Topic: Enduring Work [Friday July 28, 2017]
Text: Judges 2:6-10
Key Verse: “And the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD, that he did for Israel” (Judges 2:7).
Abraham Lincoln, one of the greatest American presidents in history, once said: “Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening my axe.” This underscores the importance of preparation in any endeavour in life, if a worthwhile feat is to be achieved. Joshua spent the better part of his life preparing for the task of leading the children of Israel into the promised land.
He was under the tutelage of Moses for many years. One instance was when he led the battle against the Amalekites as commanded by Moses in Exodus 17. This was the first mention of Joshua in the Bible and he was already taking charge at the battle front. That tells us a lot about him. He had faith in the God of Israel and there was no question about his consecration. It is therefore no surprise that he successfully led Israel into the Promise Land. He became a leader by example.
The people did not hesitate to follow his footsteps. His work and service to the Lord was an enduring one as “…the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD, that he did for Israel”. Believers and Christian leaders today must learn from Joshua. The work of God should not be taken as a stroll in the park. There is need for serious preparation, in order to have a lasting impact in the lives of the people we are called to lead. If you must stand to preach, then you must sit to read and kneel to pray.
The call to Christian service is a noble call. Why waste your life in sinfulness or idleness, chasing vanities? Remember that you cannot traverse the surface of the earth forever.
Thought for the day: Diligent service to God counts highest than routine commitment to transient chores.
Bible Reading in one Year: Exodus 39-40
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
