And All the Mighty Men of Valor

I was greatly encouraged by a message preached by Pastor Charles during an evening worship service, and I’d like to share this message with you. In Joshua 10, the five kings of the Amorites had gathered together to battle against the Gibeonites because the Gibeonites had made peace with Israel. As we know, by the end of Joshua 10, Israel had come out as the victor over all five kings. What were the different factors which contributed to this national victory?

  1. First, there was the LORD’s role. He fought for Israel and delivered their enemies into their hands (Joshua 10: 8, 14). His was the first and most important role.
  1. Second, there was Joshua’s role. As the leader of Israel, he had to be strong and courageous to trust and obey the LORD to face all five kings (Joshua 10: 7, 12).
  1. Third, there was also the role of the children of Israel.

The children of Israel were mentioned five times in Joshua 10! They were described as the “people of war…and all the mighty men of valor” (Joshua 10: 7). What a beautiful description! They too had fought hard for their nation, for the families, and for the LORD. Trusting the LORD, they fought side by side with Joshua and all their leaders. These were the people of war; the mighty men of valor. They were not to be trifled with!

Just as it was in Joshua’s day, so it is today. Each and every one of us who calls Bethany our home has a role to play as we move into the next 40 years. The Lord Jesus Christ is our Master and Commander (Joshua 5: 14), He is the head over all things to the Church (Ephesians 1: 22). Then there is the role of our leaders – the Pastoral team – who will continue to lead the church. There is also a role for our lay leaders. We may not be any of these people, but we can play our part by learning to be mighty men of valor.

There are at least three ways we can respond.

  1. Let us commit to growing up well, for we cannot remain as spiritual children if we want to engage in spiritual battle.
  1. Let us learn to be subject to our leaders who go before us, and we will learn to fight together and alongside them.
  1. Let us learn to love our ultimate Commander, the Lord Jesus Christ, and to fight for His Church.

Dear young people, if you desire to one day rise up and take your place in Bethany, begin by determining within your heart to grow up well, for this is the most important thing you can choose to do right now. Begin by coming to know the Lord personally, and learn to love Him with all your heart. One day, the time will come for you to join in the battle. With dignity, honour and courage flowing from a heart of love for our Commander and His Church, may you fight as mighty men (and women) of valor!

 

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