04/05/2019 - GOD WHO FULFILLS PROMISES

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Then Moses called Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and of good courage, for you must go with this people to the land which the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall cause them to inherit it. Deuteronomy 31:7

The men who direct the work of God are chosen by the Lord. Therefore, you must walk in complete fear, following His directions and never making decisions that displease Him. Moreover, they cannot be run by friends and family, or by their own desires. After all, you need to be aware that one day you will be called to account for your stewardship, responding to the decisions you have made.

Moses announced: Joshua would succeed him in leading and directing the work, for, in addition to being 120 years old – thus preventing him from leading them in the battles – God himself had told him that he could not enter Canaan because of the fact of having wounded the rock twice, when only to speak to it was the command (Numbers 20:11,12). Then, at the command of the Lord, he called his successor before all Israel and instructed him.

Before the descendants of Israel, at a solemn meeting, the man of God made it clear that the choice was of the Lord, as well as saying how Joshua should act to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land. In the same way Jesus did when he said in John 13:15: “For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.” We only need to imitate the Savior and we will do well if we disregard any advice from men.

Joshua was with Moses for 40 years and was able to follow the attitude of the lawmaker, who did nothing without first seeking the Lord and hearing His guidance. Therefore, the new leader had an idea of how to behave before God in order to resolve all cases that arose among the people. However, the former leader warned him: he should try and cheer up. This is also of vital importance to all of us. Watch and pray!

Moses told Joshua that he and the people would enter the Land of Promise. He could not enter alone, not with half the people, but with all those people whom God gave into his hand to shepherd them. Every shepherd must have this counsel before his eyes, for the Most High does not accept that any sheep should perish except those who decide to rebel and forsake the flock. Still, the pastor must go after the broken ones to see if they want to join the group again (Matthew 18:12).

Ministry is not easy, because it requires constant consecration, dedication and anointing. Jesus said to the Father: I have kept those whom you gave me, and none of them has been lost except the son of perdition, so that the Scripture might be fulfilled (John 17:12). But someone like Jesus does not exist. Moses handed over responsibility to his successor, saying that he should make the people of Israel inherit the earth. Take care of all that have been given to you, for on the last day you will give an account of each of the Father’s sheep!

Assume your position in your home and fulfill it with dedication, for there is your flock. The Judge will not hold you innocent on that Day; therefore, exercise your ministry with fear and total dedication, so that you may teach everything that the Father has commanded you.

In Christ with love,

R. R. Soares