REFLECTION: Handle With Care!

The importance of obeying Scripture…..

 

The statement made by the inspired chronicler in Joshua 11:15 is simple and yet full of profound instruction. The Israelites, led by Joshua, had crossed the River Jordan, entered Canaan, and begun their conquest of the Promised Land. Jericho, which had been “straitly shut up because of the children of Israel” (6:1) had fallen without a fight. Following that significant victory it had been noted that “the LORD was with Joshua; and his fame was noised throughout all the country” 6:27). Although there were some setbacks as lessons had to be learned, one city after another fell before the Israelites. Kings of Canaan’s cities were defeated, as the LORD delivered them into the hands of the Israelites. The LORD had said to Joshua, “Be not afraid because of them” (11:6) and had assured His servant of victory. “So Joshua took all that land, the hills, and all the south country, and all the land of Goshen, and the valley, and the plain, and the mountain of Israel, and the valley of the same” (11:16).

What, we might ask, was the reason for this resounding success? The answer is found in the words of the previous verse, and it hinges upon Joshua’s diligence and implicit obedience.

 

 

IMPLICIT OBEDIENCE

Two individuals are mentioned in this verse, as well as the LORD. Israel’s first leader was Moses, a man renowned for his meekness (Num.12:3). To begin with, the LORD had given specific commands to His servant, Moses. These commands are recorded principally in the earlier books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. Clear instructions revealed how God should be worshipped and how the people should conduct their lives. “The Ten Commandments” (as we know them) had been written with the finger of God at Mount Sinai. Notice that these were not “suggestions” as if they were optional but were matters of the greatest importance which required careful obedience. The wording of these commandments makes abundantly clear what God’s people should or should not do. Moses did not perceive any of these commandments to be an inconvenience. He took them all seriously and passed them on to Joshua, his successor.

 

It is important not to miss the connection between “as” and “so” in this verse. Just as the LORD had issued the commandments in the first place, so Moses had passed them on to Joshua. Moses did not find it necessary to modify or update any of the commandments. God’s Word is not subject to change. “For ever, O LORD, Thy word is settled in heaven” (Ps.119:89). What was true when God spoke to Moses remained true when Moses communicated the message to Joshua. As nothing had altered, Moses passed on the truth in its pristine condition to Joshua. His responsibilities were discharged fully and admirably. With the end of his life in sight, Moses wanted to do all within his power to ensure that God’s commandments were given their rightful place after his departure.

 

Joshua is the second leader mentioned in this verse. In his case he received the instructions from Moses and carried them out. The little phrase “so did Joshua” leaves no room for manoeuvre. He understood what was required of him as leader, and he carried it out to the letter. Should there be any doubt in our minds, a further statement amplifies and clarifies this truth. “He left nothing undone of all that the LORD commanded Moses.” Everything could be checked off as completed. Not a stone had been left unturned.

 

 

UNCHANGING TRUTH

These words bring us full circle. The truth had been made known, and whether or not Joshua obeyed the commandments would not alter their character. They had originated from the Lord Himself and had been faithfully delivered by Moses to his successor. Joshua, by his precise obedience, magnified the truth. His careful response made clear to all that he took his responsibilities seriously.

 

The application for us is simple. God has made known His Word and has given us specific commandments. Just as a parcel containing valuable goods may have a notice affixed saying “Handle With Care”, so we ought to handle God’s precious Word with care. Are we careful to convey its truth accurately to others? That means not omitting teaching which may nowadays be unpopular. Do we display the meticulous care seen in Joshua by obeying the Word and by not leaving anything undone? We must handle His Word aright and glorify its truth by our obedient and careful living.

 

 

Incidentally…

This one verse does not stand in isolation. Elsewhere in Scripture we can discover identical teaching. The people of God today should delight in carrying out the requirements of His holy Word.

 

“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

 (Joshua 1:8)

 

“Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.”

 (Psalm 119:135)

 

“I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.”

 (Psalm 119:112)

 

“Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”

(Ecclesiastes 12:13)

 

“If ye love Me, keep My commandments.”

(John 14:15)

 

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous.”

(1 John 5:3)

 

“Blessed are they that do His commandments.” 

(Revelation 22:14)