Judges 1-4; Mark 10

And all that generation also were gathered to their fathers. And there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel. – Judges 2:10  ESV

I love Joshua, I tried to live my life like Joshua since I was a teenager. I did not like reading this verse this morning. Not sure why I had not read it before but that is probably because today God is calling me to make disciples and this is on my mind and heart.

Can you imagine, being in church, seeing miracles taking place and yet deciding to do evil in the sight of God? As we are in church – we are all informed, we have seen and heard of people experiencing God and I would dare say that most of us have even had a personal experience with God, and all of that has not kept us from running after other things.

How did Joshua feel on his deathbed of the legacy he was leaving behind? It must have dawned on him that he was a disciple of Moses and had somehow failed to do the same. Was there no one with a heart or faith to follow God? If I have learned anything this year it is this – godly living, careful instructions and powerful exhortations are not enough. I see through Joshua being discipled by Moses that it requires cultivating convictions and teaching what it means to serve the Lord. I need to take my own steps of faith to experience the great work of God in my life. I need to step forward and take responsibility to lead people and make disciples who will do the same.  Who will carry on the cause of Christ when I am out of the picture? Joshua was a great man of God, but he failed to pass the baton to the next generation.

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. – Mark 10:45  ESV 

What a great example Jesus gives me – a servant model. He had one task and He finished it. He laid down His life in order for it to be accomplished.

I am a servant of Jesus – that means that I submit to His authority and His right to tell me to do what He needs me to do. I know fully well that He really does not need my help. So when I read that Jesus has come to serve, even those who serve Him, I joy knowing that He uses all of His divine resources to help, strengthen, guide, support and provide me with all my needs.  With such wind in my sails, I can be a servant too and give my time to others so that they too may serve with me.

Thank you Father. You have given me Jesus and I have everything I need. Amen.

Erwin (evanlaar)

 

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