The Two Who Entered the Promised Land---Part 2

Numbers 27:15-18
Joshua was the elected man to replace Moses. He was given the authority to lead the congregation (or all the children of Israel) into the promised land. The Ephramite was responsible for rallying the children of Israel and leading them into the new land. The Ephramite was given the commission by God to lead the congregation into the land flowing with milk and honey.
1.) vs. 18--So the Lord said to Moses, "Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him;"
A.) Joshua, the Ephramite, had the Spirit of God in him. The Ephramites are promised the Spirit. The Spirit is what equips them to lead the rest of the children of God to the promise of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom to come. They are the leaders of the army.

Deuteronomy 3:28--"But charge Joshua and encourage him and strengthen him, for he shall go across at the head of this people, and he will give them as an inheritance the land which you will see."

God put Joshua, the Ephramite in charge of taking His children down the chosen path. After they, instructed by the Commander of the Army of the LORD, Jesus Christ, defeat the enemy they will be given the land.
1.) Deuteronomy 31:5-8--The Lord will give them over to you, that you may do to them according to every commandment which I have commanded you. Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be aftaid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will never leave you not forsake you. 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. And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed."

After Joshua had crossed the Jordan river, he prepared to take Jeri cho. However, he had unfinished business pertaining to his Lord. While in the wilderness the children of God had forgotten many of the ways of God. One of God's most prominent request had been down away with. The children had neglected the commandment of circumcision. Circumcision was the outward sign of the covenant which God had made with the children of Israel. The children fo Israel musdt have forgotten or intentionally turned their heads from their covenant because they stopped practicing circumcidion collectively.

Joshua 5:2-9
1.) vs.2--God commanded Joshua to circumcise the children of God for a second time. The Ephramite was to reinforce the law of circumcision. (The circumcision of the heart is what the Ephramite of today is to instruct the children of God to do before they can enter and obtain the promised land.)
2.)--The children of Israel forgot about the law while they were wondering in the wilderness. So to have the Children of God who were scattered throughout the world, forgotten the laws of the true God. While on their way b ack from their slavery in foreign lands, the House of Israel too have forgotten the laws of God.

Once Joshua led the children into obeying the word of God and following after His ways, "Someone" was dent to take them into the battle that would give them the promise land.

Joshua 5:13-15--The Commander or the LORD'S army is commonly believed to be Jesus. So after the children of God, led by Joshua the Ephramite, began to re-establish the law and obey all of God's ways, then the Commander of the LORD'S army came onto the scene. "a Man stood opposite him with His sword drawn in His hand, And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, "Are You for us or for our adversaries?" So He said, "No, but as the Commander of the army of the Lord I have now come."

Only two of the spies who were sent, were willing to enter the promise land. It just so happens that these two represent the two kingdoms, Caleb from Judah and Joshua from Ephraim. God promised that He would see to it that these two men and their descendents would make it into the promise land. Today, it is these two tribes and those tribes whom they represent, who are their companions, that are to make it into the promised kingdom to come, ruled by one King forever. Both will play their own roles. Caleb is guaranteed to enter the promise land but it will be Joshua, the Ephramite, who will lead them all into the promise land. He will see to it that their hearts are circumcised for the second time. He is, also, the one whom the Spirit is in. And it is he who sees the Commander of the LORD'S army, Jesus.

Joshua has been commissioned by God to instruct the children in thge ways of God and to prepare them for battle. The Church (especially those who know they are the House of Israel) are called to be vigilant like Joshua. Are you worthy of this challenge? Are you equipped to take on this task? As the church we have been given the Spirit and see the Lord Jesus, but do we know and seek to follow God's ways? Do we have a deep understanding of who Christ is and what God stands for?

Although it is not by the law that we are saved, it is as if, it is a test to see how obedient we will be to the instruction of God. As any soldier, of any army will tell you, it is most important for a soldiet to follow orders, especially in a proacative responsive way; to be obedient to the Commander, the one giving orders. If a soldier c annot be obedient then they are useless and will only cause defunct in the assault. No good leader would want a soldier who was reluctant or incompetent of following orders. Although he might be part of the winning side, he defonitely would not be on the battle ground. A true fighter in the LORD'S army seek to be quick to respond to any order given directly by the Commander himself.

Remember, Joshua lead and instructed the people to be obedient. This was necessary before the Commander of the LORD'S army could come onto the scene. He needed to be certain that He haqd soldiers who were willing to do whatever it took. Those who believed and trusted every word He spoke and heeded them in complete obedience, never questioning Him. Are we willing? Are we ready to take the next step?

Let's usher in the coming of the Lord with our obedience!