THE LIGHT OF WISDOM (5)

“This BOOK of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night…” – Joshua 1:8a

The LIGHT of WISDOM radiates through the pages of God’s Inspired Book: “This BOOK of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success” (Jos.1:8). People of the Book are people of Wisdom. In the days of Joshua, it was the Book of the Law. Now, it is the Holy Bible – the Old Covenant and the New Covenant. Walking with God, we’ll discover in His Book, Wisdom that’s far above any human wisdom. This was a crucial season for Joshua as he stood on the threshold of a fresh era in the unfolding destiny of God’s people. The tendency was for him to continue to mourn Moses’ passing (vv.1-2). But God showed up with His Wisdom-laden Book!

The Book contained what Joshua needed most – Strength and Courage – to lead God’s people to inherit the land that He had promised their ancestors (vv.6-7,9). Joshua was counselled to give himself wholly to the mission, heart and soul, but also to the Book. He was to ensure that he carried out every bit of the Instruction that Moses commanded him, without distractions, so as attain and achieve all he was destined to (v.7). The first sword that Joshua used towards the Conquest of Canaan, was the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. He proved to be a wise General because God was his Guide, and he obeyed Instructions in the Book, made his way prosperous, and had Good Success.

God knew of the perils before Joshua; hence the command to follow a course of strictest integrity: “Be strong and of good courage...” (v.6); “Only be strong and very courageous...” (v.7); “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (v.9). There is no greater deception than for people to suppose that in any of life’s troubles they can find a better guide than God, a stronger defense, or a wiser counselor! James 1:5 says to ask for Wisdom at all times, as we acknowledge a lack of it. This was the secret of Joshua’s Victory: He confessed, meditated on, and was guided God’s Book!

Rather than rely upon our own human wisdom, we must seek earnestly for the Light of Wisdom in the Book, on the best manner of conducting life’s business. Joshua, the Commander of Israel, searched the Book diligently in which Moses had faithfully chronicled God’s requirements, reproofs, and restrictions, lest he should move foolishly. Waiting on the Lord for Wisdom in His Book should be our attitude as God’s children.