Let me ask you if you were looking for someone to take over your business, what age group would you really want that person to fit into? (I know there is now no such thing as age discrimination).
Well, let me ask you another question. If you had been an understudy for years and years, would you feel the chance of becoming next in line was ever going to happen?
Well, both these questions were relative to a man called Joshua. Although there is a book called Joshua we actually know more about him from the Torah (the first 5 books of the Bible) while Moses was still Israel’s leader.
Joshua’s C.V. reads like this:-
- A warrior,
- Moses assistant,
- One of the spies,
- Moses’ designated successor.
- Conqueror of the Land
- Divider of the Land
His name too is very interesting. Joshua, son of Nun, of the tribe of Ephraim, was originally named Hoshea (Numbers 13:8), which means literally “salvation.” At some time during the wilderness journey (Numbers 13.16) Moses changed the name to Yehoshua (Jehoshua), which is printed in our Bibles in the contracted form of Joshua. Jehoshua, or Joshua, means literally “Jehovah is salvation.”, the name Jesus uses. You need to remember names were very important in Biblical days.
The final part I wish to bring to your attention is Joshua takes over the leadership of a nation at 80 until his death at 110. Yes, that’s right aged 80!
God tells Moses he is going to die and therefore needs a successor. Moses is instructed to appoint Joshua at the tender age of 80 years.
I believe God appointed Winston Churchill who was 66 years old when he led our country through those difficult years. He also led our country from 1951-1955.
Let me encourage you; your life has not passed you by. You may be facing the reality of losing your job, having the virus, or other problems which may well be causing you anxiety in this different time, but let me assure you nothing, absolute nothing, can prevent God’s ultimate purpose in your life.
Joshua was born a slave in Egypt, now free Joshua was facing a difficult assignment in replacing a great leader like Moses which was not an easy situation to find yourself in. Joshua was to take a nation of over 2 million people into a land destined by God. Whenever God appoints you can be sure of this.
- God equips us: God promises Joshua to equip him for the task ahead.
- God encourages: Joshua three times in chapter 1 verses 3,6, and 9.
- God enables us: the victory came from the power of God that was released when they obeyed God by faith.
Joshua was told to be strong and courageous. Why? Because He was God’s appointment.
God has an appointment for you too, so in these different times Be strong and courageous.
Stay Safe