Exo. 34:24 “For I will drive out nations before you and enlarge your borders…”
Duet 11:23 “…then the Lord will drive out all these nations greater and mightier than you…”
Josh 1:2-3,6 “…now therefore arise, cross this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel. 3 Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you…Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land
Before Joshua had ever won a victory, placed this foot on new ground or gathered an inheritance for his children he was told (promised) that he would “give this people possession of the land”. I really like the way the NIV reads “…Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land…”
Men, I want you to know that as you read this story of Joshua, you are also reading your story. Joshua was called and equipped with a promise as Israel’s leader. As men you are called to lead in your homes and in the market place. You are not called to have all the gifts for every situation, but you are called to be first, to lead. God’s promise to Joshua was “…you will lead these people to inherit the land…” If you’re like me your first responds is “How?” God’s answer “…with a heart of courageous faith…”
You see I think we often look at the story of Joshua and the people of Israel and say, “…this picture in scripture…crossing the Jordan…marching around Jericho…the battles, are all symbolic of our faith”. But I don’t believe they are symbolic at all. The physical steps and battles fought by Joshua and Israel were not primarily physical battles, but battles of faith. You see God had already told Joshua that “…(He) will drive out the all these nations…” So, my question then would be why then did Joshua and Israel have to fight? You don’t have to fight for or earn an inheritance. An inheritance is something that someone else has fought for and earned, you just receive it. You see that is simply it, you receive an inheritance by faith. Joshua and Israel received the promised land by faith. The real battles that were fought were not external, but internal. Joshua’s fight was to believe that God would do what he said he would do “…drive out…all these nations…” Joshua’s fight called for action. The outward action was only proof that the internal battle had been won.
The greatest inheritance passed on by Joshua was not land, cities, and herds, but Faith. Scripture declares that faith is a true possession; it is both substance and evidence. It is the tangible internal confident assurance that what God has said is reality. It is God’s word that reveals who He is and who we are. It is this faith that Joshua was called to pass on from generation to generation.
Like wise, Men we are called to lead the people to possess this faith. There is more.

