Joshua 1:17 ESV “Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you. Only may the Lord your God be with you, as he was with Moses!”
Yesterday we discussed how the Israelites could have done so much more if they had recognized how difficult it is for human beings to obey all that I ask of them.
Today, let’s notice the second really interesting part of this verse.
The Israelites say, “Only may the Lord your God be with you, as he was with Moses!”
This is a strange statement. They say that I am Joshua’s God. They seem to have missed the fact that I am their God also.
Please, don’t make this mistake!
I know they were afraid of me and so they wanted Moses as a go between and then Joshua took over this role, but when Jesus came to earth one of the primary things I wanted to accomplish (beyond saving all of creation for eternity) was to remove anyone who would go between Me and My people. Jesus and I are one (John 14:11) and He is the High Priest (Hebrews 4:14) so there does not need to be anyone on earth in between Me and you.
Do you have anyone who you consider an authority between you and Me? Of course, you may have a spiritual advisor or counselor. You may have a priest who helps you interpret the Bible or My messages. You may even have prophets in your life who you rely upon to help confirm My messages and guidance to you. This is different.
The problem is if you have someone who you think walks with Me and ALWAYS needs to tell you what I am saying or what I want you to do. For instance, if you have a parent or grandparent who walks closely with Me and rather than pray to Me yourself, you always ask them to pray for you. Or, if you have a priest who you believe you need to consult before doing anything because they are the “final word” in your decision making. When either of these things happens, you are putting someone between you and Me and then we do not have a direct relationship. But I want to have a direct relationship with you…that is why I created you.
So, if you find yourself saying or believing something like the Israelites do in today’s verse:
“Only may the Lord your God be with you”
…please consider having a more direct relationship with Me. I know I can be scary for a lot of people, but I am not scary. I know I can be intimidating but I am really good and I guarantee you that your life will be better and not worse with Me directly involved with you.
I guarantee it. If you hear otherwise, then please consider your source carefully. Of course, really difficult things happen to people who believe in Me in certain areas of the world where I am “outlawed” and there may be consequences but, even so, life will be better. Eternal life is a really long time for us to get to spend time with and enjoy each other!
Come join Me on this ride even more than you already are. No matter how much you know Me or follow Me, there is always a way to go deeper and higher into My Kingdom and the relationship we have together.
I am so excited to be your God!
I believe this is a message to us from God, written from His perspective – Sherri
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