Today's Passage - Joshua 1:16-18

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english Joshua 1:16-18   Then they answered Joshua, "Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go.  Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only may the Lord your God be with you as he was with Moses.  Whoever rebels against your word and does not obey it, whatever you may command them, will be put to death. Only be strong and courageous!"    The two and half tribes on the East Bank of Jordan River - Reubenites, Gadites and half-tribe of Manasseh - are truly examples of how we should obey God.  When Joshua told them to cross the river first to fight for the Israelites, and the come back and build their homes afterwards, they did not decline or complain.  They simply answered: "Whatever you have commanded us we will do."  They were so obedient because they already had a covenant, and also because they witnessed the example of Joshua's obedience.  Joshua wasn't someone with strong charisma of a leader or a man who's strong and courageous, for even the Israelites of the two and half tribes had to encourage him to "only be strong and courage."  Joshua was a great leader because of his obedience, and it's an unwavering obedience.  His example of obedience influenced the people he was leading, and that's why throughout the history of Israel there was no time the Israelites were as obedient as during the time of Joshua.  In our spiritual journey, we do not advance by our flesh or appearance, but only by the obedience to the Lord.  You don't need to worry about not being articulate or talented enough; as long as you are obedient, God will use you, because that's the most important character that God considers when choosing and calling servants.   Next, the people obeyed Joshua because they understood the principles of obedience.  They said that "Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you."  They didn't follow people, but they followed God and those who God chose to lead them.  Even though Joshua was not quite like Moses, but Israelites understood that they should obey for the Lord; they obeyed Moses for the Lord, and they obeyed Joshua for the Lord.  Brothers and sisters, never follow the Lord by following people, because you will end up with nothing but disappointment.  When you obey people for the Lord, you will fulfill the Lord's will.  Ephesians 5:22 says: "Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord."  Wives should obey the husbands not because they are better, but because of love for the Lord.  In the same way, children must follow their parents in the Lord, not because parents are better, but because of the Lord.   To you understand the principle of obedience in the Bible?  As soon as you become obedience in the circumstance that God provided you with, you will begin the experience God's victory!   Pray with Pastor Tong     Lord, please help us to learn the lesson of obedience for you.  When we obey, your promise will come true in order for us to experience your victory.  I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!