Numbers 26-28

When surrounded by wavering faith, complaining and rebellion against Moses and God there are two Israelite men who stand firm on the promises of God: Joshua and Caleb. Moses makes a petition to God that a man lead the Israelites after he is gathered after death by the people before they enter into the promised land of Canaan. YAHWEH chooses Joshua, a faithful, steadfast man who will succeed Moses leading the Israelites. 

Numbers 27:18 (NKJV) "And the LORD said to Moses: "Take Joshua the son of Nun with you, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him;"

Back in chapter 11 the LORD instructed Moses to gather 70 elders who consecrated themselves on whom the LORD came down in the cloud and took the Spirit that was on Moses and placed the same Spirit on the 70 which caused a prophecy breakout at the Tabernacle. Two of these 70 continued prophesying, filled with the Spirit, in the camp of the Israelites - to which Joshua became alarmed and alerted Moses to which he replied, 

Numbers 11:29 (NKJV) "Then Moses said to him, "Are you zealous for my sake? Oh, that all the LORD's people would put His Spirit upon them!"

What is unique about Joshua is that he was persistently near the presence of God being Moses' assistant up on the mountain and at the tabernacle, Exodus 33:11 says that even after Moses would leave the tabernacle Joshua did not depart from the tabernacle. Joshua remained with God. This physical nearness to the glory of God had a profound impact on Joshua's faith - such that even in the face of fear and doubting voices of the other tribes he remained firm in his knowledge of God and His strong overcoming arm. Joshua was a man of the word and a man of the Spirit. This is how I resolve to live. Walking by faith in the Spirit day by day seeking first the Kingdom of God in all my ways, aligning to the will of God in humility and surrender. Joshua was a victorious man who boldly and courageously operated in the calling and by the power of the Holy Spirit - a man on mission, that is how I resolve to live. 

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