A New Shift (Happy New Year!)

Scripture:

5: No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you.

6: Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.

7: Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.

8: This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

9: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1 (NKJV)

Since the beginning of humanity, it has been difficult for people to follow instructions. Perhaps it traces back to the temptation from Satan that led man into sin: “God knows that in the day you eat of it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God…” (Genesis 3:5). Tell a small child, “Don’t touch, that’s hot,” and they remain determined to touch it until they are burned. Then they understand. Tell a teen to be home by 10:00, and they are determined to make it by 10:30, until they are grounded. Then they regret it. Tell a Christian to obey the commandments of the Lord, and they convince themselves that He didn’t mean it literally, until there are consequences. Then they repent.

The Bible tells us there has not been “in Israel a prophet like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face” (Deuteronomy 34:10). Moses had a unique and intimate relationship with God, but God had already prepared another leader to take his place when the time came for the shift. He raised up Joshua, “full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him; so the children of Israel heeded him, and did as the Lord had commanded Moses” (Deuteronomy 34:9).

Eastern Star Church has been abundantly blessed for the past 36 years through the teachings of a faithful leader. As the church where Jesus is Exalted and the Word Explained, the ministry has been taught to uphold the “Book of the Law.” In God’s economy, the blessings of the Lord come to those who are obedient. When God gives a command, it is with the expectation that it will be followed. That is why so many commandments are framed as “if” statements – they are conditional. God is telling His people, “If you do this, I promise I will do that.” As the members of Eastern Star Church have obeyed God through their obedience to the man of God, the Church has been blessed. Just as in Israel’s time, God has raised up another leader.

In His promises to Joshua, God covenanted to bless His people if they obeyed the Book of the Law. His promises came with the assurance that He would be with Joshua in the same way He had been with Moses. It was time for a shift. The Lord was assuring Joshua that He had chosen him, that he would be a successful leader, the people would prosper, and they would receive the promised inheritance if they kept His commandments.

It’s time for a New Shift at Eastern Star Church, and the Lord is assuring the Body that He will be with them as long as they continue to follow the leader He has chosen, walk in obedience to His commandments, and trust Him to fulfill His promises. As He was with him, so He will be with him.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for giving us Your Word to lead and guide us through life. Our sincere prayer is that You continue teaching us to walk in humility and surrender, living fully according to Your will. As we navigate a new shift within our ministry, help us to lean on You and depend on Your faithful direction as we navigate the twists and turns that come with change. We trust You and believe that it is well because You are in control. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Reflection:

“There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” - C. S. Lewis