The Book of Joshua is a link between the Pentateuch and the Historical Books of the Bible and demonstrates the outstanding mercy of God and indeed God’s extraordinary intervention in the life of His people, Israe,l and our situations.
The Message is clear the Promise land is not empty but occupied by enemy nations and “Victory comes through Faith in God and Obedience to His Word, rather than through military might or numerical superiority”[1] Joshua was one of the young people who came out of Egypt in Exodus and might have followed Moses to observe the power of the Living God.
Aaron was to assist Moses, but Joshua was won and drawn to Moses through faith in God’s awesome power. Moses mentored Joshua, such that Joshua followed Moses to stay with him and serve him.
Moses impacted on Joshua to the extent of changing his name from “Hoshea” meaning “Salvation”[2] to “Yehoshua” meaning “Yahweh is Salvation”[3] The shortened form is “Yeshua” which also means “Jesus”.
Jesus, the Son of God, is God’s Salvation to Humanity. Just as Joshua led Israel into the Promised Land and fought the Conquest battles and took possession, so also Jesus conquered sin, death, and Hades and gave us Eternal life and God’s Eternal Inheritance. By faith in Jesus Christ, Victory is sure.
SERVICE: “Service is an act of being of assistance to someone or providing such assistance as economic activity”. It is also the “State of being subordinate to or employed by an individual or group”.[4]
The New Testament used several words to denote what Service is namely: “Diakonia” is the “Service” of ministering to the needs in God’,[5] Jesus spoke of the Hireling who works for what he will get and will not care for the Sheep or runs away when danger confronts the Flock.
“Douleou” serves as a Slave “Doulos”. A slave is a property of his master and never expects pay or reward for his labour. Paul considered himself as a “Bond-Servant of Christ Jesus”. As such he did not think of himself as a “Slave” but a Servant who has a deep Covenant Relationship with the Master and owes his very life to the Master, Jesus Christ.[6]
It follows from the understanding of having been redeemed by Christ through His death and brought out of bondage to Sin, the power of darkness and the evil one.
Just as God delivered Israel from the House of Bondage in Egypt that they may serve God alone, so also are the Believers in Christ delivered through the Blood of Jesus Christ so as to serve the LORD Jesus Christ, and Him alone. Paul expressed this so well when he reminded believers that they were purchased at a Price of the Blood of Jesus and do not own themselves.[7]
Exodus 20:1-3; makes it clear that the imperative to obey and serve the LORD ALONE is derived from the work of Salvation .It is the whole of one’s being, possession, labour and very existence must be surrendered to the LORD our God. The whole of Life is Hallowed and consecrated unto God.
The Service demand by God flows from the life set free from slavery of Sin, Satan and death to the Freedom, Light and love of God in Christ Jesus. In Matthew 6:24; Jesus said “No one can [doulei] [‘‘serve’’ as a slave of two masters at the same time, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to one and despise the other.
You cannot serve God and Mammon”. Jesus like Joshua here calls for a choice of the Master and total loyalty and commitment expressed in Service.
THE FAITH JOURNEY OF ISRAEL: Joshua chapters 23 and 24 are chapters of the ending part of Joshua’s Ministry and work in leading Israel into the Promise Land and fulfilling God’s Promise to Abraham and the Patriarchs of Israel. Joshua was a man who served God’s purpose.
As he came to the closure of his task he said to the Elders of Israel, “Behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth. And you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one thing has failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spoke concerning you.
All have come to pass for you; not one word of them has failed”[8]. One observes that in the twilight of his life, Joshua was more concerned for Israel’s commitment to God and in keeping the Law and Word of God. He warned them of the consequences of Disobedience to God and departing from God to follow the gods of this world [of the Canaanites], Intermarriages, and loss of their Unique Faith and Identity.
The distinctiveness of Israel stemmed from their relationship with God which came from their Choice and Call of Abraham and their separation from other nations of the world. God established Israel by His Word, Covenant and Promise Land which God fought their battles, destroyed their enemies who were mightier than them and gave them Cities, Vineyards, Olive orchards, Wells and other things which they did not labour for.
The excellence of God’s power worked for Israel[9]. God made Israel to be invincible in battlefield such that while the other nations collapsed, Israel grew stronger.
The Word of God in Commissioning Joshua in chapter 1:1-9 was extended to Israel under his leadership via the command to cross Jordan and take possession, to be strong and courageous, to hold unto the Law and the Word of God, learn, meditate and live by the Word as the guarantee for prosperity and good success, the assurance of the Presence of God to go with them.
Joshua recounted the Faithfulness of God to Israel in contrast to the unfaithfulness of Israel. It was evident that the constant departure of Israel to worship the gods of the Canaanites and follow their ways was a constant snare. Assimilation to Canaanite Cultural practices, Intermarriages and ways.
These necessitated the recounting of the Faith Journey from Tera the Father of Abraham and Nahor to the Call to follow God to the Land which he would give to Abraham and his descendants, the bondage in Egypt and the great power of God that delivered and led Israel in the Wilderness and settled them in the Promise Land.
Like Joshua and Israel, it is necessary that we should intentionally remember how God has been Faithful in dealing with us, His help and Mercy that has brought us to where we are and what He took us through to make us who we are in Him and by His grace.
People are quick to forget the goodness of God and the help others gave to us. Ingratitude is a debilitated factor in life. Faith founded on God and His Word has a history and it is a journey, such that we must constantly set our eyes on the place that God is taking us rather than the failures that assault us.
The Faith Journey for Israel and every Believer in Christ is always requiring that eyes be fixed on the Goal of our Calling which is not just the Land of Promise but in God Himself, in Christ Jesus the Lord.[Phil 3:12-14]
Again the Goal is the Heavenly Home which is the Commonwealth of the Believers, from where Christ shall come-to take to Himself all who have in faith waited for His appearing and the transformation of our mortal bodies into the Spiritual Body like His Resurrection Body[10].
THE LORD TO SERVE:
Sovereign LORD: It was evident that Joshua encountered and trusted the Living God of Israel, as the Holy, Powerful, and Sovereign God who controlled Nature and answered Joshua’s prayer in Joshua 10:1-15, when the Seven Nations and Kings came against Gibeon and Israel.
Joshua prayed for the Sun to stand still in the Valley of Aijalon until God delivered up the Amorites to Israel. “There has been no day like that, before it or after it, that the LORD heeded the voice of a man; for the LORD fought for Israel”[11].
The Sovereign God reigns in the affairs of nations, individuals, and families. Excellent power belongs to Him. This is the God Joshua led Israel to Follow
Father of the Nations: Joshua’s demand on the Elders and Leaders of Israel was to be one in which the response would be from the most basic unit in Society, the Family. Every family started by Marriage, the Life-long union of a man and a woman in a relationship initiated by God and founded on Love and Mutual self-giving.
It is within such a relationship that children are begotten, nurtured, and raised in the fear and knowledge of God.
The Family Unit receives its very existence from God and functions as God’s agent in the Church and the Community/Society. God is known as the God of the Family, the Father and Patriarch of the Nations. God is the Father of the New Israel, the Church, and the Redeemed people of God.
Jesus taught Believers in Him to relate and know God as their Father, just as He, the Lord Jesu,s called God His own Father. Fatherhood presupposes that God is the Progenitor, Sustainer, and the very source of life and renewal for the Family.
Fatherhood also presupposes the power to endow Blessings and Inheritance. Concerning Israel, Jesus and the Believers in Christ, the God whom we worship and serve is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of the Living and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He is also our Father said, “It is from Him that we receive ‘Strength”[12]. Our sonship is based on our adoption into God’s family through Faith in Jesus Christ.[13] It ensures our Redemption and Eternal Inheritance with all the Saints.
Compassionate God: The God of Israel is full of Compassion and deeply involved with His people. He is touched with the conditions of His people, such that He condescended to be among them and to journey with them. As He said to Moses, “I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their Taskmasters, for I know their sorrows.
So I have come down to deliver them out of the hands of the Egyptians and bring them up from that land to a good and large land, to a land flowing with milk and honey…”[14] This act of God in the deliverance of Israel from Egypt was borne out of Love and Compassion.
This also prefigured the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ and His earthly Ministry which was driven with His Love and Compassion for the people in their sufferings.
Faithful and Covenant Keeping God: This God is Faithful in keeping His Covenant and a Mighty Deliverer and Saviour. He is also a Jealous God who guards His people and would fight to protect that which belongs to Him. In His protective love He executes Justice and avenges for the poor and oppressed.
It is this character of God that make Him to abhor rival idols and disloyalty, disobedience and idolatry. He will not give His Glory to man or Idols. This understanding underlie the Ten Commandments, the Statutes God gave to Israel and the Word of Joshua to Israel and the Imperative to the families of Israel.
The Family Under God [Bringing The Family Under God]: The Family is central in Israel’s Self-understanding and Biblical cosmology. From Creation to the Consummation of God’s Eternal Purpose of gathering all things in Heaven and Earth in one in Christ Jesus.[15]
God created man in His own Image and Likeness and made them Male and Female. He instituted Marriage and Family as the first Institution and the very cradle for Human Society. When God created Eve out of the Rib of Adam and brought her to Adam, it was clear that the Bond of Marriage is deeper that mare cultural and social norms.
It is such that God’s purpose is that “Therefore a man shall Leave his father and mother and be Joined to his wife, and they shall become One Flesh. And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed”[16].
Marriage is the life-long exclusive union of a man and woman in loving relationship, a covenant relationship that can only be annulled by death.
The adult man and adult woman must leave their father and mother and be joined, rather Cleave or be gummed to each other and become one and remain in open, sincere and loving care for each other all through their lives. Marriage therefore is the gift of God to Humanity and so also are the children that God gives to husband and wife[17]. The Purpose of Marriage is clearly stated thus:
“Marriage is given primarily that husband and wife may comfort and help each other, living together in need and plenty, in sorrow and in joy. It is also given, that with delight and tenderness, they may know each other in love, and through the joy of their bodily union, may strengthen the union of their hearts and lives. Lastly, it is given that they may have children and be blessed in caring for them in bringing them up in accordance with God’s will, to His praise and glory”[18]
God makes provision for every member of the family, Father, Mother, Son, and Daughter, Relations and servants and all. Every member of the family is important and has a role to play in the upkeep of the family.
The relationship between the Husband and Wife is the foundation for a happy and godly Home. God intends that both Husband and Wife will nurture and grow in their understanding and care for each other so as to give the tender care and nurture of their children.
Such can be effectively done in the attitude of humility, submission, and care for each other, patience, kindness and mercy, forgiveness and desire to build each other in Love. The capacity to do this is given by God as both husband and wife give themselves to God, the source and sustainer of Marriage in Prayer, the Study and meditation on the Word of God and humble service to God and the larger family of Faith, which is the Church and Society.
The factors in bringing the Family under God, are Prayer; the Word of God and Humble Service. The Family Altar: the Family that is under God must create time to be with God. It is very instructive that when God called Abraham, in every place he settled he would raise an Altar to God.
In every encounter with the Patriarchs of Israel, two thing happened, the Encounter with God ensues in a special Name, the Naming of the Reality and the Raising of an Altar. The Altar is a Place of Prayer, of Sacrifice, Covenant and Mercy and Power. Every Family that wants to walk with God must desire to be with God in a time made to be in God’s presence and Prayer or Talk and Converse with God.
A time Praise and Thanksgiving, Confession of sins and mercy, Petition and Intercession, of Spiritual Warfare and breaking through every barrier to enter one’s own possessions. Every Family needs this time with God. When children are nurtured in prayer they receive the Key to unlocking the Store House of God.
The Family under God must desire to hear from God and be guided by God. This is necessary because there are many voices and distractive and destructive tendencies in the world. The Family under God is one that is under the Good Shepherd Jesus Christ. To this end Psalm 23 and John 10 are key to understanding the necessity of being under the Shepherding care of the LORD. Jesus said “I am the Good Shepherd.
The Good Shepherd gives His life for the sheep… I am the Good Shepherd; and I know my sheep and am known by My sheep… and they will hear my voice…” [John 10: 11-16]. The Word of God gives every Family under God daily Instructions and guide to walk with God. Itteaches the Truth of God and His strength for every situation. It equips the servant of God for every duty and task in life.
This was the very concern of Joshua when he summoned the families and Elders of Israel to read the Word of God which Moses gave to Israel.
These teachings are done that each family and generation “Should set their Hope in God and not forget the works of God but keep His Commandments and not be a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that did not set its heart aright and whose spirit was not faithful to God”[19].
The wholesome training of the members of the Family is to preserve their identity as a people who have saved by God and preserved for His Glory, a people who are in Covenant with God.
The Purpose is “And the LORD commanded us to observe all these Statutes, to Fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that He might preserve us alive…”[20]
To this end what to Teach in the Family are clearly laid out in Proverbs 3:1-18. Namely: Verses 1-2, the Word of Life/ wholesome Word of God; verses 3-4, Integrity; verses 5-6, Faith and Trust in God; verses 7-8, Humility and Fear of God; verses9-10, Giving and Service to God; verses11-12, Discipline and Teachable spirit; verses13-18, the Pursuit of Wisdom and Knowledge and Skill in living.
For everything taught there is a commensurate impact in life and living. It is evident that the most impactful teaching is Personal Life and Example. Children learn more from the very lives and ideals and faith of their Father and Mother. Doing things together and the process of teaching while you do things together is very vital.
Therefore, Communication is vital and impactful in nurturing the Family under God. There is need to create time and be intentional without making it too formal or forceful. Making room for individual identity and expression in an atmosphere of Love, Integrity, and Freedom yet holding each person accountable for the Dignity of the whole Family is foundational.
THE IMPERATIVE OF GOD FOR HIS PEOPLE:
This is the “NOW THEREFORE” Moment. After more than 20 years of settling down in the Promise land Joshua was old and had observed some dangerous false hood in walking with God.
Having spoken to the individuals, families, Elders and Leaders of Israel, on the faithfulness of God and His guidance to Israel in giving them an Inheritance of Land and Possessions, yet Israel had been unfaithful to God and disobedient.
THE IMPERATIVE OF CHOICE: It could be possible that some families Israel had kept the gods of Mesopotamia, others may have carried idols from Egypt, and the Mixed Multitude that joined Israel in the Wilderness[21]; had continued to be a snare and source of rebellion against God.
Israel had conquered the land and settled down in their cities and had become oblivious and complaisant to the dangers of the Canaanites and their gods of Fertility, Baal and Ashtoreth. In the bid to harness the land and grow their wealth people turned away from the Living God.
Joshua exhorted the people of Israel and their families strongly and challenged them to get things right with God.
Three things stand out as Imperative and demand of God. It was a time to make a clear decision and a choice to give an alloyed and undivided loyalty and commitment to LORD God of Israel. It was a call for a commitment of devotion and consecration and faithfulness to God.
This is a call to obey God and to return to His Word and obey His commandments. This call to Repentance and Return to God is urgent and demanded immediate response of the people.
“And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, CHOSE FOR YOURSELVES THIS DAY WHOM YOU WILL SERVE, WHETHER THE GODS WHICH YOUR FATHERS SERVED… OR THE GODS OF the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. BUT AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSE, WE WILL SERVE THE LORD”[22]. This demand and call comes to every Generation and especially to our Generation in the 21st Century. The demand of God is clear:
1. FEAR THE LORD:
Joshua used the word “Yare” which both positive and negative Elements. It means to be afraid; to stand in awe, to revere or reverence; to dread, to be frightened or intimidated; to be stricken with deep sense of honour, reverence, awe and worship. It also means the Psychological reaction of fear; to be afraid of something or of someone.[23]
Positively Fear as used here is the honour and reverence for God that draws a person to worship, obey and serve God. It means to respect the Justice and Judgment of God such that one fears for what God can do to the one who id disobedient to His Commandment.
It has to do with consequences of disobedience both for now and Eternity. Fear of God and regard for His Word can be “One of the saving qualities of life”; anything that hurt a person or destroy life must be feared or else a person can hurt or lose his life[24].
Negatively, Fear cripples faith and courage in facing the issues of life, whether it be a person, spiritual forces, evil people and things that bring people unto bondage. Fear has to do with Punishment and terror.
Ultimate fear should be to God. Jesus teaches us who we should fear. ”And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell…Do not fear therefore, you are of more value than many sparrows”[25]. This fear of God that leads us to worship, serve and obey His Word is the very beginning of Wisdom.
There are many Blessings and Benefits in the Fear and Obedience to God and His Word: Psalm 19:7-11 says: the Law of the LORD is perfect, Converting the Soul, it is sure and gives Wisdom to the simple; it gives Joy and gladness, it is pure and gives understanding, the Fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever and the Judgment of the LORD are True and righteous altogether and are precious.
Therefore, a person who fears and obeys God will experience less guilt, pressure and tension in life which disobedience brings to life. Obedience and reverence to god guarantees Victorious Christian living while Sin breed broken relationship and unfaithfulness, wrecked lives and families, Divorce, spiritual and financial Bankruptcy, Poverty bondage to drugs and immoral living, deceit and spiritual, moral and physical death.
The Imperative of God is “Fear the LORD”.
2. PUT AWAY THE IDOLS OF YOUR FATHERS:
Every Generation of God’s people are called upon to “Put away the Idols of your Fathers”. The Israel that God delivered out of the House of Bondage in Egypt were destroyed in the Wilderness because of the Idols, the Golden Calf Aaron made and the detestable Baal and Ashtoreth of the Amorites they worshipped.
It is surprising that when Jacob fled from the House of Laban with his wives and goods and possessions, Laban pursued Jacob and one issue raised by Laban was “And now you have surely gone because you greatly long for your father’s house, BUT WHY did you steal my gods?….
Now Rachel had taken the “Household idols” put them in the Carmel’s saddle, sat on them … and he search and did not find the household idols”[26]
Again when Jacob and his family were commanded by God to go back to Bethel from Shechem, “And Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods that are among you, Purify yourselves and Change your garments.
Then let us arise and go up to bethel; and I will make an Altar there to God, Who answered me in the day of my distress and has been with me in the way which I have gone. So they gave Jacob all the foreign gods which were in their hands, and the earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the Terebinth tree which was in Shechem”[27].
Just as Jacob took away the foreign gods and idols from his family and those who were living with him, there was a turning away and journey that took them back to Bethel the place of initial encounter and covenant with the Living God. The Living God answered Jacob in the days of his distress and was with him and prospered him and not the household gods of Laban, it is this God that Jacob built and Altar and called it El-Bethel. Every true turning to the Living God demands that we must put away idols and foreign gods from our homes and lives.
There was a constant battle with idols and spiritual forces that always challenge the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the Power of God in Mission fields and lives of the people.
We see this in Acts 8, the Sorcerer called Simon joined the Church and continued to deceive people until Peter and John came and prayed for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit on the Believers.
This exposed Simon and he sought to buy the power of the Holy Spirit. Again in Acts13: 8-12; Elymas the Sorcerer withstood the Gospel until Paul full of the Holy Spirit looked intently at him and rebuked him and Elymas became blind and the power of God brought freedom and life to all who turned to God by Faith in Jesus Christ.
So also in Acts 1911-20; God did great Miraculous work through Apostle Paul so that his handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick and diseases left them and evil spirits went out of them”.
God moved in such a way that the Fear of the LORD came upon the Church and the city of Ephesus” And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. Also many of those who had practiced Magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all that they counted up the value of them and it totaled Fifty thousand pieces of Silver”[28]
The Church of today must contend for the Gospel and the Power of the Word God against the Idols and foreign God that seek to control lives and families in the Church and Society.
The Insurgency of our time is not just the killings and destruction of Communities and innocent lives, but such evil activities draw their power from evil spirits, shrines and idols that control and destroy the people and our communities.
The subtle and enticing idols of Horoscopes, Sorcery, Charms and Talisman, secret shrines and sacrifices, Secret Cults and Occultic Practices and the ungodly worship of Wealth and possessions which today wear the gab of Religion, all these must be denounced.
The Crayon Call of Heaven to all believers and families that are under God is “Put away the idols your fathers served”.
The Psalmist cried out against the onslaught of the Enemy when he said “Let God arise, Let His enemies be scattered; let those who hate Him flee before Him.
As smoke is driven away, so drive them away; as wax melts before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God. But let the Righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God; Yes let them rejoice exceedingly”[29]
Let us heed the Word of God, that God was angry with Israel in the Wilderness and destroyed many of them because immorality and Idolatry and disobedience to the Word of God. ”[30]
3. SERVE THE LORD ALONE: SERVICE TO GOD AND HUMANITY:
The Concept of Service and Servant-hood is important in the Scriptures: Service to God is an imperative to individuals who are in Covenant relationship with God, to Family and all God’s people.
Service is the expression of Love and Obedience to God. In Mark 10:45, Jesus summed up His life and Ministry as “Service and Sacrifice’ and taught that the core of Leadership is Service. Service is the Hallmark of the life of the Kingdom of God as demonstrated by Jesus in John 13 when Jesus stooped to wash the feet of His Disciples and said “you call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am.
If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him.
If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them”[31] Jesus emphasizes a Praxis or doing that is an expression of Love and Obedience. Therefore, service is at the heart of life of the Believer, the Family and the Church of God.
Service is most meaningful when it becomes a way of life. Servant-hood is the Life style of Christ which believers are to walk in whether in Leadership or Ministry. It is the understanding of service to God and Humanity. It is the fruit of true Godliness and an expression of the Character of Christ.
Servant-hood is characterized by Humility and Meekness as seen in Christ Jesus[32]. Servant-hood demands self-emptying and a disposition that give preference to others rather than Selfishness or inordinate ambition. Apostle Paul demonstrated this character of Christ in his service to God in the Church when he said, God is calling us to this sacrificial engagement in service to Him[33].
Therefore, service to God and Humanity demands Sacrifice. What is required is not animal sacrifice or the Priestly sacrifice on the Altar, but giving up of some privileges or entitlements and letting go of some claims that other people’s needs be met.
It is that forfeiture that will open doors for the work of God done and the removal of hindrances and demands that will enhance the work of the Church, Ministry and God’s Kingdom. The foundation of such forfeiture or giving up of claims is the Life that is totally surrendered to God in Jesus Christ[34].
It is a total consecration. The Sacrifice may range from giving up of claims and privileges as in Philippians 2:1-14, for the sake of Knowing Christ and the Power of His Resurrection, for the sake of Gaining Christ and focusing on the upward call in Christ Jesus.
Sacrifice for Christ and to God may be as serious as giving up of Marriage as Paul and Barnabas did as in 1 Corinth 9:4-7.
In the History of the Church many believers and Leaders have sacrificed so much for the work of the Gospel such as St. Francis of Assisi and others who renounced their wealth and lived in Chastity and poverty in order to advance the course of the Gospel, many Missionaries died in the Mission Fields, many have been persecuted and suffered and never denied Christ. The Question has been what have we lost for the sake of Christ? The Hymn Writer, wrote:
“My life was given for thee, my blood, for thee was shed, and quickened from the dead. That thou might ransomed be, My life was given for thee, what hast thou given for Me?’’[35].
HOW TO SERVE GOD: STEWARDSHIP:
Every Christian and indeed human being is a Steward of the gifts and talents of God. A Steward [oikonomos] is primarily “the Manager of the Household or Estate” and in Nigerian understanding, a “Caretaker of the Property”. The Steward administers the property and exercises authority as though it were to be his own property, but he is accountable to the Master or Owner of the House.
Leaders and Treasurers and Administrators are Stewards. As such Preachers of the Gospel and Teachers of the Word of God, Elders, Pastors, Bishops, Parents and Leaders at all levels are Stewards.
Stewardship goes with enormous responsibility and accountability and Reward or Punishment[36]. The essential quality for a Steward is Trustworthiness and Faithfulness in the discharge of his responsibility.
Every Steward has been entrusted with the goods of others. As Stewards Christians have been entrusted with the Mysteries of the Grace of God, the Gem of the Gospel of the Kingdom and the Spiritual and Material gifts of God. ”[37]
The essence of every Service to God is to Glorify God and the ability to render any worthy service comes from God alone. Therefore Stewardship is the clear understanding that whatever we are, have or possess comes from the Sovereign LORD, the Creator and Sustainer of all things.
The Scripture are clear about this as we see in Psalm 24:1-2 and King David acknowledged that we are only Pilgrims and should not put our hope and trust in man or wealth but rather use our lives and wealth and possessions to serve the Living God[38].
SERVANT – LEADERSHIP: THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS.
Service to God and Humanity is at the core of the Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ. In Teachings of the Kingdom of God, people should always have the disposition of Humility and consider others better and willingly serve the Brethren. Jesus criticized the Jewish Religious Leaders who would want to be respected and greeted by all and sundry and be given places of honour in Public functions.
He taught His disciples to always take a lower seat at functions so that when the Master of Ceremony call them to the place of honour it will be glorious. On the exercise of authority and leadership privileges, Jesus demanded that those who desire to lead should be the Servant of all. Authority should be for service and leadership be example and not to impose oneself or use leadership opportunity for self-perpetuation and aggrandizement.[39]
Peter summed it up in his admonition to the Elders thus:
“The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away”[40].
Jesus left us a wholesome example when in the Night that He was betrayed, washed the feet of His Disciples as a mark that they belong to Him and that they ought to wash and serve one another.”[41]
In the Teaching of serving and helping others, Jesus taught us to serve the neighbor who may be different from us and care for the poor and needy and strangers. Such service will have great reward from God when Jesus shall come to Judge the nations of the world[42].
THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE THEME:
1. Faith and Commitment to the Living God must be Intentional: Joshua’s response to the Backsliding Israel should be our concern and response to the superficial expression of religiosity without deep commitment to God such that can transform lives and reorder perception and conduct of the people.
Personal Faith in Jesus Christ and knowledge of God and His Word is necessary in the midst of the confusion of our time. People and families are in bondage to the idols and gods of this world. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that brings salvation from sin, Guilt, and bondage to the powers of Satan is the only solution from God.
As Paul said to the Philippian Jailer, “Believe the LORD Jesus Christ and you shall be saved and your family also…. And immediately he and all his family were baptized…”[43]. The Salvation of the Family must be sought for earnestly by every believer in Jesus Christ.
Nurturing of Faith through Bible teaching and rebuilding the Family Prayer Altar and Fellowship with other Christian Families need to be encouraged. The Diocesan Area Fellowship needs to be encouraged and strengthened as a way to build up Faith in Families.
2. Service to God and Humanity as expression of Gratitude, Love and Obedience: It is necessary to know that we are saved in order that we may serve God and bear witness to Christ by what we say, do and think. As we present ourselves as living sacrifice to God, and express the same in our service to God and the people around us.
At such a time when there are so much stress Christians are encouraged to help one another and support both in prayers and the use of the material things which God has blessed us with. Everybody has something to give others. Galatians 6:1-10 gives guidance as to how to help others.
3. Rebuilding the Family life is Vital to Church and Society: The African concept of Communal living and support and the Biblical Teaching on Mutual support and roles of every member of the Family as in Colossians 3:18-4:1; must be emphasized in the Church intentionally.
The fundamental understanding of the Family and necessity to main the Biblical teachings and Family Life will be the greatest gift of our Generation to the next generation. We must resist the influences that erode Godly foundation. This will ensure stable Family life and thriving and Vibrant Human society.
4. Identifying Functioning Roles of individuals and Families will Strengthen Church and Society: The Church or Community will be as strong and functional as the families that make it up. The more dysfunctional the families are the more disruption we have both in Church and Community.
The Scriptures teach us the prime place of marriage and family and more importantly, every member and person is important to the whole. We must pay more attention to nurturing the Home and be careful in the relationship in the Family because it has greater impact both now and future and on the Church and Society.
The Church will work better when every member identifies his or her Spiritual Gifts and Natural talents and are encouraged to use the same for the building up of the Church. Money is not everything, therefore Christian Stewardship is encouraged.
People can serve God with their Skill and knowledge. People can volunteer to mend the road or clean the environment in their Community. Let us use whatever God has given us to serve God and Humanity.
5. “Set Your House In Order”: This Was God’s Instruction To King Hezekiah [Isaiah 38:1-22] And It’s timely for Someone here and for the Church. Many families both young and old are going through stressful time. God will surely intervene and help His people. Joshua’s timing of the Admonition to Israel is important.
It helped Israel to re-examine her relationship to God and themselves and do a recommitment and rededication to God. Somebody here must need to forgive and reconcile with husband or wife, with brothers or sisters and with sons and daughters. There is no wound or hurt that God cannot heal or forgive.
The Dysfunctional family is like cancer in the Church, and rebellion against God and His Word affects everything spiritually, emotionally, economically. “Through the Grace of our God, ‘All shall be well”. It is most helpful that the Parents set their house in order, settle the quarrels among the children and possible assign to each person in the family whatever property or portion is due to them.
It may be helpful to make a Will or set out an Instruction. The greatest a man or woman can do is to bring his or her family under the Living God and serve Him with all your life. Each of us has the Task of passing on the Testimonies of God to our children and Grandchildren and all around us.
Pass on the Torch of God to the coming Generation. Set your house in order and avoid the pitfalls of the past generation. Follow Joshua’s example, it is Godly.
Saturday 28th June 2025 shall be set aside for Diocesan Mass Wedding Day. All our members who are married and have been living together without Blessing of their Marriage in the Church shall have their Marriage blessed and the Archdeaconry and Parishes will sponsor this event.
The Presidential Address Presented By The Most Rev’d Dr. Henry Ndukuba At The Third Session Of The Twelfth Synod Of The Diocese Of Abuja Held At St. Phillip’s Church, Team 6, Gwarinpa On Saturday 31st May, 2025
“Serve The Lord: Imperative For Family Under God” (Joshua 24:14-15)
[1] Vines Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, “Introductory Page” Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1985.
[2] The Book of Numbers. 13:8.
[3] Numbers 13:16.
[4] https://dictionary.cambridge.org
[5] 1 Corinth 3:5-9.
[6] Galatians 2:20
[7] Isaiah 53:12; Romans 6:6-7; 8; Galatians 2:20-21, Colossians 3:1-4.
[8] The Book of Joshua 23:14.
[9] Joshua 23:10.
[10] Philippians 3: 20-21.
[11] Joshua 10:12-14.
[12] Ephesian 3:14-19.
[13] Galatians 4:1-7
[14] Exodus 3:7-8.
[15] Ephesians 1:10; Colossians 1:16, 20.
[16] Genesis 2:21-25.
[17] Psalm 127:3-5.
[18] The Book of Common Prayers “”, The Holy Matrimony, page 210.
[19] Psalm 78:8; Deut. 6:10-19.
[20] Deuteronomy 6:24.
[21] Exodus 12:37-38.
[22] Joshua 24:15.
[23]Vines Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, “Joshua” Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1985, pg 79-80.
[24] Vines Complete Expository Dictionary, “Joshua” pg 193.
[25] Matthew 10:28-31
[26] Genesis 31:30-35.
[27] ibid. 35:1-4.
[28] Acts 19:17-20.
[29] Psalm 68:1-3.
[30] 1 Corinth 10:14-22.
[31] John13:13-17.
[32] Matthew 11:28-30.
[33] 1 Corinthians 9:19-23.
[34] Romans 12:1-2
[35] Church of Nigeria Hymnal “Francis Ridley Havergal”, CONH page 596.
[36] 1 Corinthians 4:1-2.
[37] 1 Peter 4:10-11.
[38] 1 Chronicles 29:11-15.
[39] Mark 10:35-45.
[40] 1 Peter 5:1-4.
[41] John 13:13-15.
[42] Matthew 25:31-46.
[43] Acts 16:29-34.
