The Joshua Man
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Mike Mccauley
Mike Mccauley
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Monday, 14 July 2014
in Pastors' Corner
The Joshua Man Scripture: Malachi 2:14d
Sermon Summary
Introduction. Author and speaker Ken Canfield in his book, The Heart of a Father (1996), wrote “A father has enormous power. About this, he has no choice. For good or for bad, by his presence or absence, action or inaction, whether abusive or nurturing, the fact remains: a father is one of the most powerful beings on the face of the earth.” During this Father’s Day celebration, we fathers must never forget this truth. We pause today to celebrate and honor fathers who are on the frontlines of life — loving, caring and leading their children and families in a God pleasing manner. I want to reach back today and take a look at a biblical character who embodies true manhood and fatherhood, Joshua, son of Nun (Joshua 1:1b). I have entitled this sermon, “The Joshua Man.” What are the characteristics of a Joshua man? I will highlight four primary characteristics of a Joshua Man as taught in Scripture.
1. A Joshua man is a courageous man (Joshua 1:6-8). In the book that bears his name [Joshua], we see God calling him into service. Moses is now dead and God calls Joshua to take Moses’ place as leader of Israel and fulfill the task of leading the nation into the promise land. Likewise, fathers are called to lead their families to experience the blessings of God under his leadership (Genesis 18:19). Moreover, like Joshua, fathers are to be strong and courageous. Fatherhood must not be taken lightly, especially in today’s culture. Fathers must guide their families (or children) through a misguided world with the help of the Lord through His Word, the Bible. His courage to stand for right and justice honors God (Genesis 18:19). In these tough and challenging times, biblical manhood paramount. Thus, we celebrate men and fathers who are standing tall and leading the way through modeling and teaching those that follow the lessons of spiritual and secular success. Like courage, another important characteristic of a "Joshua Man" is fidelity.
2. A Joshua man is a faith-filled man (Numbers 14:6-9). The motto of the United States Marine Corps is "semper fidelis," which is a Latin phrase that means "Always faithful" or “Always Loyal” (marines normally shorten the expression to “semper fi” ). Likewise, a Joshua Man is faithful. He is faithful to his God, children and family and other important noble endeavors. He is faith-filled man and he seeks to live his life in obedience to God and His guidelines. Joshua exhibits this truth in Numbers 14, he stands firm in the assurance of God’s Word that he and the nation could take possession of the Land of Promise. Despite the opposition’s stature and strength, Joshua believed by faith that they could seize the land as promised by God. As fathers, we too must stand in faith concerning God’s promises. When fathers find themselves engaged in the various challenges of life, they stand firm in God and do not shrink back, but move forward (Exodus 14:15b). They fulfill their God given responsibilities to function as priest, provider and protector of their children and home (Genesis 2:8, 15, 16-17). A Joshua Man is not only faithful, but he is an honorable man too.
. A Joshua man is an honorable man (Joshua 6:22-25). One of my favorite Hollywood movies is Men of Honor (2000) starring Robert De Niro (Chief Petty Officer Leslie William "Billy" Sunday) and Cuba Gooding, Jr. (Carl Brashear). The movie is inspired by the true story of Master Chief Petty Carl Brashear, the first African-American master diver in the United States Navy. Brashear would overcome poverty, prejudice and racism while exemplifying one of the greatest traditions of naval service, “Honor,” to achieve his dream of becoming a master diver in the US Navy. Similarly, Joshua is also an honorable man. He would honor the promises made to Rahab the harlot by the two spies of Israel (Joshua 6:17, 22-25). Joshua men are to be honorable men. Men who ‘say what they mean and mean what they say,.’ brethren that keep their word and follow through on their promises. They are dependable men, men that would move mountains for their children and families. One of the most quoted verses in the Bible is Joshua 24:15, where Joshua says, ". . . but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
4. A Joshua man is a worshiping man (Joshua 8:30-35). Like Job, Joshua lead his family and Israel in the service and worship of the Lord (Job 1:5; Joshua 24:15). There is nothing more inspiring than to see a man worshiping God. This concept is lost to many twenty-first century men. However, in the Bible the Scriptures are replete with men leading worship or personally engaged in worship. For example, Adam taught his sons to worship (Genesis 4:3-4); Abraham (Genesis 22:1-2); David (2 Samuel 6:12-14); the priests (2 Chronicles 5:11-14); and on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2) just to cite a few. The Apostle Paul would also give this exhortation, “Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension” (1 Timothy 2:8, NASB). The Joshua Man leads his children and family to worship (Joshua 24:15). He knows and shows the way into the presence of the Lord. For those men who have learned and practice the worship of the Lord should be commended. Moreover, they should be willing to help and encourage other men to do the same, for the Scripture says, “Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17). A worshiping man brings the blessings and favor of the Lord upon his house (2 Samuel 6:11-12).
Conclusion. May the blessings of the Lord abide upon the "Joshua Men" and their homes forever. Amen! (Visit www.youtube.com/1cnlt and enjoy the worship of the Joshua Men of CNLT).
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