Turning Point

[Josh. 1:2] Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.
This is the turning point in history; the old age has passed with the death of Moses. The new is about to begin, and with it comes a call to present action on which the future depends now therefore arise. G-d is the owner of the land (Lev. 25:23; Ps. 24:1), and he has granted it to his people as tenants to use for His purposes. But there were certain
conditions that must be fulfilled:
They must cross the Jordan River.
They must enter the land, for they cannot inherit it without actual presence there.
They must engage in a long, hard struggle against the forces of oppression in the land.
They must do away with internal corruption.
They must agree to a fair distribution of the land among the tribes.
They must organize their society according to G-d’s Laws.
First of all, we have the principle on which possession is to be taken, in the energy of the Spirit and in connection with the responsibility of man. The condition was attached to their possession; they must go there, overcome the obstacles with the help and by the power of G-d, and actual possession. Nevertheless, to faith the promise was sure. 300,000 square miles. They never took possession of all the land that G-d had given.
The power of the Spirit of G-d is the true energy of the believer, is all-sufficient. He who walks by the Spirit is called upon to be strong and of a good courage. Joshua obeyed G-d’s call unhesitatingly and to the end, but it was because he trusted wholly in the promise that accompanied it. Along with his soldierly qualities, he combined justice as a magistrate with gentleness as a man (7:19); spirit as a ruler, with temper and discretion in dealing with the arrogant and exacting (17:14); diligence and equity in disposing of the fruits of victory with a complete unselfishness as regarded himself (19:49-51). Conspicuous above all was his humility. From first to last his valor and his victories are referred to G-d as their giver. Of his own personal work in the achievements of his life there is in is last address scarcely one word.
Spiritual strength and energy, the courage of faith, are necessary, in order that the heart may be bold enough to obey, may be free from the influences, the fears, and the motives which act upon the natural man, and tend to turn believers aside from the path of obedience, and that they may take heed unto the word of G-d. The most difficult path, that which leads to the sharpest conflict, is but the road in which we are in communion with G-d, with Him who is the source of all joy; it is the earnest and the foretaste of eternal and infinite happiness.
The mouth is for eating. G-d’s Word is to be “chewed, swallowed, and digested” so that it becomes part of the person’s very self in thought and action. The mouth is also for speaking. The one who has received G-d’s Word in his mouth must also teach, warn, and encourage others. Here are 2 great principles of spiritual life and activity:
The assured presence of the almighty power of G-d, so that nothing can stand before His servant.
The reception of His word, submission to His word, diligent study of His word, taking it as an absolute guide; and having courage to do so, because of the promise and exhortation of G-d.
The first five books of Moses were now written. If we are not conscious that we are doing the will of G-d – if, before we begin to act, we have not assured ourselves of this in His presence, we shall have no courage in performing it. Perhaps indeed what we are doing is the will of G-d; but, not being conscious of this, we act with hesitation, without confidence, without joy; we are repulsed by the smallest opposition, whilst, when we are assured of doing His will, and that He has said, “Have not I commanded thee? Nothing, through grace, can alarm us. The most commonly quoted words in the book are G-d’s command and promise to Joshua and his courageous witness to the people (24:15).
The name Moses appears eleven times in the first chapter alone, and forty-eight times in the other chapters. Joshua inherits all G-d’s promises to, presence with, and instructions to Moses.
Rest, security, and peace is thus a sign and evidence of G-d’s presence with His people, as well as his gracious provision for them. Read Isa. 32:15-18; Matt. 11:28. Faith and obedience in real-life situations is conditions for accepting the gift of rest that cannot be sought in isolation from brothers and sisters.