The Land

In Joshua, Chapter 1:2, God tells Joshua, "The time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them."  Later in Chapter 1, Joshua, at the instruction of the Lord, tells the people to "take possession" of the land.  I wonder if this is God's same instruction today?

First, what is "the land?"  The land is any place that God sends His people, under His instruction and authority, to possess.  It is the hearts of unbelievers.  It is the land upon which our church and our facilities are located.  It is a nation that seems so focused on political solutions to our problems that we miss the spiritual battle being waged all around us.  It is taking this day for the Lord ... living it out with God's guidance, leading, Spirit, and blessing.  Joshua is told that the land is anywhere he sets foot IF he follows God's instructions.

Second, in this month of giving thanks, God reminds Joshua that the land, the power to enter the land, and the power to take the land are gifts/blessings from God.  Joshua, the army of Israel, and the ability to fight, all come from the God who ultimately leads them.  They are just a large group of nomads without God's provision.

Finally (and I love this) possession of the land follows action.  The people are told to take the land.  Joshua is told that he must "set foot" on the land.  The nation of Israel is told they must "cross the river."  God's power, provision, and blessing are all there, just waiting for people who say, "yes!"

You may ask, "What does this have to do with me?"  We are a nation of passivity.  I am told, often, the things WE need to do.  But doing them seems to fall by the wayside, as business takes over our lives.  So ... here are some ways we can "take the land,"

1. If you are part of a team that leads your church, meet with the team and participate in the meeting.  Step into the river, and the waters will part (Joshua 3:8).

2. Never, ever, say those powerless words, "I can't do that!" if God has called you to do something.  Those words are narcissistic!  They imply that YOU are responsible for doing what God has ordained.  Just step into the water (as the old song says).

3. Let's all be the adults in the room.  One of the sports programs I watch often remarks that the leadership trait most sought in professional sports (this includes management and players alike) is the trait of being an adult.  Adults see the larger picture of the organization that is larger than them.  Adults listen, interact, and don't seek to manipulate others.  Adults are not passive-agressive in how they interact with others.  Adults give positive suggestions and respond positively to others in their group.  Adults are teachable and interested in personal and organizational growth.  Adults enter every meeting, every interaction, and every relationship asking, "How can I be used by God to make this meeting, interaction, and relationship better?"  Adults keep their eyes on the mission, and are active in "taking the land."  Adults don't allow emotions to drive them, and never "take their toys and go home."  

I have (in our Family Life Center) a stone carved with the words, "With God nothing is impossible."  Do you believe that, because Jesus said it?  Let's take the land, one step and one action at a time.  It starts with crossing the river of doubt, emotion, fear, failure, self, and childish behavior.  Joshua knew the Jordan was more than a river ... it was a place where attitudes needed to change.  TAKE the land.  God has already given it!  Randy