of our obedient walk (albeit a walk empowered by His Spirit and His strengthening, grace 2Ti 2:1 1Co 15:10). The idea is that you can possess all that you will take. You can have every aspect of the spiritual life in Christ that you desire. God however will not give you more than you are ready to take. So if you are not satisfied with the degree of your real experience of victory, it is because you haven't really wanted more or you have fallen short of in the area of obedience (e.g., unconfessed sin, etc). We can have all that we want because God says to all NT believers in essence "Every place where the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you." Joshua 1:4 "From the wilderness and this Lebanon, even as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and as far as the Great Sea toward the setting of the sun, will be your territory. Comment: Joshua 1:3-5 are almost identical to the wording is found in Deut 11:24 25a. Joshua 1:5 "No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you. I’ll go where You want me to go, dear Lord, O’er mountain or plain or sea; I’ll say what You want me to say, dear Lord, I’ll be what You want me to be. —Brown Jensen comments: A lifetime of continuous victory over all enemies was assured Joshua (and therefore the people) through faith and courage on the basis of the unfailing presence and miraculous help of God (Jensen, I. L. Joshua: Rest-Land Won. Chicago, IL: Moody Press) Sermon by C H Spurgeon - Joshua 1:5 Strengthening Medicine for God's Servants - Here are a few excerpts from this sermon on "what this promise (Josh 1:5) does not preclude"… This promise does not exclude effort… Neither does this promise preclude occasional disaster… Nor, again, does this promise preclude frequent tribulations and testings of faith… this promise does not preclude our suffering very greatly." Dr Thomas Constable (Joshua Notes) points out the chiastic structure of Jehovah's charge to Joshua… A. I will be with you (Josh 1:5). B Be strong and courageous (Josh 1:6, 7). C That you may have success (Josh 1:7). D This book of the law (Josh 1:8). C’ Then you will have success (Josh 1:8). B’ Be strong and courageous (Josh 1:9). A’ The Lord your God is with you (Josh 1:9). Joshua 1:6 "Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Comment: "Be strong and courageous" is a "double command" which is mentioned 3 times in this brief introductory chapter (Josh 1:6 7 9) and is thus a key phrase. And remember that what God commands, He always enables. Joshua 1:7 "Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. Plumptre: Only when thine arm In sense of weakness reaches forth to God, Wilt thou be strong to suffer and to do. Sermon by C H Spurgeon - Joshua 1:7 Joshua's Obedience Joshua 1:8 "This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. Comment: The key to spiritual success is eating His Word and doing His Word. Keathley remarks: The victory and possession of the land which follows is a direct result of the Word of God and of man, in this case Joshua, hearing and responding to His Word. This should illustrate for us that there is absolutely no victory or chance for us to experience the blessings of our new life in Christ apart from the Word of God. Whenever any believer begins to turn away from the Word through indifference or apathy for whatever reason, he is turning away from the Lord and into defeat. (The Commissioning of Joshua -- Joshua 1:1-18) Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Though I know not what awaits me— What the future has in store, Yet I know that God is faithful, For I've proved Him oft before. —Anon. Comment: The Lord promises Joshua a provision, His protection, and His presence. The Lord will give you help and strength For work He bids You do: To serve Him from a heart of love Is all He asks of you. —Fasick Paul Apple has some good words of warning regarding the reading and interpretation of Joshua… 2 TRAPS TO AVOID in Studying the Book of Joshua: Trap #1 – Confusion about identification of Joshua – Joshua is not a type of Pastor John MacArthur (or name any radio personality you listen to). The people of God today want a human Joshua to follow rather than the invisible Lord Jesus Himself who is the Captain of our Salvation (Josh 5:14, 15). That is why we must have a plurality of under shepherds…no one leader can bring to the table all that we need; Joshua is not a type of some super single pastor model of leadership…but spiritual leaders do need to pattern themselves after Joshua in many important respects (so there are many leadership lessons…and lessons as well for those who are called to submit to our spiritual leaders) Joshua (means “Yahweh is salvation”) is a type of Christ who leads us to spiritual victory and into His rest – not in heaven – but on earth as we submit fully to Him, trust in His power and come to experience the abundant life He desires for us. Trap #2 – Confusion about Identification of Canaan – Thinking that crossing the Jordan represents a transition from this life through death into the joys of heaven is a mistaken interpretation/application. Canaan was a place of conflict and conquest! God’s people must take responsibility to be strong and courageous and fight the good fight of faith (1Ti 6:12). Don’t wait for victory in heaven for God wants us to experience victory now in the midst of our enemies today (world, flesh and devil). (Joshua) THIS BOOK OF THE LAW SHALL NOT DEPART FROM YOUR MOUTH: Book: Dt 6:6 7 8 9 11:18,19 17:18,19 30:14 31:11 Ps 37:30,31 40:10 Ps 119:42,43 Isa 59:21 Mt 12:35 Eph 4:29) SCRIPTURE SATURATED SAINTS In Joshua 1:8 Observe: Who is speaking to Joshua (See interrogation of the text with the 5W'S & H)? Why? When? What has transpired? What is Jehovah's command? What is the land like into which Joshua is to lead the people? What is Joshua's mindset to be (note what is repeated three times!). If you have time you can do a simple observation with the class asking these type of questions. God Himself is addressing Joshua because Israel's leader Moses has died and the mantle of leadership is being passed to this new leader. Joshua is to lead Israel into the "promised land" filled with adversaries and pagan idolatry. Temptation and Warfare will occur. So what does God tell Joshua he must do? Does He tell him to make sure the soldiers have their weapons and are in good shape? No. God tells Joshua to make sure that the "Sword of the Word of God" is to be his focus and will provide all that he needs in order to assure success. A number of commentaries refer to Joshua 1:8 as the key or theme verse in the entire book of Joshua, so it certainly behooves the serious student of the Scriptures to meditate on this verse referring to meditation on God's Word! Below is Joshua 1:8 "structured" to help you see the pattern… This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but (See term of contrast) you shall meditate on it day and night, so that (See term of result/purpose) you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for (See term of explanation) then (When?) you will make your way prosperous, and then (When?) you will have success. What is the "key word" of Joshua 1:8? Book of the law = "it" = "it" What are the key actions? Meditate and Do Book of the law (19x in the NAS = Deut 29:21; 30:10; 31:26; Josh 1:8; 8:31, 34; 23:6; 24:26; 2Ki 14:6; 22:8, 11; 2Chr 17:9; 34:14, 15; Neh 8:1, 3, 18; 9:3; Gal 3:10) A reference to Scripture, specifically Genesis through Deuteronomy (Pentateuch from penta = five), written by Moses. Deuteronomy 31 talks about Moses' completing the book and committing it to the care of the priests… Moses commanded the Levites who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, saying, "Take this book of the law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may remain there as a witness against you." (Deuteronomy 31:25, 26+) Note that it was not enough that the priests carried and protected the book of the Law. Nor would it be adequate for Joshua to protect it but not let it "protect" him! No, Joshua had to read it and heed it daily, making the Book part of his innermost being by meditating on it. Precious Bible What a Treasure John Newton Precious Bible! what a treasure Does the Word of God afford? All I want for life or pleasure, Food and tonic, shield and sword: Let the world account me poor, Having this I need no more. Food to which the world’s a stranger, Here my hungry soul enjoys; Of excess there is no danger, Though it fills, it never cloys: On a dying Christ I feed, He is meat and drink indeed. When my faith is faint and sickly, Or when Satan wounds my mind, Tonics, to revive me quickly, Healing medicines here I find: To the promises I flee, Each affords a remedy. Precious Bible! what a treasure Spirit's power set me free? In the hour of dark temptation Satan cannot make me yield; For the Word of consolation Is to me a mighty shield While the Scripture truths are sure, From his malice I’m secure. Vain his threats to overcome me, When I take the Spirit’s sword; Then with ease I drive him from me. Satan trembles at the Word: ’Tis a sword for conquest made, Keen the edge, and strong the blade. Precious Bible in my hand I'm not afraid.
Josué 1:8
Spurgeon writes that the godly man's delight: Is the the law of the Lord. He is not under the law as a curse and condemnation, but he is in it, and he delights to be in it as his rule of life; he delights, moreover, to meditate in it, to read it by day and think upon it by night. He takes a text and carries it with him all day long; and in the night-watches, when sleep forsakes his eyelids, he muses upon the Word of God. In the day of his prosperity he sings psalms out of the Word of God, and in the night of his affliction he comforts himself with promises out of the same book. The law of the Lord is the daily bread of the true believer. And yet, in David’s day, how small was the volume of inspiration, for they had scarcely anything save the first five books of Moses! How much more, then, should we prize the whole written Word which it is our privilege to have in all our houses! But, alas, what ill-treatment is given to this angel from heaven! We are not all Berean searchers of the Scriptures. How few among us can lay claim to the benediction of the text! Perhaps some of you can claim a sort of negative purity, because you do not walk in the way of the ungodly; but let me ask you—Is your delight in the law of God? Do you study God’s Word? Do you make it the man of your right hand—your best companion and hourly guide? If not, this blessing does not belong to you. Psalm 2:1 Why are the nations in an uproar And the peoples devising a vain thing? Psalm 35:28 And my tongue shall declare Your righteousness And Your praise all day long. Psalm 37:30 The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, And his tongue speaks justice. Psalm 38:12 Those who seek my life lay snares for me; And those who seek to injure me have threatened destruction, And they devise treachery all day long. Psalm 63:6 When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches, Comment: Notice that meditation is intimately associated with remembering. We see this association in other psalms...Psalm 77:6 I will remember my song in the night; I will meditate with my heart, And my spirit ponders: and Psalm 143:5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your doings; I muse on the work of Your hands. In David's day the night was divided into three watch periods and his use of the plural ("night watches") suggests that in his intense devotion, he meditated upon Jehovah all through the night. If we (enabled by grace not law) were to practice this discipline, how might it affect our communion with the Living God? In the next verse (Ps 63:7) David explains why he remembers and meditates ("for" or "because" introduces an explanation - see terms of explanation) writing "for Thou hast been my Help… " where "Help" is the Hebrew 'ezra (one who assists, supplies or serves another with what is needed) Spurgeon comments (Note): When I remember thee upon my bed. Lying awake, the good man betook himself to meditation, and then began to sing. He had a feast in the night, and a song in the night. He turned his bedchamber into an oratory, he consecrated his pillow, his praise anticipated the place of which it is written, "There is no night there." Perhaps the wilderness helped to keep him awake, and if so, all the ages are debtors to it for this delightful hymn. If day's cares tempt us to forget God, it is well that night's quiet should lead us to remember him. We see best in the dark if we there see God best. And meditate on thee in the night watches. Keeping up sacred worship in my heart as the priests and Levites celebrated it in the sanctuary. Perhaps David had formerly united with those "who by night stand in the house of the Lord," and now as he could not be with them in person, he remembers the hours as they pass, and unites with the choristers in spirit, blessing Jehovah as they did. It may be, moreover, that the king heard the voices of the sentries as they relieved guard, and each time he returned with renewed solemnity to his meditations upon his God. Night is congenial, in its silence and darkness, to a soul which would forget the world, and rise into a higher sphere. Absorption in the most hallowed of all themes makes watches, which else would be weary, glide away all too rapidly; it causes the lonely and hard couch to yield the most delightful repose -- repose more restful than even sleep itself. We read of beds of ivory, but beds of piety are better far. Some revel in the night, but they are not a tithe so happy as those who meditate in God J Vernon McGee in his inimitable style writes that: David thought about God—meditated upon Him—during the night when he couldn’t sleep. My friend, meditating upon God’s goodness is a lot better than counting sheep!" (McGee, J V: Thru the Bible Commentary: Thomas Nelson) Psalm 71:24 My tongue also will utter Your righteousness all day long; For they are ashamed, for they are humiliated who seek my hurt. Psalm 77:12 I will meditate on all Your work And muse (siach) on Your deeds. Comment: This Hebrew verb siach is translated meditate in 8 of the 20 uses in the NAS - Jdg 5:10; 1 Chr 16:9; Job 7:11; 12:8; Ps 55:17; 69:12; 77:3, Ps 77:6 (meditate), Ps 77:12 (meditate); Ps 105:2; Ps 119:15, 23, 27, 48, 78, 148 (All the uses in Ps 119 are translated meditate); Ps 143:5 (muse); 145:5; Pr 6:22; Isa 53:8 Psalm 115:7 They have hands, but they cannot feel; They have feet, but they cannot walk; They cannot make a sound with their throat. Psalm 143:5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your doings; I muse (siach) on the work of Your hands. Spurgeon comments (Note): I remember the days of old. When we see nothing new which can cheer us, let us think upon old things. We once had merry days, days of deliverance, and joy and thanksgiving; why not again? Jehovah rescued his people in the ages which lie back, centuries ago; wily should he not do the like again? We ourselves have a rich past to look back upon; we have sunny memories, sacred memories, satisfactory memories, and these are as flowers for the bees of faith to visit, from whence they may make honey for present use. I meditate on all thy works. When my own works reproach me, thy works refresh me. If at the first view the deeds of the Lord do not encourage us, let us think them over again, ruminating and considering the histories of divine providence. We ought to take a wide and large view of all God's works; for as a whole they work together for good, and in each part they are worthy of reverent study. I muse on the work of thy hands. This he had done in former days, even in his most trying hours. Creation had been the book in which he read of the wisdom and goodness of the Lord. He repeats his perusal of the page of nature, and counts it a balm for his wounds, a cordial for his cares, to see what the Lord has made by his skilful hands. When the work of our own hand grieves us, let us look to the work of God's hands. Memory, meditation, and musing are here set together as the three graces, ministering grace to a mind depressed and likely to be diseased. As David with his harp played away the evil spirit from Saul, so does he hero chase away gloom from his own soul by holy communion with God. See related topics: Memorizing His Word; Memory Verses by Topic William Gurnall adds - Meditation is prayer's handmaid to wait on it, both before and after the performance of supplication. It is as the plough before the sower, to prepare the heart for the duty of prayer; and as the harrow after the sower, to cover the seed when 'tis sown. As the hopper feeds the mill with grist, so does meditation supply the heart with matter for prayer. David's method. He gathered materials; facts and evidence concerning God: "I remember." He thought out his subject and arranged his matter: "I meditate." He discoursed thereon, and was brought nearer to God: "I muse" -- discourse. Let us close by viewing all this as an example for preachers and others. W B H. Proverbs 8:7 "For my mouth will utter truth; And wickedness is an abomination to my lips. Proverbs 15:28 The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. Proverbs 24:2 For their minds devise violence, And their lips talk of trouble. Isaiah 8:19 When they say to you, "Consult the mediums and the spiritists who whisper and mutter," should not a people consult their God? Should they consult the dead on behalf of the living? Isaiah 16:7 Therefore Moab will wail; everyone of Moab will wail. You will moan for the raisin cakes of Kir-hareseth As those who are utterly stricken. Isaiah 31:4 For thus says the LORD to me, "As the lion or the young lion growls over his prey, Against which a band of shepherds is called out, And he will not be terrified at their voice nor disturbed at their noise, So will the LORD of hosts come down to wage war on Mount Zion and on its hill." Isaiah 33:18 Your heart will meditate on terror: "Where is he who counts? Where is he who weighs? Where is he who counts the towers?" Isaiah 38:14 "Like a swallow, like a crane, so I twitter; I moan like a dove; My eyes look wistfully to the heights; O Lord, I am oppressed, be my security. Isaiah 59:3 For your hands are defiled with blood And your fingers with iniquity; Your lips have spoken falsehood, Your tongue mutters wickedness. Isaiah 59:11 All of us growl like bears, And moan sadly like doves; We hope for justice, but there is none, For salvation, but it is far from us. Isaiah 59:13 Transgressing and denying the LORD, And turning away from our God, Speaking oppression and revolt, Conceiving in and uttering from the heart lying words. Jeremiah 48:31 "Therefore I will wail for Moab, Even for all Moab will I cry out; I will moan for the men of Kir-heres. Webster says that meditate means to focus one’s thoughts on, to reflect on, to muse, to mull over or to ponder over and calls for a definite focusing of one’s thoughts on something so as to understand it deeply. It means to to engage in contemplation or reflection, focusing one's thoughts on some truth, reflecting and pondering that truth. Eastern meditation calls for the subject to "empty" the mind, whereas Biblical meditation calls for the filling of one's mind with God's Word of truth and life. Meditation is the picture of a cow masticating or ruminating – bringing up previously digested food for renewed grinding and preparation for assimilation. Andrew Harper notes that "This habit of meditation on the law which Joshua was instructed to practice (Ed: I agree - Meditation does take "practice") was of great value to one who was to lead a busy life. No mere cursory perusal of the book of the Law can secure the ends for which it is given (Ed: So much for the "One Minute Bible"!) The memory is treacherous, the heart is careless and the power of worldly objects to withdraw attention (from the eternal) is proverbial. We must be continually in contact with the Book of God (Ed: And even more importantly with the God of the Book!)… There can be no spiritual prosperity and progress without daily meditation on the Word of God… And wherever an eminent degree of piety has been attained, we will find that an eminently close study of the Word has been practiced. Where the habit is perfunctory, the tendency is to omit the meditation and to be content with the reading. Even in pious families there is a risk that the reading of the Scriptures morning and evening may push the duty of meditation aside, though even then we are not to despise the benefit that arises from the familiarity gained with their contents. (The Expositor's Bible - Commentary on Joshua) Dawson Trotman illustrated Biblical meditation by comparing the way cows get the cud on which they chew "A cow eats grass as it grazes early in the morning. When the sun gets hot (Ed: Compare to times when we are tempted, when we experience unexpected trials, etc), it will lie in the shade of a tree, and through the use of a unique elevator system it will bring up the grass from one stomach (Ed: The verses we have memorized. The passages we read that morning. The Scriptures in the sermon we heard on Sunday, etc.) and thoroughly masticate it (Ed: We "chew the cud" of the Scriptures the Spirit brings to our mind). When this is finished, it will put it into another stomach, having gotten from it everything possible in the way of nutrients. Nelson's New Christian Dictionary has a picturesque definition of meditation as "Quiet time spent in contemplating the Word of God and in fumigating (Ed: fumigate = to apply smoke, vapor, or gas to especially for the purpose of disinfecting or of destroying pests) the mind of the toxic thoughts and ideas that infiltrate it every day. (Nelson's New Christian Dictionary) Unger says that meditation is "A private devotional act, consisting in deliberate reflection upon some spiritual truth or mystery, accompanied by mental prayer and by acts of the affection and of the will, especially formation of resolutions as to future conduct… Meditation is a duty that ought to be attended to by all who wish well to their spiritual interests. It should be deliberate, close, and continuous. (The New Unger's Bible Dictionary. Chicago: Moody Press) Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary says meditation is concept found primarily in the Old Testament and is "the practice of reflection or contemplation. The word “meditation” or its verb form, “to meditate,” is found mainly in the Old Testament. The Hebrew words behind this concept mean “to murmur,” “a murmuring,” “sighing,” or “moaning"… Meditation is a lost art for many Christians, but the practice needs to be cultivated again." (Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Dictionary) You may be saying "But I don't know how to meditate." I beg to differ because… If you know how to worry, then you know how to meditate. Worry is when you take a negative idea and continue to think on it over and over, and it will usually start to affect you negatively. When you take a Truth from Scripture and think on it over and over, we call that meditation. There is nothing mystical or magical about meditation. Meditation just means you focus your attention over and over on the Word of God. When one continually mutters God’s Word to himself, he is constantly thinking about it. The benefits will be a blessing. God promises in Psalm 1 (Ps 1:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6-see notes) that all who delight in and meditate on His Law will prosper like a flourishing fruit tree and their fruit will appear at the proper time, and their general spiritual health, represented by the leaves, will be good. John Piper gives an interesting word picture of meditation writing that if you want to be filled with the Spirit of passion and exultation over the great things of God, you must fill your mind day and night with the Word of God. Pour over it. Memorize it. Chew it. Put it like a lozenge under the tongue of your soul and let it flavor your affections day and night. (Trinity Journal Volume 16. Page 44) Memorizing and reading slowly with pen in hand are ways of making meditation possible. And meditation is crucial in the fight for joy. God commanded Joshua that a leader must be ever musing on the Word of God: “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night” (Josh 1:8). The scroll was rare and precious. Joshua did not have a “pocket scroll” to carry around. This means that God made memory and meditation part of what it took to lead his people. The same is true today… So meditating on the Word of God day and night means to speak to yourself the Word of God day and night and to speak to yourself about it—to mull it over, to ask questions about it and answer them from the Scripture itself, to ask yourself how this might apply to you and others, and to ponder its implications for life and church and culture and missions. HOW TO MUSE OVER THE SCRIPTURES One simple way to do this is to memorize a verse or two and then say them to yourself once, emphasizing the first word. Then say them to yourself again, emphasizing the second word. Then say them a third time, emphasizing the third word. And so on, over and over again, until you have meditated on the reason why each word is there. Then you can start asking relational questions. If this word is used, why is that word used? The possibilities of musing and pondering and meditating are endless. And always we pray as we ponder, asking for God’s help and light. (Page 124 from Piper's book - When I Don't Desire God How to Fight for Joy - Online and free to Download) Matthew
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Spurgeon - The man who reads but one book, and that book his Bible, and then muses (meditates, ponders) much upon it, will be a better scholar in Christ’s school than he who merely reads hundreds of books, and muses not at all. (from his sermon Quiet Musing) Howard Hendricks commenting on Joshua 1:8 writes "That verse shows that there is a close connection between meditating on God’s Word and acting on it. That’s going to be key when we get to Step Three (Ed: "Application" in inductive Bible study), Application. (Living By The Book - Recommended) Related Resources from Howard Hendricks: Living by the Book by Howard G. Hendricks - This is the revised book (2000) in pdf Living by the Book Workbook by Howard G. Hendricks - supplements the preceding materials with hands on lessons - while it cannot be printed out or copied, it would be a great way to supplement the video tutorials listed below. Youtube short course on Living by the Book - takes about 90 minutes - if you have never been taught how to read the Bible, this is a good introduction. Then you could view the full course in the free videos below. Youtube long course on Living by the Book -click here for all 19 sessions of about 20-25 minute each -- this is highly recommended - I viewed it 30 years ago and it radically transformed by Bible reading! W B Sprague - Of pious MEDITATION, considered as a means of growth in grace, it may be remarked that it is not merely a speculative—but practical exercise: the object of it is, not merely to discover truth—but when discovered, to turn it to some practical advantage. If, for instance, the mind dwells on the infinite greatness and majesty of God—the heart kindles with a sentiment of holy admiration. If the mind contemplates the unparalleled love and mercy of God—the heart glows with a spirit of devout gratitude. If the mind contemplates the depravity and ruin of man, and particularly if it turns its eye inward on personal guilt—the bosom heaves with emotions of godly sorrow. And so in respect to every other subject to which the thoughts may be directed—the mind contemplates them not as subjects of abstract speculation—but of personal interest. (Excerpt [click for full discussion] from Lectures to Young People) J. Vernon McGee has sage advice regarding Biblical meditation writing that "Meditate is a very figurative word. It pictures a cow chewing her cud. I’m told that the cow has several compartments in her tummy. She can go out in the morning, graze on the grass when the dew is on it in the cool of the day. Then when it gets hot in the middle of the day, she lies down under a tree and begins to chew the cud. She moves the grass she had in the morning back up and now she masticates it, she goes over it again. That is what we do when we meditate. We go over what we have read. Way back in 1688 Bartholomew Ashwood said, “Meditation chews the cud.” My, how that is needed today in the lives of believers. Remember that James spoke of the man who beholds his natural face in a mirror, then “… immediately forgotten what kind of person he was.” (Jas 1:24-note). We are to meditate on the Word of God (which is God’s mirror that shows us what we really are). We are to allow the Word to shape our lives. My friend, God has no plan or program by which you are to grow and develop as a believer apart from His Word. You can become as busy as a termite in your church (and possibly with the same effect as a termite), but you won’t grow by means of activity. You will grow by meditating upon the Word of God—that is, by going over it again and again in your thinking until it becomes a part of your life. This is the practice of the happy (blessed) man (Psalm 1:1-2)." David Jeremiah - "Most of us read the Bible casually and carelessly. We read the Word of God and it has no effect on us. That’s why the Word of God has become so insipid in our lives; it has no power over us. The greatest thing we can do in reading God’s Word is to understand that the Lord has given the book to us as our marching orders. We are to read it, study it, and then do it. Our prayer before reading the Bible should be, “Lord, show me in Your Word today what You want me to do! Show me the things in my life that are not in conformity with Your will, for I commit myself as I open this book that whatever You say to me here, I’ll do it.” With Jesus with us we can go anywhere—into Canaan with its walled cities and giants everywhere, and into the days of the year ahead, where every day poses a mystery and a challenge. We all will face giants in our futures, but know this: If He is with us, we are sufficient to win in the power of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ." (Sanctuary: finding moments of refuge in the presence of God. Reading the Bible without meditating on it is like eating without chewing. To meditate means to “turn over” God’s Word in the mind and heart, to examine it, to compare Scripture with Scripture, to “feed on” its wonderful truths. In this day of noise and confusion, such meditation is rare but so needful. Meditation is facilitated by memorization (See related topics: Memorizing His Word; Memory Verses by Topic), for when we memorize His Word, we are able to open the page" to that verse any time of the night or day and allow the Lord to speak to us as we ponder the passage! Reading the Bible without meditating on it is like eating without chewing! Meditation is to the inner man what digestion is to the outer man. If you did not digest your food, you would sicken and die. We must read Scripture every day And meditate on what God said To fight temptation from the world And live a life that's Spirit led. -Sper Warren
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Spurgeon comments that… Yes, the Lord will be with us in our holy war, but He demands of us that we strictly follow His rules. 1. Our victories will very much depend upon our obeying Him with all our heart, throwing strength and courage into the actions of our faith. If we are half-hearted, we cannot expect more than half a blessing. 2. We must obey the Lord with care and thoughtfulness. 3. We must obey with universal readiness. We may not pick and choose, but must take all the Lord’s commands as they come. 4. In all this we must go on with exactness and constancy. Ours is to be a straightforward courage, which bends neither to the right nor to the left. All - Means just that - all without exception. Thus everything written must be observed, because partial obedience is really no obedience. As someone has well said, when we study the Bible "hit or miss," we MISS more than we HIT! Moses records God's formula for success… So keep (shamar) the words of this covenant to do them, that you may prosper (sakal - see below) in all that you do. (Dt 29:9) Compare similar statement in First Kings and First Chronicles… And keep (shamar) the charge of the LORD your God, to walk (obey) in His ways, to keep (shamar; Lxx = phulasso) His statutes, His commandments, His ordinances, and His testimonies, according to what is written in the law of Moses, that you may succeed (sakal - see below) in all that you do and wherever you turn, so that the LORD may carry out His promise which He spoke concerning me, saying, 'If your sons are careful of their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.' (1Ki 2:3,4) Then you shall prosper (tsalach = same word translated prosperous in Josh 1:8; see below), if you are careful (shamar; Lxx = phulasso) to observe the statutes and the ordinances which the LORD commanded Moses concerning Israel. Be strong and courageous (both commands), do not fear nor be dismayed. (1Chr 22:13) William Newell - Concerning the possession of Canaan, note the authority for it (God's command - Josh 1:2), the attitude for it (arise - Josh1:2), the path to it (over Jordan - Josh 1:2), the extent of it (all the land - Josh 1:4), the method of it (occupation - Josh 1:3), the encouragement for it (invincibility - Josh 1:5), the incitement to it (the promise of success - Joshua 1:6), the great 'double secret' of it (constant use of and literal obedience to the Word of God - Josh 1:7 8), the all inclusive pledge of possession (the constant presence of God - Josh 1:9) Apply all these things to yourself, in view of Ep 1:3. (Lessons from Joshua - The Book of Possession) A W Tozer - Bible: neglect of; Meditation; Distractions - The present neglect of the inspired Scriptures by civilized man is a shame and a scandal; for those same Scriptures tell him all he wants to know, or should want to know, about God, his own soul and human destiny…Whatever keeps me from the Bible is my enemy, however harmless it may appear to be. Whatever engages my attention when I should be meditating on God and things eternal does injury to my soul. Let the cares of life crowd out the Scriptures from my mind and I have suffered loss where I can least afford it. Let me accept anything else instead of the Scriptures and I have been cheated and robbed to my eternal confusion. (The Tozer Topical Reader 1:21. Camp Hill, PA) FOR THEN YOU WILL MAKE YOUR WAY PROSPEROUS, AND THEN YOU WILL HAVE SUCCESS: THE END RESULT: SPIRITUALLY PROSPEROUS Beware of misinterpretation of Joshua 1:8 - This verse is NOT a promise of material or financial success and should not be "used" as a proof text to defend such false teaching (aka the seductive "Prosperity Gospel"). In the immediate context of the conquest of Canaan by Israel, the promise to Joshua is for military success, not financial success. In fact there is no mention of finances in the entire first chapter of Joshua. This verse then serves as an excellent illustration of the importance of never interpreting a single verse outside of its context (See discussion of Keeping Context King when interpreting Scripture). And don't take a single verse and use it as a proof text as some false teachers do. For then - This is a term of explanation. Whenever you encounter one in Scripture (and the chances are great because there are 9500 "fors" in the NAS - now not every one is actually used as a term of explanation but many are), pause and ask what is being concluded or explained (in so doing you will be in a sense "meditating" on the passage!). When will Joshua make his way prosperous and have success? When he meditates and heeds the Word. Obedience is the gateway to material blessing for Joshua (who without doubt was also spiritual blessed by meditation and obedience) and for spiritual blessing in the case of NT believers. For then you will make your way prosperous - This Hebrew word (tsalach/salah) generally expresses the idea of a successful venture, as contrasted with failure. The source of such success is God: "… as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper" (2 Chr 26:5). The root means to accomplish satisfactorily what is intended. In our lives as Christians, success and prosperity are not to be measured by the physical, material standards of the world. The issue for us is spiritual blessing; spiritual prosperity. We can choose to set out on our own to become materially successful. In the words of our text, that would be turning to the right hand or to the left. But the reality is that we can achieve the goal and live to regret it. There are some famous words by George MacDonald, the Scottish novelist and Christian apologist: "In whatever a man does without God, he must fail miserably or succeed more miserably." It is possible to know physical and material success and yet be an absolute failure spiritually. Meditating on the Scriptures will help us evaluate our motives in decision-making with regard to success and prosperity. We will learn to ask ourselves the right questions out of the word of God. Warren
Josué 1:8
Spurgeon: When I remember thee upon my bed. Lying awake, the good man betook himself to meditation, and then began to sing. He had a feast in the night, and a song in the night. He turned his bedchamber into an oratory, he consecrated his pillow, his praise anticipated the place of which it is written, "There is no night there." Perhaps the wilderness helped to keep him awake, and if so, all the ages are debtors to it for this delightful hymn. If day's cares tempt us to forget God, it is well that night's quiet should lead us to remember him. We see best in the dark if we there see God best. And meditate on thee in the night watches. Keeping up sacred worship in my heart as the priests and Levites celebrated it in the sanctuary. Perhaps David had formerly united with those "who by night stand in the house of the Lord, "and now as he could not be with them in person, he remembers the hours as they pass, and unites with the choristers in spirit, blessing Jehovah as they did. It may be, moreover, that the king heard the voices of the sentries as they relieved guard, and each time he returned with renewed solemnity to his meditations upon his God. Night is congenial, in its silence and darkness, to a soul which would forget the world, and rise into a higher sphere. Absorption in the most hallowed of all themes makes watches, which else would be weary, glide away all too rapidly; it causes the lonely and hard couch to yield the most delightful repose --repose more restful than even sleep itself. We read of beds of ivory, but beds of piety are better far. Some revel in the night, but they are not a tithe so happy as those who meditate in God. Psalm 71:24 My tongue also will utter (Lxx = meletao) Your righteousness all day long; For they are ashamed, for they are humiliated who seek my hurt. Psalm 77:5 I have considered (Lxx = meletao) the days of old, The years of long ago. Spurgeon - I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times. If no good was in the present, memory ransacked the past to find consolation. She fain would borrow a light from the altars of yesterday to light the gloom of today. It is our duty to search for comfort, and not in sullen indolence yield to despair; in quiet contemplation topics may occur to us which will prove the means of raising our spirits, and there is scarcely any theme more likely to prove consolatory than that which deals with the days of yore, the years of the olden time, when the Lord's faithfulness was tried and proven by hosts of his people. Yet it seems that even this consideration created depression rather than delight in the good man's soul, for he contrasted his own mournful condition with all that was bright in the venerable experiences of ancient saints, and so complained the more. Ah, sad calamity of a jaundiced mind, to see nothing as it should be seen, but everything as through a veil of mist. Psalm 77:12 I will meditate (Lxx = meletao) on all Your work And muse on Your deeds. Spurgeon - I will meditate also of all thy work. Sweet work to enter into Jehovah's work of grace, and there to lie down and ruminate, every thought being absorbed in the one precious subject. And talk of thy doings. It is well that the overflow of the mouth should indicate the good matter which fills the heart. Meditation makes rich talking; it is to be lamented that so much of the conversation of professors is utterly barren, because they take no time for contemplation. A meditative man should be a talker, otherwise he is a mental miser, a mill which grinds corn only for the miller. The subject of our meditation should be choice, and then our task will be edifying; if we meditate on folly and affect to speak wisdom, our double mindedness will soon be known unto all men. Holy talk following upon meditation has a consoling power in it for ourselves as well as for those who listen, hence its value in the connection in which we find it in this passage. Psalm 90:9 For all our days have declined in Your fury; We have finished our years like a sigh. Psalm 119:16 I shall delight (Lxx = meletao) in Your statutes; I shall not forget Your word. Gimel. Spurgeon - I will delight myself in thy statutes. In this verse delight follows meditation, of which it is the true flower and outgrowth. When we have no other solace, but are quite alone, it will be a glad thing for the heart to turn upon itself, and sweetly whisper, "I will delight myself. What if no minstrel sings in the hall, I will delight myself. If the time of the singing of birds has not yet arrived, and the voice of the turtle is not heard in our land, yet I will delight myself." This is the choicest and noblest of all rejoicing; in fact, it is the good part which can never be taken from us; but there is no delighting ourselves with anything below that which God intended to be the soul's eternal satisfaction. The statute book is intended to be the joy of every loyal subject. When the believer once peruses the sacred pages his soul burns within him as he turns first to one and then to another of the royal words of the great King, words full and firm, immutable and divine. I will not forget thy word. Men do not readily forget that which they have treasured up, that which they have meditated on (Psalms 119:15), and that which they have often spoken of (Psalms 119:13). Yet since we have treacherous memories it is well to bind them well with the knotted cord of "I will not forget." Note how two "I wills" follow upon two "I haves." We may not promise for the future if we have altogether failed in the past; but where grace has enabled us to accomplish something, we may hopefully expect that it will enable us to do more. It is curious to observe how this verse is moulded upon Psalms 119:8 : the changes are rung on the same words, but the meaning is quite different, and there is no suspicion of a vain repetition. The same thought is never given over again in this Psalm; they are dullards who think so. Something in the position of each verse affects its meaning, so that even where its words are almost identical with those of another the sense is delightfully varied. If we do not see an infinite variety of fine shades of thought in this Psalm we may conclude that we are colour blind; if we do not hear many sweet harmonies, we may judge our ears to be dull of hearing, but we may not suspect the Spirit of God of monotony. Psalm 119:47 I shall delight (Lxx = meletao) in Your commandments, Which I love. Spurgeon - And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved. Next to liberty and courage comes delight. When we have done our duty, we find a great reward in it. If David had not spoken for his Master before kings, he would have been afraid to think of the law which he had neglected; but after speaking up for his Lord he feels a sweet serenity of heart when musing upon the word. Obey the command, and you will love it; carry the yoke, and it will be easy, and rest will come by it. After speaking of the law the Psalmist was not wearied of his theme, but he retired to meditate upon it; he discoursed and then he delighted, he preached and then repaired to his study to renew his strength by feeding yet again upon the precious truth. Whether he delighted others or not when he was speaking, he never failed to delight himself when he was musing on the word of the Lord. He declares that he loved the Lord's commands, and by this avowal he unveils the reason for his delight in them: where our love is, there is our delight. David did not delight in the courts of kings, for there he found places of temptation to shame, but in the Scriptures he found himself at home; his heart was in them, and they yielded him supreme pleasure. No wonder that he spoke of keeping the law, which he loved; Jesus says, "If a man love me, he will keep my words." No wonder that he spoke of walking at liberty, and speaking boldly, for true love is ever free and fearless. Love is the fulfilling of the law; where love to the law of God reigns in the heart the life must be full of blessedness. Lord, let thy mercies come to us that we may love thy word and way, and find our whole delight therein. Psalm 119:70 Their heart is covered with fat, But I delight (Lxx = meletao in Your law. Spurgeon - But I delight in thy law. How much better is it to joy in the law of the Lord than to joy in sensual indulgences! This makes the heart healthy, and keeps the mind lowly. No one who loves holiness has the slightest cause to envy the prosperity of the worldling. Delight in the law elevates and ennobles, while carnal pleasure clogs the intellect and degrades the affections. There is and always ought to be a vivid contrast between the believer and the sensualist, and that contrast is as much seen in the affections of the heart as in the actions of the life: their heart is as fat as grease, and our heart is delighted with the law of the Lord. Our delights are a better test of our character than anything else: as a man's heart is, so is the man. David oiled the wheels of life with his delight in God's law, and not with the fat of sensuality. He had his relishes and dainties, his festivals and delights, and all these he found in doing the will of the Lord his God. When law becomes delight, obedience is bliss. Holiness in the heart causes the soul to eat the fat of the land. To have the law for our delight will breed in our hearts the very opposite of the effects of pride; deadness, sensuality, and obstinacy will be cured, and we shall become teachable, sensitive, and spiritual. How careful should we be to live under the influence of the divine law that we fall not under the law of sin and death. Psalm 119:117 Uphold me that I may be safe, That I may have regard (Lxx = meletao for Your statutes continually. Spurgeon - And I will have respect unto thy statutes continually. In obedience is safety; in being held up is obedience. No man will outwardly keep the Lord's statutes for long together unless he has an inward respect for them, and this will never be unless the hand of the Lord perpetually upholds the heart in holy love. Perseverance to the end, obedience continually, comes only through the divine power; we start aside as a deceitful bow unless we are kept right by him that first gave us grace. Happy is the man who realizes this verse in his life: upheld through his whole life in a course of unswerving integrity, he becomes a safe and trusted man, and maintains a sacred delicacy of conscience which is unknown to others. He feels a tender respect for the statutes of the Lord, which keeps him clear of inconsistencies and conformities to the world that are so common among others, and hence he is a pillar in the house of the Lord. Alas, we know some professors who are not upright, and therefore they lean to sin till they fall over, and though they are restored they are never safe or reliable, neither have they that sweet purity of soul which is the charm of the more sanctified who have been kept from falling into the mire. Psalm 119:148 My eyes anticipate the night watches, That I may meditate (Lxx = meletao on Your word. Spurgeon - Mine eyes prevent the night watches. Or rather, the watches. Before the watchman cried the hour, he was crying to God. He did not need to be informed as to how the hours were flying, for every hour his heart was flying towards heaven. He began the day with prayer, and he continued in prayer through the watches of the day, and the watches of the night. The soldiers changed guard, but David did not change his holy occupation. Specially, however, at night did he keep his eyes open, and drive away sleep, that he might maintain communion with his God. He worshipped on from watch to watch as travellers journey from stage to stage. That I might meditate in thy word. This had become meat and drink to him. Meditation was the food of his hope, and the solace of his sorrow: the one theme upon which his thoughts ran was that blessed "word" which he continually mentions, and in which his heart rejoices. He preferred study to slumber; and he learned to forego his necessary sleep for much more necessary devotion. It is instructive to find meditation so constantly connected with fervent prayer: it is the fuel which sustains the flame. How rare an article is it in these days. Psalm 143:5 I remember the days of old; I meditate (Lxx = meletao on all Your doings; I muse on the work of Your hands. Spurgeon - I remember the days of old. When we see nothing new which can cheer us, let us think upon old things. We once had merry days, days of deliverance, and joy and thanksgiving; why not again? Jehovah rescued his people in the ages which lie back, centuries ago; wily should he not do the like again? We ourselves have a rich past to look back upon; we have sunny memories, sacred memories, satisfactory memories, and these are as flowers for the bees of faith to visit, from whence they may make honey for present use. I meditate on all thy works. When my own works reproach me, thy works refresh me. If at the first view the deeds of the Lord do not encourage us, let us think them over again, ruminating and considering the histories of divine providence. We ought to take a wide and large view of all God's works; for as a whole they work together for good, and in each part they are worthy of reverent study. I muse on the work of thyhands. This he had done in former days, even in his most trying hours. Creation had been the book in which he read of the wisdom and goodness of the Lord. He repeats his perusal of the page of nature, and counts it a balm for his wounds, a cordial for his cares, to see what the Lord has made by his skilful hands. When the work of our own hand grieves us, let us look to the work of God's hands. Memory, meditation, and musing are here set together as the three graces, ministering grace to a mind depressed and likely to be diseased. As David with his harp played away the evil spirit from Saul, so does he hero chase away gloom from his own soul by holy communion with God. Proverbs 8:7 "For my mouth will utter truth; And wickedness is an abomination to my lips. Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes dishonor, But with the humble is wisdom. Proverbs 15:28 The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. Proverbs 19:27 Cease listening, my son, to discipline, And you will stray from the words of knowledge. Proverbs 24:2 For their minds devise (Lxx = meletao violence, And their lips talk of trouble. Isaiah 16:7 Therefore Moab will wail; everyone of Moab will wail. You will moan for the raisin cakes of Kir-hareseth As those who are utterly stricken. Isaiah 27:8 You contended with them by banishing them, by driving them away. With His fierce wind He has expelled them on the day of the east wind. Isaiah 33:18 Your heart will meditate (Lxx = meletao on terror: "Where is he who counts? Where is he who weighs? Where is he who counts the towers?" Isaiah 38:14 "Like a swallow, like a crane, so I twitter; I moan like a dove; My eyes look wistfully to the heights; O Lord, I am oppressed, be my security. Isaiah 59:3 For your hands are defiled with blood And your fingers with iniquity; Your lips have spoken falsehood, Your tongue mutters wickedness. Isaiah 59:13 Transgressing and denying the LORD, And turning away from our God, Speaking oppression and revolt, Conceiving in and uttering from the heart lying words.