DIVINE VISION: JOSHUA’S CHARGE

Week 1: VANTAGE POINT

During this study, we will be doing a ‘deep dive’ into a scriptural passage. It is strongly encouraged that you study the passage and entire chapter ahead of the study. Also be prepared with your research tools, for example Google or your study Bible, as you will need to reference it during the study. Spend time answering and discussing each question with the intention to gain sufficient understanding to help your own private Bible study as you further explore these topics.

Study Chapters: Joshua 1-3

Pilot text

Josh 1:10-11 10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying, 11 “Pass through the camp and command the people, saying, ‘Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you will cross over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you to possess.’ ”

Josh 3:5-6 5 And Joshua said to the people, “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” 6 Then Joshua spoke to the priests, saying, “Take up the ark of the covenant and cross over before the people.”

Discussion Points

So they took up the ark of the covenant and went before the people.

1. What is the significance of this time (covered in the reading) in the lives of the people of Israel? Think of what happened in the years leading up to this point.
2. What key event took place between the two pilot texts shown above (between Chapters 1 and 3)? Why do you think it was important for the children of Israel to go through this experience? [Think of what happened the last time spies were sent out to spy out the land, and how this one ended compared to that one – Chapter 2:24].
3. What did it mean for the people to ‘sanctify’ themselves as seen in our pilot text, and why was this important? Consider the original language and how this word would be interpreted (a) within that context, as well as (b) in a new covenant sense.
4. What was the difference between Joshua’s charge to the people in 1:11 and that in 3:5? What different areas of their lives did these commands focus on?

Closing thoughts: The people of Israel were at a critical point in their journey. They were about to experience a promised future; but one full of uncertainty. As they looked to enter into the promise, the first command they received was to prepare themselves for what God was about to do. Just to be clear, this was not just any other thing that God was about to do. This was that time that God’s people had dreamed of for over 40 years, and across at least 2 generations. This was a big deal. So you might think that God would ask them for many things. But no – all that God was asking of them was to get ready in two ways: (1) physically – get ready to cross over the Jordan; and (2) spiritually – set themselves apart to hear and obey. Even today, this is what God asks of us as we prepare to cross over into the promise of tomorrow. Are you getting ready to cross over into the future you are believing God for? Are you positioned to hear what God is saying to you, and to obey it?

Application Questions (use scriptures to support your position):

1. There are some prayers that God will not answer unless you fast and consecrate yourself. Agree / disagree with reasons.
2. A family member has told you that he has been made aware of a generational curse that affects you. He then provides you with a list of requirements to meet and actions to take in order to start breaking this curse. In addition to finding and consecrating some named items, the activities include a number of days of fasting and saying some specific prayers. How would you respond?