An Ox Knows its Master

 

The Familiar Faithfulness of My Pugs

I have two dogs. Pugs. Years ago, my wife and I took a "puppy finder" personality test. It was fun, we got to input details about and information about our lifestyle and what came out was a stunning indictment on myself. I learned I would like a small dog who did not like much exercise. Not surprisingly, it was a perfect fit.

Our current two pugs are delightful. Delightfully lazy, and in truth, not terribly bright. The perfect companions. Every morning, I have between one and two pugs resting on my lap while I pray and read the Bible. They get excited every time I come down the stairs and every time I return home from work. They know me.

They know me as the guy who is most likely to sit and read for more than an hour, providing them with a living bed upon which to exercise their superpower - sleeping. They know me and I know them.

The Ox and the Voice of Its Master

(Isaiah 1:3)

The book of Isaiah begins with a similar image. The image of an ox that does not know his master. As much as my pugs know me, the relationship between an ox and a farmer was a working relationship. It would be hours of training and working together. Learning to pull the plow and making one row after another - steady, straight lines.

The master constantly giving directions - the ox making it possible to prepare for the harvest that would provide the grain needed to sustain life for the family. Those are long days. Walking up and down. The Ox would learn the voice of its master.

A Comparison Israel Could Not Miss

The Lord makes this comparison that would be all too familiar to the nation of Israel. An agricultural society would recognize how close this bond is - many of Isaiah’s audience would own oxen and have trained them by hand.

It is not that God views Israel as a farm animal, but the comparison would stick. Even an ox knows the voice of its master...why did they not know their God?

The God Who Had Revealed Himself

(Genesis 12:1–3; Exodus 1–14; Deuteronomy 8; 2 Samuel 7; Psalm 119; Exodus 25–40; 1 Kings 8; Isaiah 1:2)

The Lord had made promises to their forefathers. The covenant promises of land, seed, and blessing made to Abraham. He had led them into Egypt as a family and led them out a nation.

He provided for them through the desert wandering. He brought them into the promised land, and He gave them peace so long as they lived in faithful obedience to Him. He gave them their great King David and made an unconditional covenant to him that his line would bring forth the Messiah.

He gave them His word so that they would know Him - His character and expectations. He gave them a priesthood so that they would be able to approach him. The Tabernacle and later the Temple so that he could relate to them in time and space. He sent them prophets to call them back when they strayed.

Yet somehow, they still treated the Lord as a stranger. Disobedient to His Law, unresponsive to his prophets, how could they not know Him?

The Tragic Familiarity for the Church

(John 10:14–27; Acts 20:28; Revelation 5:9; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; John 15:15; Ephesians 2:8–9; Romans 10:17)

The disobedience of Israel is tragically familiar in the story of the Church. The sheep of the Lord's pasture are bought with the blood of Jesus Christ. Assembled from every tribe tongue and nation, indwelt with His Holy Spirit, equipped with the completed word of God, and we are even called His friends. Yet how often could these words be true of the Church...do we heed His word? When Bibles in our homes collect dust, when most churches neglect the word, when the gospel is distorted and perverted for the purposes of the ignorant and the ill-actors alike who pose as pastors.

The Lord has made the way for us to know him - by faith alone in Christ alone. He has provided for us to hear him every day in His revealed word, the Bible. Might we be ever careful to listen to the voice of the Lord - the voice of love.

To the Young – Ecclesiastes

 

The Fleeting Beauty of Youth

“Gather ye rose-buds while ye may,
Old Time is still a-flying;
And this same flower that smiles today
Tomorrow will be dying.”

The poet Robert Herrick encourages the young to make the most of their youth. I first heard this poem in the movie Dead Poets Society, and I will never forget it. This first stanza of the poem lives in my mind for its beauty and its important message.

Youth is a precious thing that is alternatively idolized and taken for granted in the human experience. The ignorance, the passion, and the joy of youth is marked by learning, growing, and physically looking and feeling as good as you will for the rest of your life. I do not know where youth ends, but I know mine has ended, and I am grateful for the youth that I had. There were fun times, mistakes, and great people who invested in me and shaped me into who I am today. Most importantly, the Lord is ever faithful.

 

Rejoice in Youth — But With Accountability

(Ecclesiastes 11:9–10)

As Solomon considered this valuable time in the book of Ecclesiastes he wrote these words:

“Rejoice, young man, during your childhood, and let your heart be pleasant during the days of young manhood. And follow the impulses of your heart and the desires of your eyes. You know that God will bring you to judgment for all these things. So remove sorrow from your heart and keep pain away from your body because childhood and the prime of life are fleeting.” — Ecclesiastes 11:9–10

The changes we experience in old age color our perspective. Many people grow jealous of younger people. Other people grow bitter with the loss of physical comfort, strength, and beauty. Truthfully, youth should be enjoyed by the young and admired in the old. There is so much to do with the energy and potential of this time of life, and scripture encourages us to enjoy it because it goes by so quickly. Yet Solomon's advice doesn't end there.

 

Remember Your Creator While You Are Young

(Ecclesiastes 12:1–2)

“Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years approach when you will say, ‘I have no pleasure in them’; before the sun and the light, the moon and the stars are darkened, and clouds return after the rain...” — Ecclesiastes 12:1–2

This critical bit of advice makes all the difference when it comes to enjoying youth successfully. These moments are fleeting, but they are important. If these years are invested in spiritual growth then they are glorious, but if these years are wasted they can limit what is available to us in the latter years.

 

The Wisdom That Comes With Age

As youth passes away the words of Solomon are true. Eyesight, hearing, and physical awareness all decline over time. Just like energy levels, and capacity for various experiences. Ageing can also bring wisdom — and it will if we pursue the Lord with our youth.

The simple admonition of wisdom is to understand and appreciate youth while we have it. To the folks who have left youth behind we can still admire and encourage those who are young to use these precious moments to grow to know Christ and make the most of the gift of youth.

Remember Who You Are — The Lesson of Job

 

A Modern Picture of Forgotten Identity

The film Regarding Henry (1991) starred Harrison Ford. Ford played a high-powered New York attorney who got amnesia from a traumatic accident. He forgot everything about who he was, and his life in general. His family came around him and sought to nurse him back to health. As he recovered, he learned that, prior to the injury, he was a miserable, selfish, and immoral person. Forgetting who he was gave him a chance to change—no longer doomed to continue those old patterns. He was free to live a better life.

The book of Job also involves the issue of Job losing track of who he was, but not in the same way that Henry did.

 

The Sudden Collapse of a Godly Life

(Job 1–2)

Reading the book of Job is an amazing journey. Job is a good and godly man and loses everything. Usually when we say a person loses everything, we mean it as a poetic overstatement. Job came closer than most to this being an accurate statement. Wealth, possessions, family, health—all taken from him in a tremendously brief period.

Experiencing such unspeakable loss in such a fleeting time is too much of an anomaly to be a coincidence. Something had to be up. And something was up, but Job did not know about it yet.

 

Wrestling With Suffering and Seeking Answers

(Job 3–31)

Most people in pain can identify with what Job endured, but the important part of this book is Job processing these losses with his friends. Seven days of silence begins the process, then Job understandably begins his complaint.

Why had this happened? What could have caused such extraordinary loss?

He and his friends seek all available options. Had Job been foolish? Was there a secret sin that God is disciplining him for?

Job sticks to his integrity. Ready to humble himself before God but genuinely wanting an answer to why this had happened. He had used his wealth and power to do good, to help others. Job felt he deserved an answer from the Lord as to why he lost everything, and his life had become so bitter.

We can understand Job's feelings. The reader has information about what went on in the courts of heaven (Job 1:6–12; 2:1–6), but Job does not even know that much. Yet still, the reader has compassion on Job and hopes that God will explain everything to him.

 

Elihu’s Rebuke and the Gathering Storm

(Job 32–37)

As the arguing grows more contentious, Elihu steps forward. Previously unintroduced, this young man speaks truth into the situation. He rebukes Job and his friends for the man-centered nature of their discussion, the arrogance of his friends in speaking for God, and Job’s boldness in questioning God so directly. As he speaks a storm begins to take shape. His powerful discourse is punctuated by growing strong winds, dark clouds, and the sounds of thunder, yet he continues his wise and circumspect speech.

When he finishes, an amazing thing happens—God shows up.

 

God Speaks From the Whirlwind

(Job 38–41)

God appears here in a storm—overwhelming and terrifying—but speaking clearly in this expression of power and authority.

We can pause here and ask what we might expect God to say.

Job had endured the trial. He had certainly asked the big questions and expressed his understandable confusion and even been more than a bit rude to his friends in response to their ignorant accusations. However, he never cursed or abandoned God.

As far as the contest in the heavenly throne room, God's wisdom and plan were vindicated. Satan's accusations were proven false, and Satan was embarrassed on the heavenly stage—all because of Job's response to this terrible time of loss.

I would expect God to come on beams of sunlight to give Job a commendation—the applause of heaven and all the righteous angels, but God enters the scene differently than we might expect.

He immediately starts by clearing up the most crucial point. God asks Job, in essence, “Who do you think you are?” (Job 38:2–4).

Job had boldly asked for this audience. He thought he deserved answers, and this attitude needed correction before anything else. God reminds Job with poetry and power that Job is not omniscient, omnipresent, or omnipotent. Only God has those characteristics. When Job questioned the character of God, he placed himself in a position of judgment over God.

That was not Job's place.
It is not our place.

 

The Right Relationship Between Creator and Creature

(Job 42:1–6)

God went on to vindicate Job's righteousness and rebuke Job's friends (Job 42:7–9), but not Elihu. Yet it was most important that Job understood the lesson he had learned. He does not stand before God as an equal. He stands before Him as a created being. This is the lesson that every human needs to hear. God exists, and He is above human approval. It is not our place to question God or evaluate Him. He is the only one who has the authority and wisdom to evaluate.

When a person gets the idea that God must meet his or her standards, they are already hopelessly lost—and they will never come to a right relationship with God until submitting to His final authority to do whatever He desires based upon His infinite power, knowledge, and love.

 

Learning to Trust God in Joy and Trial

When this reality is right in our minds, we can finally deal with our joys and our trials. God did not mess up. Nor does His character change. Whatever we experience in our lives should not change what we know of all that He is in His glory. It is a hard lesson to learn, but we must begin with an accurate picture of God's authority. Only then are we ready to see our need for justification before Him—and that He never needs to be justified before us. Only then can we see the incredible power of the saving work of Jesus Christ.

Wrestling With the Book of Job: Beyond Easy Answers

The old proverb says, “Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.” We usually learn the Bible through the summary statements of Bible Handbooks and study Bibles. These are wonderful resources. The Bible is a challenging book for many reasons. It is nice to have a simple overview statement to grab onto and get the big picture. But this just never seems to work with Job.

 

The Heavenly Council — Background, Not the Theme
(Job 1–2)

If we focus on the heavenly conflict, we find little to justify that perspective. The opening chapters of the book reveal a great deal about the nature of the Divine Council and how their deliberations and discussions affect the world of men. However, that cannot be the main theme of the book. Were that the case one would expect the theme to return. A moment of retribution, or the shame of the Accuser when his plans to make Job blaspheme had failed. Certainly, the Lord's character is vindicated, but that provides the dramatic background, not the purpose of the book.

 

The False Comfort of Binary Thinking
(Job 3–31)

The next oversimplification is to summarize the book as follows: Job suffers, and his friends have foolish ideas. I held this false idea for years. Thinking whatever Job says must be right, and whatever his friends say must be wrong. The comfort of binary thinking can cause strange misunderstandings and misinterpretations of this book. But this explanation too falls short. If this were the case there would be no need for repeated cycles and the growing drama of the thorough arguments. The summary does more to prove that lesson than the text does, and that is a sign of an ineffective summary statement.

 

A Better (Though Still Incomplete) Summary

So, what is going on here? After reading, studying, and teaching through this book it has become plain that no oversimplification will give us the right mindset to approach this book. Unless it is extraordinarily vague. Here is my proposal:

"Friends discuss the topic of suffering in a fallen world, and God sets them straight by not answering their questions."

 

The Great Error About Suffering
(Job 4–37)

The bulk of the book is a set of arguments that must be read with thoughtful consideration because, as previously mentioned, the summaries always fall wildly short of the mark. Wise men evaluate what they know of God, what they know of the world, and what they know of mankind and try to understand Job's tragedy. If there is a single proposition that is refuted it is the false idea that suffering is always God punishing an individual for personal sin. If this were the only point of the book (which it is not) it would be worth the investment. Mankind is deeply committed to this concept.

Why does one person's life go well, while another suffers? One is born to health, and other lives with permanent disability. Centuries after this great conversation someone would ask Jesus why a man was born blind — did he sin, or did his parents sin? (John 9:1–3) Ah, false dichotomy, the greatest friend of our foolishness. Jesus corrected them with the mind-bending truth: Neither had sinned — this man was born blind for the glory of God.

Oof. That is a hard gut-shot. That man born blind had surely suffered immensely. Not being able to see would mean it would be difficult for him to work, bring challenges in relationships, and who could count the pain of that disability. We like the idea that it was someone's fault. It gives us assurance, albeit false assurance, that we are safe against the pains and losses of our lives because we are doing so well.

 

The Modern Version of the Same Error
(Matthew 5:45)

A brief departure is necessary, the modern version of this is far more destructive than the ancient one. The ancient version of this profound misunderstanding desired to please God and hoped that such actions would bring protection, safety, and blessing. The modern version is based upon the secular cult. A person thinks they are healthy because of their diet and exercise habits. Another person thinks that they are wealthy because of their diligence or hard work.

This is not to take away from the importance of personal responsibility and exercise of wisdom — but to bring us to the point of ultimate wisdom. The rain falls on the just and the unjust alike. We invest entirely too much effort into trying to figure out why suffering occurs, and how to avoid it. We have a frightful tendency to despise those who suffer as we worry that standing too close to them might be like standing too close to someone who is about to be struck by lightning.

 

Why We Pull Away From the Suffering
(Job 38–42)

The book of Job gives another example of why we often distance ourselves from those who suffer. No simple solution is found. It is not fun standing in front of an unsolvable problem. Job's friends are clearly trying their best to offer wisdom, comfort, and encouragement. Tempers get enflamed in the exercise, and choice words are exchanged, but in the end Job's friends are chastised for their words.

Now that is interesting! Would they be better off if they had not showed up at all? Yet, while they were corrected, they were part of a direct encounter with God. It may not have been pleasant, but it was surely worth it. In a single day they became the wisest men on the planet in their time. Every reader has benefitted from the lesson that the Lord taught them.

 

The Blessing of Wrestling With the Text

The Book of Job is difficult to read for all the same reasons. When a person suffers there is a great deal of comfort in the shared confusion and clear complaints of Job. When a person is not in a place of great suffering it is often easier to look past Job with a short oversimplification of the book.

The greatest blessing is for the reader who will wrestle with the problems and challenges of the situation. The dramatic irony that the reader knows things that Job and his friends do not know. The reader knows about the drama in Heaven, but the characters are simply guessing at everything.

 

The Transforming Power of Careful Reading

A careful and humble consideration of this book is transformational. To look past our simple actions and pious platitudes and come to a full and mature understanding of the nature of reality from the greatest perspective that is available to us. Such an exploration brings about the ability to suffer, and to comfort those in suffering, with true biblical wisdom and compassion.

In order to reap these blessings there is no other prescription but to read the book of Job for yourself!

Leadership Lessons from Nehemiah

 

Nehemiah is one of the most striking examples of leadership in the Bible. From a position of prominence in the Persian government to a leader who oversaw the rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1–6). From a great palace, serving the most powerful man in the world to a building manager in a dusty dangerous backwoods of the empire (Nehemiah 2:11–18; Nehemiah 4:10–23). It is quite an impressive tale. Our world has no shortage of books on leadership, but there are few things that can match a notable example.

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Waiting for the Call

Nehemiah was well along in his career. He was in a place of prominence as the cupbearer to the king (Nehemiah 1:11; Nehemiah 2:1). That was a position that one would have worked hard to achieve.

We can only wonder what kept Nehemiah from returning to the land when Cyrus decreed (Ezra 1:1–4), or even when Ezra returned (Ezra 7:6–10). Ezra and Nehemiah were both latecomers to the return to the land (Ezra 7; Nehemiah 2), Esther and Mordechai never did return to the land (Esther 2:5–7; Esther 8:1–2; Esther 10:3).

It was always the Lord's plan to restore his people to the land (Jeremiah 29:10–14; Isaiah 44:28; Isaiah 45:1, 13), and yet most remained in the comfortable big cities and great nations of their exile (Ezra 2:64–65; Nehemiah 7:66–67). I have always found this troubling. If the Lord wanted them to return, why did so few come? It smacks of disobedience to me, but the Lord used each of these cases for good (Genesis 50:20; Esther 4:14).

When the time was right, he called the people to His service regardless of whether they were in the Land or not (Acts 17:26–27; Daniel 2:21). Furthermore, if Ezra and Nehemiah had gone down with the first return then these revivals in the effort may not have happened (Ezra 9–10; Nehemiah 8–9).

The Lord truly does work all things together for the good of those that love Him (Romans 8:28).

 

The Flashpoint

It was a news article for Nehemiah, or something like it. As a Jewish person, living in a foreign land, he maintained an interest in what was going on in the ancestral homeland (Nehemiah 1:2–4). And hearing about the state of things had a major impact on him (Nehemiah 1:4).

Great men throughout history have had a flashpoint event in their lives. The person who is going through life happily before the burden for a nation, a people group, an age group enters their lives. They find their calling in serving that cause (Nehemiah 1:3–11; Isaiah 6:8; Acts 9:15–16).

This is the call of the world's great missionaries like Hudson Taylor called to China, George Muller called to the orphans of England, Paul receiving the Macedonian call (Acts 16:9–10), or the call of Saint Patrick to the very people who had enslaved him in his early years.

 

Faithful in the Small Things

If I might say, there are thousands of Christians still waiting for such a moment. I would recommend to you that "he who is faithful in the small things can be trusted in greater things" (Luke 16:10; Matthew 25:21). Seek to grow in the Lord and be faithful in the roles and tasks that He has placed in front of you (Colossians 3:23–24; 1 Corinthians 4:2).

If you are prayerful, patient, and faithful you may be surprised at how quickly the Lord provides you with a passion project for His glory (Psalm 37:4–5; Galatians 6:9; James 1:4).

Nehemiah demonstrates availability to the Lord by responding to this calling (Nehemiah 1:4–11; Nehemiah 2:4–5).

 

Wisdom, Resources, and Asking for Help

Nehemiah then does something interesting. He does not just pick up and go; he uses the resources that he has gained along the way to succeed in his project (Nehemiah 2:7–9). Nehemiah was in a special position with direct access to the king (Nehemiah 2:1–8). That is a great resource, and he was not afraid to use his position to put this desire before the king (Nehemiah 2:4–8).

It can be difficult to ask for help or invite others to take part in our mission (Proverbs 11:14; Ecclesiastes 4:9–10). Especially when it comes to asking our superiors. Nehemiah used wisdom and tact to get both the permission to leave his post and the resources to make the greatest impact (Nehemiah 2:4–9; James 1:5).

 

Discernment About Partnership

This invitation for help, however, must be qualified. Neither Ezra nor Nehemiah would accept help from people unaligned with their purposes (Ezra 4:1–3; Nehemiah 2:19–20). Allowing the people of the land to participate may have compromised their projects, and given unbelievers influence over the community of the faithful (Ezra 4:1–5; Nehemiah 6:1–14; 2 Corinthians 6:14–18).

It takes discernment to know what help to take and what help to reject (Proverbs 13:20; 1 John 4:1), yet both leaders had displayed such wisdom (Ezra 4:1–3; Nehemiah 2:19–20).

 

Motivation

Though there are other important leadership principles demonstrated in the life of Nehemiah, there is one more to highlight here: Motivation.

Nehemiah knew the authority that he had, and he was faithful to that responsibility (Nehemiah 2:17–18; Nehemiah 4:14–15; 1 Corinthians 4:2). Nehemiah repeatedly asked God to see his efforts and to reward him (Nehemiah 5:19; Nehemiah 13:14, 22, 31).

Nehemiah is one of the greatest examples in the Bible with little or no failure that we can observe, and this may well be the secret. He did not desire the praise of men; he did not demand a position of glory and honor (Nehemiah 6:15–16; John 5:44; Galatians 1:10). He desired the approval of God and God alone (Nehemiah 13:31; 2 Corinthians 5:9).

It gave him wisdom, courage, and drive to know that his effort mattered, regardless of human recognition or rejection and opposition (Nehemiah 4:14; Nehemiah 6:9; Hebrews 11:6; 1 Corinthians 15:58).

 

The Christian’s Motivation: God’s Approval and Eternal Reward

For a Christian today, this attitude changes everything. The moment a person trusts Christ for salvation God approves, forgives, and eternally places them into Christ (John 5:24; Ephesians 1:13–14; 2 Corinthians 5:17). We have a wonderful opportunity each day to live for the moment or to live for eternity (Colossians 3:1–4; Matthew 6:19–21).

We are also right to understand that there is only one assessment of our life that truly matters: the Lord's assessment (1 Corinthians 4:3–5; 2 Corinthians 5:10). The Lord longs to reward His children (Matthew 6:4; Revelation 22:12; 1 Corinthians 3:12–15), and we can invest every moment in eternity as we seek to serve and honor Him (Matthew 6:20; 1 Timothy 6:18–19).

The Old Wept, The Young Rejoiced

 

Ezra describes a crucial time in Israel’s history: the rebuilding and re-dedication of the Temple (Ezra 3:10–13). The Temple was the centerpiece of the faith of the Israelites (Deuteronomy 12:5–7). It was the only place that God had given them to approach Him (Deuteronomy 12:13–14). Gone were the days of the patriarchs when Abraham would simply build an Altar and worship the Lord God (Genesis 12:7–8; Genesis 13:18). For years, sacrificial worship only occurred at the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:1–2; Leviticus 17:8–9). The mobility of the tent meant that sacrifices and direct access to the Lord could happen all over Isreal (Exodus 33:7–11). This was convenient in times of persecution as the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant could be present wherever needed (Numbers 10:33–36; 1 Samuel 4:3–4).

For all the convenience of that special time, the Lord's plan continued to unfold. The advent of the monarchy and the Davidic Covenant explained God's ultimate plan to bring the Messiah (2 Samuel 7:12–16; Psalm 89:3–4). It all started with David's desire to build a temple to replace the tabernacle (2 Samuel 7:1–2; 1 Chronicles 22:7–10). This had immense national significance. The nation of Israel had gone from dwelling in tents to dwelling in houses and villages (2 Samuel 7:1). They were constantly in danger of foreign conquest and occupation (Judges 2:14–15). Now they were an established Nation with a permanent place on the map (2 Samuel 7:10). The Temple was a statement that God would continue to dwell with them (1 Kings 8:10–13). It meant that the place to access the God of the universe was permanently located in Jerusalem (Deuteronomy 12:10–11). The nations were meant to stream forth to worship the God of Israel in this one holy place (Isaiah 2:2–3).

The unfaithfulness of Israel and Judah put a temporary halt to that function and purpose (2 Kings 21:10–15; 2 Chronicles 36:14–17). God allowed Nebuchadnezzar to conquer Jerusalem and lay waste to the Temple (2 Kings 25:8–10; 2 Chronicles 36:18–19). This changed everything. The people went into captivity in Babylon; separated from the Temple where they needed to worship the Lord their God (Psalm 137:1–4). This stopped the sacrifices, and the exiles continued to worship God, study the Law, and meet, but they could not fulfill the Law, because they had lost their place in this world (Daniel 9:11–14; Hosea 3:4).

The Lord was good to His promise and returned them to the land through Cyrus the Great (Ezra 1:1–4; Isaiah 44:28; Isaiah 45:1–4). The people could return and live according to the Law of Moses once more, just as God commanded (Ezra 7:6; Nehemiah 8:1–3). This was a moment of tremendous celebration (Ezra 3:11). The Lord was faithful and had fulfilled His promises! Not all, however, were cheering that day.

Those who had lived to see the Temple of Solomon could only weep aloud(Ezra 3:12–13). This new temple did not match the glory of Solomon's temple (1 Kings 6:37–38; 1 Kings 8:62–66). The beauty of the architecture and the glorious history of that temple was gone forever (2 Chronicles 7:1–3). The sound of the young people rejoicing was the other sound in the air (Ezra 3:11). They had every reason to rejoice. God was faithful to them, they had their homeland back, and they could once more worship God in faithfulness and truth (Ezra 1:5–6; Nehemiah 12:43). The failures of men would never foil God’s plan (Isaiah 46:9–10).

The old men were right to weep, however. The unfaithfulness of men had not stopped the faithfulness of God, but it had cost them dearly (2 Timothy 2:13; Galatians 6:7–8). Solomon’s beautiful temple was a symbol of what happened when men walked in faithful obedience to the God Who loved them and provided everything for them (Deuteronomy 28:1–2), and it was gone forever (2 Kings 25:9). This renewed, utilitarian Temple was a sign of God's faithfulness, but also a record of what the nation lost because of their sin (Ezra 3:12). They were no longer a proud nation worshipping their God in a glorious temple. But they were a humbled nation, allowed to return to their land and rebuild the Temple at the command of a pagan despot (Ezra 6:3–5).

This powerful scene reminds us how we are always reliant upon God's grace and love (Ephesians 2:8–9), and what we lose when we walk in sin (Proverbs 14:34; 1 John 1:6–9).

Measuring Success God's Way

 

Why Success is Difficult to Measure

Measuring a person’s success—or impact—is difficult, because we rarely agree on the parameters. One person is considered “effective” because of what he accomplished; another because of the influence he had on others. The Muppet Christmas Carol offers the charming advice: “If you want to know the measure of a man, you simply count his friends!” That delightful statement probably could use a bit of nuance—but I do like it.

When it comes to measuring success or failure by the Lord’s standard, the task is blessedly simple:

Are you faithful to Him?

That is the measure. It is simple—and it may not be the measure we prefer—but it is the only measure that ultimately matters.
(See 1 Corinthians 4:2; Matthew 25:21.)

The Kings: one repeated metric

This is the consistent principle throughout the History Books of the Old Testament. As the reader moves through the kings of Israel and Judah, the same measuring rod is applied again and again as the only meaningful metric. Little is said about financial policy, foreign trade, or even military leadership.

Rather, everything is traced back to one central question: Did they walk in the ways of David, or did they walk in the ways of the kings of Israel? (See 1 Kings 15:3; 2 Kings 18:3; 2 Kings 21:21–22.)

The cost of righteousness

Each king had varying degrees of success, and some were absolute failures. It would be fascinating to read the other histories from that period that were not divinely inspired—documents that may have captured the debates, discussions, and decisions of the day.

It must have been costly for any godly king of Judah to stand against the culture: people offering their children to the Baals, worshiping at the sex cults associated with Asherah poles and “high places.” Anyone opposing such practices would likely be labeled prudish, old-fashioned, regressive, and intolerant.

After all, the sinful heart likes to have places to hide and indulge—and undoubtedly many “fine, upstanding, God-fearing citizens” quietly slipped away to participate in pagan immorality now and again. They may have spoken publicly about national faithfulness to the Lord, while privately refusing to support the removal of their own preferred “sacred sites”—the spiritual equivalents of abortion factories and brothels tied to these pagan practices.
(See 2 Kings 17:16–17; Jeremiah 7:30–31; Romans 1:18–32.)

Partial reform and courageous reform

Some kings walked with the Lord and promoted true worship—yet failed to remove the Asherah poles and high places. Others showed genuine courage and made real progress against the wickedness of the evil one.

And it was costly. It often involved conflict, confrontation, and real risk—because evil rarely retreats without a fight.
(See 2 Kings 12:2–3; 2 Kings 18:3–6; Ephesians 6:11–12.)

Legacy: the sentence that outlasts kingdoms

Yet faithfulness was the only measure that mattered.

Few of those rulers’ names are found outside of Scripture, and even those who are remembered are memorialized eternally by a simple sentence such as:

“He did not walk in the ways of David.”
(See 1 Kings 15:26; 2 Kings 15:9.)

That should sober us.

Your legacy and God’s record

I believe it will be the same for us. We may pursue whatever legacy we want: some are remembered for great wickedness; others for accomplishment or philanthropy. But all of those labels melt away with time. The vast majority of human lives vanish into the sea of history.

But none are lost to the Lord.

And there is only one measure that will matter in the only record that lasts forever:

Did they walk with the Lord?
(See Hebrews 4:13; 2 Corinthians 5:10.)

The only records that last

1) The Lamb’s Book of Life

The first book a person must be found in is the Lamb’s Book of Life. And this book is easy to get into.

If a person trusts in Jesus Christ—His deity and His sacrifice on the cross for sin—that person’s name is written there.
(See John 3:16; John 5:24; Revelation 13:8; Revelation 21:27.)

We don’t yet know how detailed the wording will be, but it wouldn’t surprise me if it were something like:

“Caroline Smith—trusted Christ for salvation and received eternal life by the power and sacrifice of the Lamb on June 18, 2024.”

2) The judgment that measures faithfulness

Then comes the next evaluation that matters: the believer’s judgment for rewards.

1 Corinthians 3 teaches that every believer will have the privilege of standing before the Lord. All sins have been paid for in full. Every empty and foolish thing will be burned away. And the believer’s life will be evaluated based on what was done in faith.
(See 1 Corinthians 3:11–15; 2 Corinthians 5:10.)

What car one drove, what degree one earned, whether one succeeded in business—none of that will matter there. The question will not be: Were you impressive?

The question will be:

What was the Lord able to do through you as you trusted Him?

Living for the only evaluation that matters

If we are thinking clearly, this is the only evaluation worth living for. It is the only one that matters—and the only one that lasts into eternity.

Like the kings of Judah and Israel, we can get distracted by worldly measures: fame, wealth, power, applause. But the wisest among us will keep our eyes fixed on Christ, value what He values, and pursue Him moment by moment in faith—walking by means of the Spirit for His glory, honor, and praise.
(See Colossians 3:1–4; Galatians 5:16; 2 Corinthians 4:16–18.)

Solomon’s Prayer

 

Solomon is one of the most prolific writers of Scripture. He gave us the larger portion of Proverbs (Prov. 1:1; 10:1; 25:1), plus the whole of Ecclesiastes (Eccl. 1:1), and the ever-interesting Song of Solomon (Song 1:1). Some have even put him forth as the author of the book of Job, though that doesn’t seem to hold much water in my perspective. Nevertheless, that is a tremendous amount of Scripture for any one person to be responsible for. For all of his failings later in life (1 Kings 11:1–11), we must admire the tremendous wisdom on life’s most important topics that the Lord revealed through Solomon’s skillful pen (1 Kings 4:29–34).

For all of the time I have spent learning from the thoughtful musings of humanity’s wisest author, I would have given anything to hear his address and prayer at the dedication of the Temple (1 Kings 8; 2 Chron. 6). So much went into that fateful day. Truthfully, the history of that faithful moment goes all the way back to Eden (Gen. 2:8–9; 3:22–24).

The Temple and the Problem of Separation

The Temple, like the Tabernacle before it, was designed to approach the holy God (Ex. 25:8; 40:34–38). By far the greatest loss in our expulsion from Eden was the loss of direct fellowship with our Creator (Gen. 3:8–10, 23–24). The Tabernacle showed how sinful man can approach the holy God (Lev. 16:1–34; Heb. 9:1–10).

The outer court was filled with a laver for washing before coming to the Lord (Ex. 30:17–21), and the great brazen, four-horned altar (Ex. 27:1–8). Sin had to be paid for with sacrifice—without the shedding of blood there can be no remission of sin (Lev. 17:11; Heb. 9:22).

Passing through into the Holy Place, one sees the altar of incense, which reminds us of prayer (Ex. 30:1–10; Ps. 141:2; Rev. 8:3–4), and the showbread, which reminds us of the presence and provision of the Lord (Ex. 25:30; Lev. 24:5–9). The lampstand was a seven-branched menorah (not a six-branched one) and reminds us of the light of God and the ministry of the Holy Spirit (Ex. 25:31–40; Zech. 4:1–6).

Through the final curtain was the Most Holy Place—where the Ark of the Covenant sat (Ex. 26:33–34; 40:20–21). It was a place so holy that a person could enter only once per year, under specific circumstances as prescribed by the Law of Moses (Lev. 16:2, 29–34; Heb. 9:7).

David’s Shock and Solomon’s Opportunity

The moment Solomon prayed his dedication prayer over the Temple was amplified by history. It was David who realized how shocking it was that he dwelt in a palace while the meeting place between God and man was still in a tent (2 Sam. 7:1–2; 1 Chron. 17:1). The true centerpiece of all Israel’s hope and history—in a tent!

Yet the Lord did not allow David to build the Temple because he was a man of war (1 Chron. 22:7–8; 28:2–3). How shocking it must have been for David, a man after God’s own heart (1 Sam. 13:14; Acts 13:22), to learn that his violent path disqualified him from building the Lord’s house.

So he did the best thing he could: laying aside the materials and making the plans so that Solomon would have all that was needed—and leaving no excuse to begin the project (1 Chron. 22:2–5, 14–16; 28:11–19).

The Building of Glory

Even then, it took several years. It must have been amazing to see the beauty of that Temple take shape (1 Kings 6:1–38). From a bare building site, watching the walls rise—surely the people peered in as the structure went up and finally closed off the place of the Lord’s presence from their sight.

All of these moments build anticipation for the day when the Temple of the Lord would be permanently placed in Jerusalem (1 Kings 8:1; 2 Chron. 5:2–5). Reading through Solomon’s prayer of dedication, we feel the full weight of all the history that led to that very moment (1 Kings 8:22–53). How powerful it would have been to stand there and see such a significant advance in the Lord’s plan.

The Lord Dwells Among His People

The Lord took up residence in that Temple in a special way that day. The Shekinah glory entered the Temple—smoke filled the space, and the priests could not stand to minister because of the glory of the Lord (1 Kings 8:10–11; 2 Chron. 5:13–14). The sacrifice was consumed, fire fell from heaven, and the Lord approved and dwelt in Israel (2 Chron. 7:1–3).

This moment would only be equaled when Jesus Christ, Immanuel (“God with us”), entered the second Temple almost 500 years later (Matt. 1:23; Luke 2:22–32; John 2:13–22). In Him, God did not simply inhabit a building—He came in flesh and blood, and “tabernacled” among us (John 1:14).

The Greater Temple Today

The Church is the Lord's Temple in this age—the dwelling place of God upon the earth (1 Cor. 3:16–17; Eph. 2:19–22). The Holy Spirit indwells every believer, creating a constant meeting place between God and man in everyone who trusts in Jesus Christ for salvation (John 14:16–17; Rom. 8:9; 1 Cor. 6:19–20).

That same Holy Spirit who filled the Temple with God’s glory now indwells the believer and provides the power for the Christian life every day (Gal. 5:16; Eph. 5:18). That powerful picture of the inauguration of Solomon's Temple is a reminder of the miracle of the Holy Spirit's ministry in the Church today. Lest we forget, or become insensitive to His presence and work within us, we have the opportunity to bring sinful people near to the very presence of God Almighty and invite them into that same relationship that we enjoy by the grace of God and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Stolen Valor & Stolen Thrones: The Ambition of Adonijah

 

Stolen Valor and Stolen Thrones: Adonijah’s Ambition

Stolen valor is a serious offense. This is when people claim to have served in a military office that they did not actually fill. It is vile to those of us who admire and respect the sacrifices of those who risk their lives in service to their country.

That is what came to mind as I was reading about King Solomon’s ascent to the throne.

As the final days of David’s life were in progress, Adonijah saw an opportunity. In the apparent power vacuum, there was a chance to gather enough people together and see if he could steal the throne—even though it was not his to take. His goal was to take advantage of the compromised position of having a living King David who could not do much due to failing health. To gather all the right people and declare himself king seemed like a legitimate plan to Adonijah (1 Kings 1:5–10).

A Shaky History of Succession

To be fair to Adonijah, we have to note that the monarchy in Israel was still very new. Until King Saul, the Lord had ruled over His chosen people by raising up judges to be leaders when needed (Judges 2:16–19). Outside of those times, the people were to be ruled directly by the Lord, living according to the Law of Moses.

First Samuel tells the story of how the people demanded a king (1 Samuel 8:4–7). Interestingly, the Law of Moses had already allowed for this office, anticipating that kingship would one day be filled by God’s chosen representative in God’s timing (Deuteronomy 17:14–20). The ultimate Person who would fulfill that role was (and is) the Messiah.

But in Israel’s early history, this meant there was a shaky and turbulent pattern of royal succession. Saul lost the throne because he disobeyed the Lord (1 Samuel 15:22–28). David was then anointed as king, but did not fulfill that office for decades while Saul’s reign wound down—ending only when the Lord brought it to an end in His time (1 Samuel 16:12–13; 1 Samuel 31:4–6).

This was a wild transition of power when we think about it in modern terms. Saul still had power, allies, and the loyalty of many, and he refused to submit to the Lord and give up the position to David (1 Samuel 18:8–11; 1 Samuel 24:1–7). What’s more, plenty of people remained allied with Saul’s household and invested in keeping his house in power. Samuel accounts for this shift of power and the ultimate triumph of David as king over Israel.

The Lord even went so far as to make a covenant with David—promising that David’s line would be the line of all future legitimate kings of Israel, and ultimately of the Messiah (2 Samuel 7:12–16). That, however, still didn’t give a clear picture of exactly how succession should continue from king to king.

Absalom’s Warning—and Adonijah’s Gamble

Absalom made things far more complicated by leading a rebellion against his father David. It was very successful for a time, but ended in Absalom’s death (2 Samuel 15:10–14; 2 Samuel 18:9–15). His rebellion served as a warning to anyone in David’s line who might be tempted to seize the throne by cunning.

So how would succession be decided?

David was a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), and he had already decided—privately—that Solomon would reign after him (1 Kings 1:11–13). Yet that did not stop Adonijah from taking his shot.

In the end, Adonijah’s scheming did not have the result he wanted. The people who were part of David’s administration answered in force, and the transition of power occurred at the public coronation of Solomon—with all the right people present—in a way that honored the Lord and His great plan for Israel and the line of David (1 Kings 1:32–40).

Mercy Given… and Squandered

Amazingly, Adonijah got a pass.

First Kings describes how he humbled himself before Solomon and saved his own life by recognizing Solomon as king (1 Kings 1:50–53). Even then, he could not leave his scheming alone.

After the death of David, Adonijah made a seemingly innocent request: he wanted to take Abishag as a wife (1 Kings 2:13–17). But Solomon saw through it immediately. In that culture and context, this was not a harmless request—it was a political move, an attempt to position himself again for the throne (1 Kings 2:22). And with that final ploy, Adonijah’s ambitions came to their proper end: execution (1 Kings 2:24–25).

Such ends the ambition of the unrighteous Adonijah.

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Lessons from a Stolen Throne

This account illustrates some important principles in life.

Adonijah was part of the royal family and certainly had power and influence in Israel—yet he wanted the throne. There is no indication that he sought the Lord’s will in the matter. In fact, the evidence suggests he knew he was defying the will of God: he deliberately excluded the priest Zadok, Benaiah, and Nathan the prophet (1 Kings 1:8–10). He did not care. He wanted more.

And that obsession brought about his death.

Many have fallen into this same trap: wanting to take over businesses, families, nations, and churches based purely on ambition. But the Lord offers a better way to think about power and authority.

The thought that we should have authority—or fight for what we want—seems to lay down a clear pattern: those who pursue power and authority are often those least qualified to have it. Scripture repeatedly warns about selfish ambition (Proverbs 16:18; James 3:14–16), and Christ Himself defines greatness in the opposite direction: not seizing power, but serving (Mark 10:42–45).

Perhaps instead of fighting for what we want, we would find ourselves doing more for the Lord by serving faithfully where we are.

The story of Adonijah could have been an amazing one—where he strengthened and supported the Lord’s chosen king. Instead, Adonijah stands as a cautionary tale: a warning against seeking our own glory rather than God’s glory (Jeremiah 9:23–24; 1 Corinthians 10:31).

A Long Story of Leadership, Faithfulness, and Glory

 This morning I awoke at 3:30 a.m. Unable to return to sleep, it seemed best to rise and read the Scriptures. I spent time in the final ten chapters of Deuteronomy, and the message could not be more plain.

Israel must believe in the LORD, worship Him alone, and carry out His commands.

This was no small task. The Lord would bring them into the land and prove—by blessing and by discipline—that He alone is the one true God. Obedience would bring blessing; disobedience would bring correction. Throughout the rest of Scripture, Israel experiences both.

Leadership and the Pattern of Israel’s History

Israel’s success or failure is closely tied to leadership.

When Joshua leads, things generally go well. When there is no leader, everyone does what is right in his own eyes. The people fall into sin, the Lord disciplines them, and then He raises up judges to call them back. For a time, the nation is restored—until the judge dies, and the cycle begins again.

Over time, the quality of the judges declines. The early judges are stronger and more faithful than the later ones, who increasingly pursue their own interests. Samuel stands out as a godly exception and would have been the finest of the judges.

Yet the people demand a king.

The Lord tells Samuel that he himself has not been rejected—but that the people have rejected the LORD as their King.

Kings, Covenant, and Consequences

Saul is chosen as king, but he quickly falls out of favor with the Lord. He becomes worldly, leading according to his own wisdom. Saul does not openly reject God; rather, he insists on obeying God on his own terms.

The Lord then raises up David, a man after God’s own heart. Even so, David suffers great failure when he follows his own desires. He bears painful consequences for his sin—yet the Lord remains faithful to the unconditional covenant He made with David.

David’s son Solomon inherits unparalleled prosperity. Under Solomon’s wisdom, Israel becomes the greatest kingdom on earth in its time. But Solomon does not expand the kingdom to its full God-given boundaries. He takes many wives and is drawn into idolatry. As the Lord had promised, the kingdom is taken from Solomon’s son.

Division, Decline, and Exile

The kingdom divides into north and south, and widespread failure follows.

The Northern Kingdom collapses entirely and is dispersed by Assyria. The Southern Kingdom fares somewhat better, experiencing brief seasons of faithfulness mixed with long stretches of rebellion. Again and again, the nation’s condition rises or falls with the resolve of its king.

Throughout this period, the Lord sends prophets to call His people back to Himself. These ministries bring remarkable revelation—but limited repentance. Eventually, the Southern Kingdom is carried away to Babylon for seventy years.

Even in exile, the people retain their identity. Many remain faithful. Figures such as Daniel and Ezekiel continue to call Israel to trust the Lord.

Just as promised, God brings His people back to the land. A remnant returns under Zerubbabel, Joshua, Ezra, and Nehemiah. Progress is slow, but the temple is rebuilt under Persian rule.

From Idolatry to Expectation

During the intertestamental period, Israel wavers between faithfulness to the Lord and influence from Greek culture. It is not a time of great spiritual triumph—but it does produce a significant change.

Idolatry no longer defines Israel.

Though the people struggle with obedience, they no longer bow to the idols of the nations. Something has shifted.

The Ultimate Leader Appears

Then the great Leader steps onto the scene.

The Messiah, Jesus Christ, comes at exactly the right time. He teaches truth and confirms His identity through signs and miracles. And yet—He is rejected.

This is perhaps the most sobering truth of all.

Throughout Israel’s history, godly leaders brought blessing. But when God Himself comes in the Person of the Messiah, He is rejected. The people accepted men—but they rejected God when He stood before them.

The Present Age and the Coming Kingdom

A new age begins—one in which the Lord extends salvation to every tribe, tongue, and nation through faith in Messiah Jesus. This is the age in which we now live.

The Lord’s leadership is perfect, yet most of humanity continues to reject Him. Even those who believe struggle to follow faithfully. We often fail to take God at His Word, choosing instead to add our own interpretations, ambitions, and agendas—sometimes even opposing God’s purposes for Israel.

The Certain End of the Story

Still, the story is not over.

A day is coming when the Lord will remove His Church and resume His work of calling Israel back to Himself. At the end of seven years, they will finally say:

“Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.”

Then the Messiah will return, defeat His enemies, and establish His kingdom.

Jesus wins.

His reign will extend into the new heavens and the new earth—and it will continue forever. It is a long story, but it ends exactly as it should:

With all glory going to God.

Gideon, Fleeces, and the People We Love to Worship

 Humans have always been fascinated by the people we choose to follow. We are wired to rally around leaders, heroes, and personalities. In my Bible reading today, I found myself once again in the story of Gideon—my favorite judge, for many reasons (and not just because he received the best Veggietales retelling).

Gideon’s story begins with him hiding in a winepress, threshing wheat so the Midianites would not steal it (Judges 6:11). Israel was under Midianite oppression at the time—a direct act of divine discipline (Judges 6:1–6). It is here, in fear and obscurity, that Gideon is greeted by the Angel of the LORD with the memorable words:

“The LORD is with you, you mighty man of valor!” (Judges 6:12)

Was there irony in that greeting? Perhaps. Or perhaps the Lord was speaking to Gideon not as he was in that moment, but as he would be by God’s power. Either way, the moment is rich with literary irony—and grace.

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Misreading Gideon: Fleeces and Fables

Gideon’s story is vivid, dramatic, and frequently taught—but often poorly applied. I’ve heard too many sermons about “lappers versus dippers” or exhortations to “lay a fleece before the Lord.” These interpretations often reduce Scripture to something closer to Aesop’s fables: moralistic lessons untethered from the actual message of the text.

Before we get to the real point of the story, let’s clear away a few of these well-worn misunderstandings.

By the time Gideon lays out a fleece to test whether the Lord is truly calling him (Judges 6:36–40), he has already experienced significant confirmation:

• He has been personally addressed by the Angel of the LORD (Judges 6:12–14).

• He has received direct revelation concerning God’s purpose for him and for Israel (Judges 6:14–16).

• He has witnessed his offering consumed by fire rising from a rock—an unmistakable supernatural sign (Judges 6:21).

• He has torn down the altar of Baal and the Asherah pole, and seen the Lord vindicate him despite public outrage (Judges 6:25–32).

That is a lot of evidence.

By comparison, Mary received a single angelic visitation and trusted the Lord’s word (Luke 1:26–38). Gideon, admirable as he is, asks not for one fleece—but two.

Let’s be honest: laying a fleece before the Lord is not a model of spiritual maturity. It is a picture of fear and hesitation. Scripture records it—but does not commend it. Calling it anything else is wishful thinking. When believers treat fleece-laying as a wise decision-making strategy, they are missing the point entirely.

“Are you sure, Lord? Are you really, really sure?”

That’s not faith—it’s delay. If anything, “laying a fleece” should be shorthand for stalling when God has already made His will clear.

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The Lappers and the Dippers

Once Gideon commits to the Lord’s plan, God does something entirely unexpected: He reduces Gideon’s army.

From 32,000 men, the force is reduced first to 10,000, and finally to 300 (Judges 7:1–7). No general in history would willingly do this on the eve of battle. But the Lord explains exactly why:

“The people who are with you are too many for Me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel claim glory for itself” (Judges 7:2).

The point was never that one group of soldiers was morally superior to another. The distinction between “lapping” and “kneeling” was simply God’s chosen means of reducing the army to the point where the victory could only be explained as divine intervention.

This was not about technique or temperament. It was about glory. The deliverance of Israel would belong to the Lord alone (Judges 7:7).

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The Actual Point

All of these side paths lead to what I believe is the true heart of Gideon’s legacy.

After the victory, the people approach Gideon with a remarkable offer:

“Rule over us, both you and your son, and your grandson also” (Judges 8:22).

In other words: Become our king. Start a dynasty.

Gideon’s response is one of the finest moments in the entire book of Judges:

“I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you; the LORD shall rule over you” (Judges 8:23).

This is Gideon at his best. He refuses power. He deflects glory. He recognizes that Israel does not need a hero-king—it needs fidelity to the Lord.

For a brief, shining moment, Gideon understands what so few leaders ever do: the problem is not a lack of strong men, but a failure to honor God as King.

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What Happened Next?

Tragically, the people’s hunger for human leadership outlived Gideon’s humility.

After Gideon’s death, Israel quickly turned away from the Lord (Judges 8:33). Gideon’s son Abimelech seized power, murdered his brothers, and ruled through violence and ambition (Judges 9:1–22). Where Gideon refused a crown, Abimelech grabbed it—with blood on his hands.

The contrast could not be clearer.

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Wrapping Up

What strikes me again and again as I read the Old Testament is how deeply we are inclined to worship men. Kings. Heroes. Celebrities. Political leaders. Religious personalities.

We are desperate to place our hope somewhere visible.

And then the One Man who is truly worthy of worship—Jesus Christ—steps onto the stage of history, and we hesitate.

That is the great tragedy of the human heart.

Gideon’s story reminds us that faithfulness sometimes looks like refusing praise, rejecting platforms, and pointing away from ourselves. We can choose not to seek the applause of others. We can refuse to make celebrities out of fellow believers. And we can fix our worship where it belongs—on Jesus Christ alone.

He is the only leader who will never fail us.

The Life and Leadership of Joshua: Strength, Courage, and Faithfulness

Joshua had an amazing career. The first leg of his life was spent under the discipleship of Moses. He remained faithful and served Moses throughout the many difficult years of desert wandering. Every time Joshua is mentioned in the Torah, he is found supporting Moses. Through all the difficulties and challenges, he resisted falling into the sins that characterized much of Israel and instead faithfully sought the Lord by supporting God’s chosen leader.

Joshua, along with Caleb, went into the land and confidently believed that the Lord could do all He had promised, even when the others were paralyzed by fear and doubt. The theme of being strong and courageous is the drumbeat of Joshua’s life. It is repeated throughout the first chapter of the book of Joshua and clearly defines his calling.

Strength and courage are shown to be choices a person can make. Courage is not the absence of fear; it is choosing faith over fear. Joshua consistently made that choice throughout his life. Whether in success or failure, he dedicated all things to the Lord—living out what Proverbs 3:5–6 would later define as the path of wisdom.

Consistency in the Long Mission

Another defining feature of Joshua’s life was his consistency. The task of taking the Promised Land was not a project of months, but of years. It was the central mission of Joshua’s military leadership, and he applied himself to it faithfully for a lifetime.

It would have been easy to stop at any point—to step aside and let someone else carry the burden—but Joshua continued until the Lord declared the work complete. He was not a sprinter, but a marathon runner. He rose every day and faced incredible dangers to see the will of the Lord done on earth as it is in heaven. Though the mission consisted of many individual battles, each unique in nature, the Lord faithfully directed Joshua’s steps toward the larger purpose.

Leading Outwardly and Inwardly

Joshua’s leadership was not focused only on outward conquest. The Lord also required him to look inward, confronting the failures and shortcomings of the people he was called to lead. Joshua took responsibility for addressing sin, providing direction, and navigating both internal and external challenges.

There were failures—such as the sin of Achan and the deception of the Gibeonites—but through each setback, Joshua humbly pursued the Lord and continued forward in obedience.

Faithful Administration and Unity

A significant portion of the book of Joshua is devoted to the monumental task of administering the distribution of the land. Moses had received detailed instructions from the Lord on how this was to be done, and Joshua carefully and patiently carried them out.

This process undoubtedly involved intense discussions and interpersonal challenges, yet Joshua’s leadership skills were evident throughout. Because of his wisdom and principle-based leadership, the nation of Israel remained united and connected during this critical time.

A Final Charge to Faithfulness

The final chapters of the book of Joshua are both inspiring and sobering. Joshua recognizes that his time of leadership is coming to an end. The task is complete, and he leaves Israel with a solemn charge: to serve the Lord alone and remain obedient to His commands.

This farewell address is compelling because Joshua clearly identifies the greatest danger the people will face—their own tendency toward sin. He understood humanity’s inclination toward idolatry, disobedience, and faithlessness, and he foresaw the failures that would soon become evident in the book of Judges. Joshua knew that without consistent effort and resolve, spiritual compromise would overtake the people in the land.

The people responded well, swearing their commitment to serve the Lord faithfully.

“As for Me and My Household”

Joshua understood the limits of his control. He could not determine the future choices of the nation, but he could determine his own. With clarity and resolve, he declared, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

This understanding shaped his leadership. No matter what Israel chose to do, Joshua committed himself to obedience and faithfulness. This personal responsibility became his most powerful leadership tool—leading by example.

Lessons from the Life of Joshua

There are many lessons from Joshua’s life, but a few stand out as especially relevant:

First, the value of discipleship. Joshua’s success was built on decades of faithful service under Moses. In a culture that often seeks quick preparation, Joshua reminds us that deep formation takes time.

Second, courage and strength are choices. Joshua teaches us that faith means trusting the Lord over circumstances, perceptions, and opposition. It is not the easy choice, but it is the right one.

Third, consistency matters. Dedication to the Lord was not a season or a phase in Joshua’s life. It was his lifelong commitment. He did not lose focus or abandon the mission out of weariness or boredom—he remained faithful.

Finally, personal responsibility is essential. Joshua stewarded every role the Lord gave him—for God’s glory. Whether serving under Moses, leading the nation, or guiding his own household, he remained faithful to the calling God placed on his life.

Joshua’s life stands as a powerful example of what it means to walk in strength, courage, humility, and enduring faithfulness before the Lord.