Cheerfulness & Unity

GETTING STARTED

In any organized setting, for victory to be realized there is maximum need of cheerfulness and unity, even in difficult and perilous expeditions. I have been reading the book of Ruth for years and, whenever I read it, I see how she affirms the power of unity and how it bolts together parties who are destined for success (Ruth 1:16). The same happened to Joshua and the officials who stood and swore allegiance to their leader.

  • When have you seen people in your family, neighborhood, workplace, or country work together toward a common goal, and what has been the result?

READ THE WORD: JOSHUA 1:10-18  (ESV)

10 And Joshua commanded the officers of the people, 11 “Pass through the midst of the camp and command the people, ‘Prepare your provisions, for within three days you are to pass over this Jordan to go in to take possession of the land that the Lord your God is giving you to possess.’”

12 And to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh Joshua said, 13 “Remember the word that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, saying, ‘The Lord your God is providing you a place of rest and will give you this land.’ 14 Your wives, your little ones, and your livestock shall remain in the land that Moses gave you beyond the Jordan, but all the men of valor among you shall pass over armed before your brothers and shall help them, 15 until the Lord gives rest to your brothers as he has to you, and they also take possession of the land that the Lord your God is giving them. Then you shall return to the land of your possession and shall possess it, the land that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise.”

16 And they answered Joshua, “All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. 17 Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you. Only may the Lord your God be with you, as he was with Moses! 18 Whoever rebels against your commandment and disobeys your words, whatever you command him, shall be put to death. Only be strong and courageous.”

English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

DIGGING DEEPER

(Today’s questions focus on verses 1:16-18; verses 1:10-15 were covered previously.)

  1. What great lesson can you learn from verse 17?
  2. How have you been able to link up the former leadership and the successor in regard to what the officials said in verse 17? Who did the people recognize as the ultimate authority?
  3. Where in life have you committed to do whatever you are told to do by those in authority over you?
  4. How are you offering yourself to give honor and respect to those in authority in difficult and/or tough times?

RESPOND TO GOD

The Israelite officials stood and swore allegiance to do whatever they were told to do and go wherever they were told to go, an indication of total obedience to the divine authority that had been put in place.  We are called to understand that any person with the favor from God calls for our respect and honor. It is also our responsibility—since leaders are representatives of the heavenly authority—that once they command us to do something, or send us somewhere, we must do it without hesitation and with love. Certainly, we are to test the godliness and wisdom of our leaders against the truth of Scripture. But, let’s not forsake our call to faithful followership.

  • Take a moment to consider your current life experience. Ask God to show you where you have not exercised cheerful obedience and unity amidst the people you work, stay, or associate with, and ask God to help you overcome areas of disobedience or disunity.