“The Lord told Joshua, ‘Today I will begin to make you a great leader in the eyes
of the Israelites. They will know that I am with you, just as I was with Moses.’”
Joshua 3:7
Being exalted in the eyes of people would cause pride in many of us. In fact, the news of that achievement may spread quickly…especially from our own mouths!
That is why I was surprised to notice what Joshua said to the Israelites immediately following God’s announcement. Instead of telling them HE was going to be great that day, Joshua told them GOD was great! “Today you will know that the living God is among you,” and today “the Lord of the whole earth will lead you across the Jordan River.” In fact, Joshua was so overwhelmed with GOD, that he said absolutely nothing about himself!
Let's recall, Joshua had been Moses’ personal assistant since youth. He was with Moses and God on Mt. Sinai, and with them both at the Tent of Meeting. Even when Moses would leave the Tent, Joshua stayed behind in God’s presence. He spent so much time with God, he knew that GOD could be trusted.
No wonder Joshua felt no need to brag on himself…his confidence was in God! Joshua simply trusted that GOD would do what He said. And besides, if GOD was pleased with him, why did he need man’s applause? Joshua knew God, and therefore he knew GOD was enough!
Do I try to exalt myself…or do I know GOD is enough?
