Joshua's Divine Commission — Brent Yim

Joshua's Divine Commission — Brent Yim

It's good to see everyone here this morning. Quick update before we begin. Last week I was in Chino Hills for my radiation treatment. So the reason I'm wearing a hat if you're visiting for the first time is because I'm losing all my hair.

And then everyone says, well, why don't you just shave it all off with a razor and look like Hytham. Where's Hytham? He's natural. And I'm not. So I still have like patches, you know, here. I can't shave it with my razor because it will like irritate my head.

So you know, some of you are just thinking you should just rock it. But I don't know. I'm not at that point yet. So but anyways, I guess I can empathize with some of you guys for losing your hair. So I tell everyone I was too vain anyway.

So anyways, but that's the reason that I'm wearing a hat. But praise the Lord, God's doing a new work. He's definitely given us strength. Thank you for everyone who's praying for me and for my family, because yesterday I was feeling a little bit fatigued and out of it.

Toward the end of the week, I get really fatigued with the chemo and the radiation. But then Saturday, you know, obviously because I'm preparing for a message, there's the spiritual element, the warfare that's involved with that.

But I woke up this morning and I felt good and first service was good. And so God's been faithful. He's definitely. I know. It's the Lord. Yeah. The Lord's been so faithful. I was sharing, there's a gentleman actually that's been coming to the church for the last couple of weeks.

And he walked up to me the first time that they attended the church and sat through service. And he was getting radiation twice a week or twice a day for a lot of, I think like almost 45 or 50, somewhere around there.

But Larry, and he had throat cancer and he was getting it twice a day for really a long period of time. So every time I want to complain, I just think about him. And it's been 10 years. He's been cancer free.

And yeah, so he has a mask that he wears, because I don't know if you guys have seen my pictures, but I have like a mask I wear every day I go in that they strap my head to a table. And then he had one too.

So when we're done, we're going to get our masks together and we're going to compare them. But anyways, so, but the Lord definitely has been faithful. So thank you for your prayers. But really all the glory goes to him because even through this time of weakness, he's been so merciful to us.

And we've just seen his grace and his mercy extended to us in ways that I never even could imagine and wouldn't have ever experienced unless we've gone through something like this. And so God has shown up in magnificent ways and we are going to continue to expect him to show up because he's a good God and everything that he does is wonderful.

So with that being said, there's a few things I want to announce before we begin. For those who were involved or are a part of the evangelism training or those who went out to the Balloon and Wine Festival, I continue to get reports.

Jeff is out there with Mel, who is a guy who sold all of his possessions and he travels around in this evangelism now, but they've been out there. There's been over a hundred people that have committed their lives to the Lord down at the Balloon and Wine Festival over the course of a couple of days.

And so there's quite a few of you who have gone out and have ministered. It was neat. Kathleen Unsel and Tom Unsel, who are a couple who come to this fellowship, they came up to me after first service, actually before first service, and Kathleen was sharing with me how she had led a couple of girls to the Lord and that was the first time she had led anyone to the Lord.

She was so excited. She goes, it's kind of like when you don't know how to cook, but you cook and something turns out good. That's how it was with me. She's a really good cook. She goes, you know, I didn't know what to expect and I went out there and I was available and she said the Lord used me and she was excited about sharing her faith and taking that step of faith and seeing the Lord work in and through you.

There really is no greater privilege than to be used in that way. But we do want to lift them up and pray for them and cover them because whenever God is doing a work, there's always going to be an opposition or resistance to that work because we are engaged in a spiritual battle.

And so we want to cover them in prayer. And then I also wanted to mention part of the Yaku family. So Andy and Flavia, but they're going back up to Stockton and so, where, Fresno. So up in that area. They're going back north.

So they were here for a while and it's really been good having them around, but their family is going to be taking off. So we want to lift them up in prayer before they take off as well. So it's going to be sad to see them go, but I think it'll be pertinent for what we're going to cover today, Andy, just to be strong and courageous and to know that God's with you guys wherever you go.

So let's lift those two things up. And I know there is a few people before service that came in before first service like Jack and Sally that have been kind of dealing with some physical issues and so I don't know if there's people in here that are really going through that, but we want to lift that up as well.

And we'll probably do that as we shut that door. Oh, cool. Okay. Let's pray. Father, we thank you for this morning once again and even as we spent just this time in worship seeking your face and acknowledging you as the great I am, our provider, Lord, you are our sufficiency.

Lord, we once again come before you in humble gratitude, Lord, for number one, revealing who you are perfectly through your son, Jesus Christ, that you sent him here to this earth to die on the cross for our sins that whomsoever would believe would not perish but have everlasting life and what a privilege it is to be called into your service in that manner, Lord.

Not only as children of God being taken out of the kingdom of darkness and conveyed into the kingdom of the son of your love to have an expectation and hope that will never fail, Lord, knowing that you will present us blameless and spotless with exceeding joy, Lord, that there's eternal security in Christ, Lord, but also that you would call us not just to know you but to make you known, Lord, to be used as vessels that can preach a perfect message, Lord, a message of grace, a message of forgiveness, a message of restoration and renewal in the name of Christ.

And we thank you that the reason you've extended your long-suffering toward this earth is because you're not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. And so, Father, we want to cover our brothers and sisters who have been laboring a lot at the Balloon and Wine Festival that are there right now, probably even as I'm speaking there's those, you know, Jeff and Mike and those who've come out that are preaching the gospel.

And we pray that your word would go swiftly and be glorified. We know that there's people who probably showed up at that festival expecting something different and they had a personal encounter with their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for the first time where we thank you for that salvation.

We thank you that your word declares that when one sinner repents that all of the angels in heaven rejoice, Lord, in that way. And so we want to rejoice together, Lord, in knowing that no one comes to the Father unless the Spirit draws.

God, we're praying that your Spirit would draw exactly who you want at that booth to hear those words, knowing that it's the power of God, the message is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.

And Lord, it's not about the instrument as much as it's the one who's speaking through the instrument. So we're praying ultimately, Lord, that Christ will be exalted because we know if he be lifted up then you'll draw all men unto yourself.

And so, Father, do a work there. We pray in that little booth here in Temecula and that many would come to know you in a very intimate and real way. Lord, through the available and willing vessels that you've called and consecrated to that work, Lord.

And for us who are here, we know as your word declares that as we intercede on their behalf through prayer that we also receive in that reward, but we do want to intercede and petition on their behalf.

And we want to pray for Andy and for Fawadia and for Jessica and for Alex and Chantel, Lord, as they go back up to Fresno and pray that you would bless them and be with them, encourage them. Lord, I know there's often times where we think, well, why would you take us so far away just to send us back, Lord?

But we know that your ways are higher than our ways, that there's reasons and lessons that you want to teach us. And so I'm praying that those lessons and those reasons, although they may not be known right now, would just rest in their hearts and that they would continue to seek your face and as they walk with you, Lord, that you bless them and that their way would be prosperous as they wouldn't turn from the right hand or to the left, but continue to keep their eyes fixed upon you and your word.

And so bless them, Lord. And again, be with Andy, Lord, as he's the head of the home in his direction and wisdom and guidance, Lord. And so we just, we commit them into your hands as well. And for those who are here this morning that are hurting emotionally, physically, maybe they're smiling outwardly, but externally or internally, Lord, they're broken and desperate and discouraged.

They just need a word to be refreshed, Lord. I pray that this morning would be a day where they'd be refreshed from being in your presence, Lord. And so we thank you for your word and how it has the ability to do that.

I pray that you'd author my thoughts, Lord, that everything that would go forth from this pulpit would represent you well and your word well, Lord. And again, that we would leave here rejoicing and knowing the hope and the inheritance that we've received in Christ.

And so we do love you, Lord, because you first loved us and we thank you for this morning once again. As we open your word, we pray you bless it. In Jesus' name. Amen. If you have your Bibles, turn with me to Joshua chapter 1.

Joshua's Divine Commission and the Promise of God's Presence

And for those who are visiting for the first time or haven't been here the last couple weeks, we did start a journey through the life of Joshua in the book of Joshua. A few weeks ago, we set the precedence for the book by sharing an introduction.

And then the week after that, we shared through the word and looked at various scripture references that helped us understand who Joshua was as a man as God had called him into his service. Really, what defined Joshua as a man and gave us insight into why the Lord would raise him up and use him to this capacity that we'll look at as we look into the word of the book of Joshua.

We're going to cover the first six verses this morning. If you're taking notes this morning, the title of my message is Joshua's Divine Commission. We've all seen those movies or we've read those books where before the army is going into battle, there's the commander or the general or the leader that steps up and he gives that inspiring speech, you know, the encouragement prior to engaging in that battle.

And that's what we find here. But the only difference is the one who's commissioning Joshua is the Lord of heaven and earth, the God of heaven and earth. And no doubt this encouragement and this inspiration will be needed because the Lord had called Joshua to a tremendous task.

Although Joshua was older in age and we think he might have been younger in age, he had been under the leadership of Moses for many years and he had been mentored by Moses. Moses was an amazing leader for the nation of Israel.

We saw God reveal himself to Moses and through Moses in magnificent ways and the deliverance out of Egypt and through the wilderness. And there's so many stories that we can recount that the Lord accomplished through the life of Moses.

Joshua was under his leadership and now the Lord is raising Joshua up and he's moving his people into this new season. And the season was to move out from the wilderness and into that promised rest in the land of Canaan that he had given and spoken to the forefathers many years prior to this point.

And so this was a tremendous task that Joshua was called to and the Lord was going to give him that comfort and that encouragement and those promises that were needed in order to accomplish this task that he had called them to.

And so let's pick up reading in verse one and we will read through verse six. It says, After the death of Moses, the servant of the Lord, it came to pass that the Lord spoke to Joshua, the son of Nun, Moses' assistant, saying, Moses, my servant, is dead.

Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them, the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you as I said to Moses.

For the wilderness, from the wilderness, and this Lebanon, as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, into the great sea toward the going down of the sun shall be your territory.

No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life as I was with Moses, so I will also be with you. I will not leave you and I will not forsake you. Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as inheritance to the land which I swore to their fathers to give to them.

God's Choice of Joshua for a Specific Calling

And so the first point that I want to bring out here this morning is God's pick. And so again, Joshua, the son of Nun, this man who had been raised up, he had been in captivity in Egypt, he had walked through the wilderness, he was one of the spies that had entered into the land of Canaan, and even though the rest of the nation of Israel said there's no way we're going into that land, there's giants, Joshua and Caleb were the two spies that said, you know what, if God's promised us this, then the Lord's also going to give us this.

And so the Lord honored them and he blessed Caleb and Joshua as they were really the two spies that were able to enter into the land because they believed God at his promises. But the Lord chose this man, Joshua, the son of Nun, to lead his people into the promised land of Canaan.

And this was a calling that the Lord had preordained for Joshua before the foundations of the world. And this is important for us to note here because this calling was specific and unique to Joshua. And as this was true for Joshua, so also this is true for every single child of God.

And so the purpose of each individual is going to be unique. It's going to look different in each child of God's life. But the principle never changes. The reality is, is that God has chosen us before the foundations of the world, if you're in Christ, for good works that he's prepared before and that you should walk in them.

And so Joshua here discovered, even though he probably didn't want this calling at first or even expected that God would raise him up, he was just a man who was walking with God. And the Lord says, separate unto me Joshua for this work that I've called him to.

And he found as he walked with the Lord that his calling in his life was specific and unique to him as an individual. And so for every single child of God, if you're sitting here today and you've placed your faith and trust in Jesus, then the reality is that before the foundation of the world, God is the author and finisher of your life.

As it says in Psalm 139, right? David said, all of my days were numbered. They were written in your book. And although we don't see, because we're walking in this time-space continuum, always the end, I mean, we see the end result and ultimately we're going to be with God.

We don't always see the specifics in our life. The reality is, is that God has called each one of us into a specific work and it's unique and it's purpose for your life. And so not only was it applicable to Joshua, the son of Nun, but it's also applicable to us as well.

And so remember that. The purpose of each individual is going to be unique, but the principle, it never changes. And again, it reminds us of that verse found in Ephesians chapter two that says, for we, speaking of the believer, are his workmanship or his poema created in Christ Jesus for good works prepared before and that we should walk in them.

And this is important for us to grasp and apprehend and to believe by faith because knowing this precedes rest. You know, it's easy for us to look around and to look at each individual person and say, well, you know, God, you've called them to this, or, you know, this person's doing that, or, you know, this is the ministry that they're involved in, or this is what their family looks like.

And it's so easy to compare ourselves amongst ourselves, right? And we do that all the time. I mean, our culture perpetuates this type of mentality, right? Always comparing yourself amongst yourselves, well, you don't have this and so you need that and that really a lot of times it infiltrates into the church and this mentality, it permeates our society.

And we adopt this mentality even within the church and we compare ourselves amongst ourselves and really it causes us to be ineffective in what God has called us to. Think about it. You are an individual.

You are God's poema. There's nothing or no one in this world that's exactly like you. And although there might be similarities with people in your life at times, the reality is God has called you to a specific work, a specific calling, you're His workmanship and you can rest in that.

And it really is peaceful and it brings serenity to your heart because you don't need to be looking around at everybody else but you just look to the Lord and say, God, whatever you've chosen in my life, I trust you, I believe in you, I know that you have a specific and unique calling for my life.

And the Bible says that those who compare themselves amongst themselves are unwise. And we see that. It doesn't need to be happening amongst the children of God. To find rest in your identity in Christ and to know what God has called you to and then you can begin to walk in victory because you're more concerned about what the Lord has called you to than what people's expectations are upon your life or even what your expectations are in your own life.

And so this is a very important principle to grasp. And Joshua, he no doubt understood this. And you know, there maybe were people that looked at Joshua and said, well, I want to be the one who leads God's people into the promised rest.

I mean, you know, Moses wanted to and the Lord says, no, I've called Joshua. You know, and you might be sitting here today and you might think, well, I'm insignificant. There's no way the Lord would ever call me to this task to lead God's people in this manner or to do this or to do that.

But listen, who knows? You know, but I do know this, that there is contentment in just walking with the Lord and residing in what He has called you to before the foundations of the world. There's so much rest in that.

And that is when we, as God's people, become effective. And that's when we can be those who really experience in our lives all that God has preordained before the foundations of the world. And this is something that we have to gravitate and grasp by faith and believing the promises of God, even over our emotions and our feelings.

But one quick thing that I'd like to highlight before we proceed, and that's it, I want you to notice that God's appointment of Joshua as a leader was to serve his people. And this is important for us to understand because Joshua was raised up to a prominent position.

Okay? I mean, some people might look at this level of a power and authority and say, wow, that would be amazing to have all of these people, you know, at my disposal. You know, he was this warrior for God.

He would enter into the promised land of Canaan. We'll find as we study through the book of Joshua that he accomplished great exploits in the name of the Lord. I mean, Jericho. I mean, there's so many battles that we find in the book of Joshua where we would think, wow, that would be so awesome to have that power and authority.

But listen, when the Lord calls his people into a position of leadership, which every single child of God is called into a position of leadership, it's always to the end that they might serve God's people.

Leadership Means Servanthood

To serve. And Jesus himself said this. He said, if you want to be greatest among my people, then you will be the servant of all. And Jesus didn't just say that, but he demonstrated that. And he said, listen, I've come not to be served, but to serve and give my life a ransom for many.

And as it was true for Joshua, so also this principle applies to every single child of God throughout the centuries who've been called into the service of God. Joshua as a leader was called to serve his people.

And this is something that we just don't, you know, understand really. And we've been deceived by the world and its system. You know, I've talked to many of you where, you know, some of you have or hold positions of authority or prominence, maybe at your job place or, you know, in what God has called you to.

And, you know, the world will tell you, do whatever you need in order to gain more power, to gain more authority. You know, do whatever you need in order to gain more renown or more recognition, you know.

And we strive to gain this power and it's like, why? You know, why would we spend so much time seeking to promote ourselves when the Lord says, humble yourselves before the mighty hand of God and I'll exalt you in due time.

If I want to exalt you. Exaltation doesn't come from the north, east, south or west, but God raises up one and he removes another. And again, you find so much rest in that. You know, and here Joshua, the reason that he was considered a servant of the Most High God is because he served the people of the Most High God.

And listen, I don't expect for this to be the testimony of the world. When you go to your workplace, you know, for you to go maybe to your work tomorrow to talk to your boss and say, you know what, the Bible says that in order for you to be elevated, you have to first be humble.

They're going to look at you like you're nuts, okay? In reality. I mean, could you imagine if you went into your boss and told him that tomorrow and said, you know, you just really need to humble yourself because they're not believers.

They don't live by the principles found in the Word of God, right? But as children of God, if we are children of God, then we should reflect and demonstrate this in our lives, in our workplace, amongst our families.

You know, if you want the Lord to look down upon you and say, well done, good and faithful servant, listen, that is synonymous with servanthood. That is saying, I'm going to avail myself and give myself to God's people and to those who are around me.

I'm going to sacrifice my desires, my wants, my passions, my will for the sake of the people who are around me. Wow. And listen, that is supernatural in its extent. It's supernatural. That has to be a work of God's grace in your life.

For him to give you vision of this and to give you this type of desire, I mean, I know my flesh, that's not what I want. I want to serve myself and my flesh. But then the Spirit of God inside of me is saying, no, that's, but that's not what God has called us to.

And then you find yourself delighting and serving the people that are around you. You find joy and contentment in that place. Because listen, if the world system and their wisdom and their reasoning brought joy and peace, then the world would be a lot different.

Think about it. Think about the world today and the turmoil and the distress and the discouragement and depression that is all around us. So if their principles by which they live by brought them peace, then don't you think that there would be more peace in this world?

And so the question is, why not? Well, because the Lord in his word takes priority and preeminence over the things of this world, the wisdom of this world. And he says, live by my standard, especially as children of God.

We should cling to these concepts and say, Lord, okay, this is what you've called me to in my faith. I'm going to step out in obedience. And you'll find that there is true rest. And so, again, the reason that this principle is essential for us to value it, and it really is essential for us to value, even if the world looks at us and says, you're crazy.

You know, you go serve people, you go do that. You're weak. But the reason that as Christians this concept is essential to value is because you can't separate the words leadership from service in reference to God's work.

You can never separate the two. So whenever God calls us into leadership, it'll always demonstrate itself in service to God's work. And whether that be the pastor, and the way that looks for me is going to be different.

You know, maybe my service, and obviously my service to you is to study the word of God and to present on Sundays, or the opportunities that I have to share the word of God. That's my service to you, as God has given me and called me into this service.

Maybe for some of you, it's standing at the door and ushering and greeting, or working in the sound ministry, or working in the children's ministry, or being sent out as a missionary across the world.

I mean, again, how that looks in your life individually is going to be unique and special to your life. But it'll always demonstrate itself in service. It's always to the end that you're serving God's people.

And we should delight in that. You know, the Bible says that we're to do good to all, especially to the household of faith. And so it begins in the church. And when people walk through these doors on Sunday mornings, or on Wednesdays, or when we go to our home groups, I mean, really, the born-again believer that attends this church and says, this is my church home, or any church, really should express themselves in their service to the people and to the body of Christ.

But often we come and we think, well, how is everyone going to serve me, you know? How are people going to minister to me today? Are the seats comfortable? Is the music good? Did everything go well? And a lot of times we have these standards by which we determine, you know, if we're going to come out and we're going to worship the Lord.

But that shouldn't be so, because worship is demonstrated in service. And we see that exemplified in the life of Jesus. And this isn't an appeal to you to say, everyone needs to, you know, sign up now to, you know, go out.

I'm just saying, listen, whether you're here or you're anywhere else, in your home, in your workplace, when you're walking closely with the Lord and you're being conformed into His image, then you as a leader in your home, in your workplace, with your children, when you're playing, when you're on the mission field, will demonstrate itself in service.

And God called Joshua because he was a man who served the Lord because he served his people. And again, you know, we can look to the life of Jesus, although Joshua was a great example to us, Jesus is our ultimate example.

You know, there in John chapter 13, I mean, Jesus, on the eve of His crucifixion, on prior to His crucifixion, He's on His hands and His knees and He's washing the feet of the disciples. And He says, as I have done unto you, so you also go do unto others.

And the Bible says that He loved His disciples to the very end, to the end of His life, until He was called home to be with the Father, ascended in glory. He served the people of God. This is God, that was God in human flesh.

And He says, as I've done unto you, so you also do unto others. And I love that about our high priest, Jesus, because He never told us to do anything that He first didn't do. And then He says, I'll give you the strength and the grace to represent me well.

You know, and that's a benefit, not a benefit, but that's what the Lord has granted us as an inheritance through the person of Jesus as we walk with Him by faith. But as we continue, so God's pick, the second point this morning I want you to look at is God's parameters.

God's Parameters for Christian Service

So consider the words of the Lord to Joshua. He said, go over to the land which I am giving to them. Now the reason that this is important to acknowledge is because when God commissions His people into His service, He also ordains specific boundaries or limitations for their service.

And let me explain this to you just a little bit further. There are two applications of this statement. There's a general principle found in Matthew chapter 28, right? When Jesus was speaking to His disciples, He said, okay, go into the world and make disciples of all nations, baptizing in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

He says, lo, I'm with you to the end of the age. He says, go and teach them everything that I've commanded you. And so everything you've received from me, everything that you've learned during my earthly ministry, I want you to now take those things and teach those to other people, okay?

You've received, now give, make disciples. All authority has been given unto me, Jesus said. And so we know that the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof. We find in the book of Revelation that from every tongue, tribe, nation, and people group, they will stand before the throne of God and worship the Lord.

And so God is doing a work in this world, okay? But when He calls us as individuals into His service, there are certain boundaries and limitations that God has placed upon our life, and those good works again that He's called us to walk in, that become the parameters of our calling in this life.

If that makes sense to you. And so a specific principle that we find is found in Acts chapter 16. In Acts chapter 16, Paul the apostle desired to go up into Asia to preach the gospel. Is that a good desire?

Yeah, that's a good desire. Okay, but the Bible records that the Spirit of God forbade them to go up into Asia at that time to preach the gospel. And so the Lord stopped them from going up into Asia at that time because God had a specific work for Paul and for Barnabas.

And so we understand even as we look through the word of God that when God calls us into His service, He says, okay, separate unto me this person for the work that I have called them to. And again, that's going to look unique and they're going to look different maybe from the person that's sitting next to you.

But do know that there are limitations and boundaries because it can become overwhelming. We look at the world today and we see all of the needs in this world. You know, you look at the fatherless and the widow and you consider those who have yet to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ.

We have people that are being trained right now to go to other language groups to translate the Bible in their language. And Rick, he just took off over to Nepal or he's leaving to Nepal, you know, a short-term mission trip.

And you have Dan and Joan and you have these different people that are ministering, you know, around the world. But I can't look at them and say, well, they're out doing that so I need to go to Nepal as well or I need to go to Papua New Guinea or I need to do this training.

It's like, no, because God has called us to specific works and he set limitations on those works. And he says, no, I've called you to this. I've called you specifically to that. And that's important for us to grasp and understand because we can become overwhelmed and think, well, I got to do everything.

And that's not what the Lord wants of us because his work, when he calls us into his work, it's not laborious. And if it ever becomes a burden, I'm not saying it's not going to be difficult at times, but if it ever becomes laborious and it becomes an obligation, you're thinking, oh, man, I got to get up this morning and serve God.

That's not what God wants. If God can speak through a donkey, you know, if God can speak the world into existence, he doesn't need you and me. And a lot of times we think he does, right? We think, well, Lord, you need me in order to accomplish your work.