By Divine command, Moses transferred the responsibility of leading the Israelites into the Promised Land to Joshua.
However, Moses’ death discouraged Joshua. So the Lord had to intervene and encourage him for this mission.
“Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them – the children of Israel.” Joshua 1.2
In other words: make up your mind right now and go take possession of the Promised Land.
But what does this have to do with the followers of the Lord Jesus today, the New Israel?
The children of Israel were freed from Egyptian slavery and continued to remember God’s promise to “bring them up from that land to a good and large land, to a land flowing with milk and honey.” Exodus 3.8
Driven by the strength of this Promise, they went out into the desert though they had no tangible guarantee that the promise would be fulfilled.
In fact, the promise that came from the mouth of God convinced them of this reality, although it was unseen.
But now, at the border to the Promised Land Moses was dead.
Their leader was dead, but not the Spirit of the Promise.
The Spirit of the Promise does not die, nor does He retract His Word.
This is the Spirit of Christian faith.
The Spirit of the Promise testifies with our spirit that His Word will be fulfilled.
This pearl of revelation cannot be given to swine, nor can the holy Word be given to dogs. Matthew 7.6
But those who are guided by the Spirit, who do not see and yet believe, like Joshua and Caleb, take possession of the Promise.
We were slaves of addictions and the past, depression, fear, doubt and religion, just like the Hebrews in Egypt. And just as they were freed and guided by the Spirit of the Promise to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, so are we, the followers of the Lord Jesus.
If stiff-necked people took a hold of the promise, why would those who have been redeemed by the blood of the Son of God and sealed with the Spirit of the Promise, not have the same right to a land flowing with milk and honey?
When the Word promises a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, wouldn’t this be the abundant life promised by the Lord Jesus?
So then, “let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.” Numbers 13.30
Cristiane Cardoso
Moses is dead, same as Joshua and Caleb, but as Bishop said, the Spirit of the Promise does not die, therefore, the Promise of God still exists up to now. This Promise is for us, the new Israelites. Those who have faith will take possession of this abundant life, and surely God is saying to us, BE ALWAYS VERY STRONG AND COURAGEOUS!
What I got from this message is that although things seem not to be going our way, we should always believe in the promises of The Lord and that they will be fulfilled in our lives. This is an encouragement to us who may be finding it hard to see what we want coming to pass in our lives. Just like God encouraged Joshua, we should also be encouraged.
Thank you Bishop.
One thing i know for sure is that God is not a God of empty promises He just need brave soldiers that are willing to fight and obtain His promises because Nothing amazing comes by doing nothing and the spirit of promises does not only blesses us but also helps us
To be honest when I first read this I skimmed it because I expected to just read a different version of something I had read before, but today my opinion of the people of Israel has really changed. Though they were rebellious and almost went back to Egypt they still pursued the promise land (at least those who were in spirit anyway). They could have made the desert there new home, since they were there for SO long-but they didn't. So through this I understand that if I obey the Lord Jesus I will come out of my 'desert' but it depends on my obedience and perseverance.
No matter how long it takes, it is with great certainty that we can fight ,as every promise God made to His children will be fulfilled.his Spirit in us gives us this assurance?But we have to live a life of obedience and sacrifice to see them come to pass,we have to trust and believe in God's promises..
Afternoon Bishop, Thankyou for the message.
23.09.12 a date to be remebered!
Paula Mateus,UK
The Spirit of Promise never goes back on His word and works in conjuction with out spirit (our faith) for His word to come to pass in our lives. Therefore we need to possess the Spirit as Joshua and Caleb to take possession as He promised and let His Spirit guide us to believing that the Pomises of His word will be fulfilled in our lives.
The spirit of God can only be obtained only when we believe, if we don't recieve it, it is because we have allowed ourself to do so. We have to against our fears and doubts and believe.
That right bp the word of promise is in our DNA because we have the spirit of God inside us we need to be awaken like Joshuaand take possession of it.
YES!BISHOP
Amen,Bishop,
Thank you for this inspiring message..
When we have the Spirit of Promise,we will overcome everything..
Sometimes people of God are very unbelieving,yet He abides faithful to his word and promises.God’s promise will be fulfilled.God is God who keeps His word no matter how long it takes to see the manifestation of his word and promise.
Thank you Bp.
Very true Bishop,the one that promised is faithful, God is faithful, of course the obstacles will be there but We can see them as the stepping stones to our great land that flows with milk and honey
Morning Bishop...
Yes we were slaves of addiction, past, depression... but now that we came to Jesus, He promised us a good land. is up to us to fight for this promised land. The thing is that, every day we wake-up in a boxing rig. in the boxing rig we are not alone. There is an opponent, the devil. If you rest and give him a chance to punch you, he will blow you away. far from your promise. So let us fight for our promise.
True....Trust and Go.
Thank you for sharing God bless you.
This is very strong and tue in deed bishop.
God bless.
"But those who are guided by the Spirit, who do not see and yet believe, like Joshua and Caleb, take possession of the Promise."
This catch up my attention and just suddenly stop, reading this phrase all over again, put in my mind and meditate on it, simple but strong! Sometimes something hardens us to use our faith especially in difficult situation but a true example given here though Joshua was terrified because Moses is dead. Instead of doubt, he used his faith in order for that promise to be fulfill even there is no assurance for that! Instead of worry, they believe and God Himself said that "without faith its impossible to please God!"
~Candy
Manila Philippines
Thank you Bishop for such inspiration, this day has brought assurance in our heart and the proctection from the Holy Spirit.And that it is not only to believe in His Word but also be His property born of His Spirit.