Now Joshua was old, advanced in years. And the Lord said to him, "You are old, advanced in years, and there remains very much land yet to be possessed."
--Joshua 13:1 (NKJV)
From the daily Bible reading on April 20, 2013 of Psalm 77:10-20; Romans 16; Joshua 13-15:12.
Joshua was very likely born in Egypt during the Israelis' captivity there, and may have even served in Pharaoh's army at one time. He was an accomplished military commander, quite capable of leading the people's forces against the Amalekites, a fight that occurred not long after leaving Egypt (please reference Exodus 17:8-16). Joshua would have been at least forty-five at that time, about the right age and with sufficient experience to command an army. Around thirty-eight or so years later, Joshua led the nation of Israel across the Jordan and into the Promised Land. As God commanded, their fighting men, under Joshua's leadership, began cleaning house and taking the land, town by town and kingdom by kingdom. Scripture records for us that by the time of today's focus verse, the people had conquered 31 kings and had taken control of their lands and their possessions. At this point, Joshua would have been somewhere between ninety and a hundred years old. Advanced in years indeed!
I'm willing to bet Joshua didn't really need for God to tell him that he was old. He probably felt it in his bones. Even just leading an army at that age would wear a man down (if a normal man could manage that feat). Add the burden of seeing to the needs of an entire nation, still mostly on the move, and it's a wonder the man could stand up in the morning after his night's sleep. And if it wasn't bad enough that God reminded him of his advanced years, He had to add in, "You've still got a lot of work to do." From the sound of it, Joshua wouldn't be getting any rest anytime soon. But God wasn't being cruel; kind of just the opposite. God was assuring Joshua that although his years might be advanced, he was still very much needed and had unfinished business to tend to before his time to pass from this life would come. Old age would not stop him - God would see to that. He would not grow weary just yet, for God would see him through to the successful completion of his assigned task.
This is actually a comforting verse for those of us on the downhill side of life's mountain, those who have seen more years (maybe many more years) pass by than we have remaining. Even though the years may have really piled up behind us, our Lord still has work for us to do. We may not know exactly what that task is. It may be as simple as keep on witnessing to Christ and spreading the Gospel, or it could be far more specific, such as being ordained and baptizing a baby that will grow into a righteous person and fervent follower of Jesus. It doesn't matter the task. It is important to God and He will be with us until we have successfully completed it. And then, when He takes us home, He will welcome us as good and faithful servants. We may be old, some of us, but we're not done yet. Amen.
Omniscient God, You know exactly when we will take our last breath on this earth, and You give us meaning in all the days we have by giving us jobs to do, tasks to be completed. Thank You for making our days useful and for staying at our side until our work here is done. May all our efforts serve to further expand Your kingdom and bring glory and honor to Jesus Christ our Lord and You our Father. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
I'm willing to bet Joshua didn't really need for God to tell him that he was old. He probably felt it in his bones. Even just leading an army at that age would wear a man down (if a normal man could manage that feat). Add the burden of seeing to the needs of an entire nation, still mostly on the move, and it's a wonder the man could stand up in the morning after his night's sleep. And if it wasn't bad enough that God reminded him of his advanced years, He had to add in, "You've still got a lot of work to do." From the sound of it, Joshua wouldn't be getting any rest anytime soon. But God wasn't being cruel; kind of just the opposite. God was assuring Joshua that although his years might be advanced, he was still very much needed and had unfinished business to tend to before his time to pass from this life would come. Old age would not stop him - God would see to that. He would not grow weary just yet, for God would see him through to the successful completion of his assigned task.
This is actually a comforting verse for those of us on the downhill side of life's mountain, those who have seen more years (maybe many more years) pass by than we have remaining. Even though the years may have really piled up behind us, our Lord still has work for us to do. We may not know exactly what that task is. It may be as simple as keep on witnessing to Christ and spreading the Gospel, or it could be far more specific, such as being ordained and baptizing a baby that will grow into a righteous person and fervent follower of Jesus. It doesn't matter the task. It is important to God and He will be with us until we have successfully completed it. And then, when He takes us home, He will welcome us as good and faithful servants. We may be old, some of us, but we're not done yet. Amen.
Omniscient God, You know exactly when we will take our last breath on this earth, and You give us meaning in all the days we have by giving us jobs to do, tasks to be completed. Thank You for making our days useful and for staying at our side until our work here is done. May all our efforts serve to further expand Your kingdom and bring glory and honor to Jesus Christ our Lord and You our Father. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
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