#1 Four Funerals

Joshua is the story of God's faithfulness. The prophecy of Joshua means to convict, not merely to inform.; to comfort, not simply to enlighten. History in the OT is a declaration from God about God. Joshua was the leader who saw promises of God realized. The predicament that Israel faces after Moses' death is "what's going to happen to us now?" We will be confronted with the same predicament that stands before Israel. What next? God's instructions were to persevere in faith, to keep believing and trusting in Him. It is not unusual in such times for people to fall away. God recounts His history. God reminded Joshua not only of the promise, but God reminded Joshua of His power too. God told Moses that no king would stop Israel from taking the Promised Land. God told Joshua that "Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you." God's word has spoken and the Holy Spirit has opened your eyes to see the truth and you say to yourself "that can't be about me." And He is saying the same thing "I will never leave or forsake you." So, be strong and courageous. What God has commanded of His people, He will also provide the means of success. Where God commands us, He also provides the means of obedience. The hope of Joshua's success lay not in his wisdom and ingenuity, but in the Word of God. You and I will face the question of "what's next?" Like Joshua, we will not know what is immediately before us. God has given us His power, His presence, His promises and the means to obey. But He has also given us one other thing. He has given us the answer, to what's next. Eventually death. Does your heart long to be with Jesus?