THE INVISIBLE MAJORITY

"Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them."

- 2 Kings 6:16

Six books of the Bible give us a detailed history of the kings of Israel and Judah.  Of these six books, 2 Kings remains my favorite.  The book of 2 Kings opens with the final years of Elijah's ministry and quickly moves to the dynamic ministry of Elisha.  The book concludes with a historical record of several kings and the nature of their reign.

The ministry of Elisha is my favorite part of 2 Kings.  Elisha was a mighty man of God.  The Lord used him during a time of great apostasy and sin.  Kings feared and hated him because he would boldly pronounce God's judgment on their sin. 

The King of Syria became upset when he learned that Elisha was receiving inside information from God.  God would reveal to Elisha details about the Syrian military strategy.  Elisha would then tell the king of Israel who used the information to bring disaster on the Syrian army. 

When the king of Syria learned this, he sent his army to stop Elisha.  As the Syrian army surrounded Elisha, his servant got anxious and said, "Alas, my master!  how shall we do?" (2 Kings 6:15).

I must confess that often I have been like Elisha's servant.  There have been times that I've only looked at situations from a worldly viewpoint.  How easy it is to look at the visible and forget the things that are invisible.  It is simple to concentrate on the temporal and overlook the eternal.  It is easy to focus on the problems of man rather than the promises of God.

Elisha responded to his servant by saying, "Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them."  Furthermore, Elisha prayed that the eyes of his servant would be opened to see the invisible army that was available to help them.  When the servant's eyes were opened, he saw that the mountain was covered with a mighty army sent to assist Elisha.

                       

Elisha saw things by faith.  His servant only saw things by sight.  These days it is easy to be consumed and overwhelmed by the evil of our land.  Things seem hopeless to us.  We scramble to find human solutions for the problems of this world.  However, human solutions will never resolve the deep, complex issue of sin.  Only God can do this.

Lest we be overcome with fear and doubt, I think we should learn some things from Elisha's observation.

1.  LIVE BY FAITH, NOT BY FEAR

First of all, Elisha said, "Fear not..."  Believers should not be living in fear.  We are called to live by faith.  The focus of our faith needs to be on God.  We should have no confidence in politics, promises and programs.  Our hope is in the person and work of Jesus Christ.  Our confidence and trust is in Him alone.

2.  LIVE ON PROMISES, NOT IN PANIC

We have the promise that God is with us all the time (see Matthew 28:20 and Hebrews 13:5).  Christians should live on the promises of God. 

I believe that Elisha's servant was in panic mode, don't you?  Yet Elisha was calm in spite of overwhelming bad news.  Elisha knew that God would fight for him.  Do you have such confidence?

3.  LIVE WITH ASSURANCE, NOT WITH ANXIETY

Elisha said, "... they that be with us are more than they that be with them."  Elisha had assurance that the host of the Lord was far greater in number and power than the Syrian army.

Back in 1980, Jerry Falwell began a conservative movement called, "The Moral Majority."  Today, the forces of evil seem to have overrun our country.  The majority seems to be immoral, ungodly and aggressive.  Christian persecution is beginning in our country, often with the approval of our courts.  To the ungodly host, it seems as though they are in the majority.  The reality is that the host of the Lord vastly outnumbers the forces of evil.  A third of the angels may have fallen along with Lucifier, but that leaves God with two angels for every demon the devil has.  Furthermore, God alone stands with greater power than all other beings combined. 

Think for just a moment.  If you are a follower of Jesus, the Holy Spirit dwells within you, the Son of God is praying for you, and the Father is watching over you.  The angel of the Lord encamps around you.  You are not alone in the fight.  For just a short period of time, the devil and his followers have limited power.  God has the ultimate power and will have the final say-so. 

We don't have to live in fear.  We don't have to stay in panic mode.  Anxiety doesn't have to rule our lives.  God is in control.  Because He is in control, we can comfort other believers with Elisha's words, "Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them."

WHERE DO YOU STAND?

"And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word." - 1 Kings 18:21

These days, everyone has an opinion about God.  Some deny the existence of God.  Others have a "god" that is conceived in their minds, representing the ideals they embrace.  When all is said and done, everyone will face the reality that they have tried to avoid:  there is only one God. 

Let me be very candid with you.  There is not a Baptist God, a Pentecostal God, a Lutheran God, a New Age God or a Mormon God.  There's only one God and He revealed Himself to us through the Holy Scriptures.  

On Mount Carmel, God's man, Elijah, confronted the prophets of Baal.  A line was drawn in the sand.  Either the Lord was God or Baal was God.  It was like an old western movie, where a gunfight in the street would settle things.  In this case, an obvious, tangible test was given.  A sacrifice would be placed on an altar.  Each side would be given an opportunity to pray and the God who consumed the sacrifice with fire would prove Himself to be God.  Or as Elijah phrased it, "... the God that answereth by fire, let him be God."

As Elijah was about to challenge the prophets of Baal, he issued a call to the crowd:  "How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him." 

Three things became obvious from this challenge --- and the response of the people:

1.  MANY REFUSED TO STAND FOR ANYTHING

The response to Elijah's call seemed like an easy decision, didn't it?  Yet the Bible states, "And the people answered him not a word."  It is sad when people lack the courage to stand up for what is right. 

Across America, the Gospel goes forth and yet many people refuse to take a stand for Jesus Christ.  Like Elijah's day, many refuse to stand for anything.  In an effort to protect a reputation or remain "politically correct," many refuse to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.  These days, it is common to hear people say, "I don't talk about religion."  In other words, they have no faith to stand on. 

2.  SOME STOOD FOR THE WRONG THINGS

On Mount Carmel, there were some who stood for the wrong things.  450 prophets of Baal got their moment of attention when they prayed to their god and asked for fire to come down and consume the sacrifice.  Baal worship was more common than the worship of God at that time.  It doesn't matter whether something is popular or trendy; all that matters is the truth.

Sadly, many are honored for being "good people," despite the fact they have stood for the wrong things in life.  It doesn't matter if you were citizen of the year.  All that matters is where you stood concerning Jesus Christ.

It is common to hear people give their opinions about spiritual things.  Ultimately, your opinion will not matter.  The ruling of the United States Supreme Court will not carry any weight.  The latest polls will have no value.  When you leave this world, you will stand before a holy God, not a god of your choosing.  You will be judged based upon His truth, not your preferences. 

Some say that the only thing that is important is that you are sincere in your belief.  You can sincerely believe the wrong thing.  A man may sincerely believe he has taken the correct road and still be traveling in the wrong direction.  The prophets of Baal were religious, sincere and zealous --- and yet they were wrong.  They even cut themselves and were willing to suffer for their faith.  Many say that, "all roads lead to God."  Yet Baal's road did not lead to life ... it led to death.  Baal's prophets died that day because they stood for the wrong things.  Many that we know today will go to hell because they stand for the wrong things.   

3.  ELIJAH'S STOOD ALONE FOR THE KING OF KINGS

Many stood for nothing, some stood for the wrong things, but only one stood for the Lord God ... Elijah.  Elijah stood alone in spite of the overwhelming apathy of the people and the idolatry of Baal's prophets.  It would have been easy to blend in with the crowd and avoid confrontation.

Because of Elijah's bold faith, he was accused of being a troublemaker (verse 17).  That sounds like the accusations brought against Christians today, doesn't it?   Yet if a man stands for the truth during a time of falsehood, he is not the troublemaker.  Those who reject truth, promote lies and mislead others are the true troublemakers. 

When Elijah prayed, God sent down the fire and it consumed the sacrifice.  Elijah stood alone for the King of Kings. 

Here in America, our nation stands on the brink of God's judgment.  The sins that God condemns are embraced, encouraged and endorsed by those who seek to lead us.  Few are standing for the truth.  Although it is disheartening to see our nation become a cesspool of iniquity, I think it is time for people to be challenged with the question:  "How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow Him."

When it comes to Jesus Christ, where do you stand?

A SONG OF REMEMBRANCE

^"As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.  For who is God, save the Lord? and who is a rock, save our God?  God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.  He maketh my feet like hinds' feet: and setteth me upon my high places."

 - 2 Samuel 22:31-34

David was one of the greatest men in the Bible.  Although his early life was highlighted by victory and achievement, he later made foolish mistakes that brought tragedy to the very people he loved most.  Despite his many mistakes, David ended his life victoriously.  The Scripture I post above are the words of David as he reflected on the great victories God brought through his leadership.  As a typical musician would, David put his feelings in a song. 

Looking again at the above text, I hope that you'll join Israel's great king in praising our glorious Lord.  I want you to notice three things that David states about the Lord:

1.  GOD IS PERFECT

First of all, David declares that God is perfect:  "As for God, his way is perfect..." We tend to use the word, "perfect," very loosely.  There is a difference between excellence and perfection, but the difference has been fused together in the minds of many.  The fact is that only God is perfect.  Perfection describes something or someone as flawless.  Obviously, we are all flawed.  Everything that we see here on earth is flawed, because everything has been influenced by the curse of sin.  But God is not flawed.  No form of imperfection can be discovered in His character.  No form of error taints his actions and words.  God is perfect.

David wrote that God's, "... way is perfect..."  The way God works and leads is always perfect.  When all is said and done, we will look back at the way the Lord has led us, and in the moment, we will give Him praise because we'll realize that His way was perfect.

2.  GOD IS PRECIOUS

Secondly, we learn that God is precious.  Look again at our text:  "... the word of

the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him."  The word, "buckler," refers to a shield.  The Lord is a shield for His children, protecting those who trust in Him.  He is precious to us!

The Lord was precious to David.  Notice the two questions that David asks:  "For who is God, save the Lord? and who is a rock, save our God?"  The obvious answer to these rhetorical questions is simple: there is no one like the Lord. 

God is precious.

3.  GOD IS POWERFUL

Third, we learn that God is powerful.  David wrote, "God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.  He maketh my feet like hinds' feet: and setteth me upon my high places." 

Notice a few things that David states.  First of all, David shares this strength and power came from God.  David was a mighty warrior, but his mighty strength came from within.  God is powerful & only through His power can a man become powerful.

Furthermore, David knew that God had ordained His life.  God chose David from among his brethren.  God used David to bring victory to Israel.  God blessed David to be a mighty king over God's people.  In many ways, David was the greatest king Israel had ever known.

Finally, David credited God with his blessings.  Like other Old Testament saints, David illustrated the blessed life as being like a deer that reaches high peaks.  Have you ever watched a deer?  Deer can dart upon a rugged mountain with ease.  David wrote that God blessed him to advance to higher levels of spiritual blessing, giving him feet like a deer & enabling him to reach new heights.  This reminds me of the old song,

"I'm pressing on the upward way,

New heights I'm gaining every day;

Still praying as I'm onward bound,

Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

Lord, lift me up and let me stand,

By faith on heaven's tableland;

A higher plane than I have found,

Lord, plant my feet on higher ground."

May that be our prayer today!   God is perfect.  God is precious.  God is powerful.  Like David, we should praise God for His accomplishments.  You & I have been through many battles, persevered through great struggles and enjoyed glorious victories.  Yet have we praised God for these things?  As we reflect upon the things God has brought us through, we will have ample reasons to glorify the Lord.

As we reflect upon God's blessings, our faith should be strengthened.  We can trust the Lord with the challenges we'll face today --- and the future ahead. 

THE LORD AND HIS PEOPLE

"For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people." - 1 Samuel 12:22

Every person wants to know that he or she is special.  When we are young, we seek such affirmation from our parents.  At school, we long for teachers and peers to show us that they care.  As adults, we find it very difficult to find others who will befriend us and show genuine concern. 

It is glorious to discover that the One who loves us most has been there for us all along.  He showed mercy to us when we ignored Him.  He was patient with us when we treated Him badly.  He was kind to us when we were so unkind to Him.  When we finally admitted our offenses and sought His forgiveness, He accepted us. 

What a precious God we serve!

In 1 Samuel chapter 12, Israel asked for a king.  They wanted to "be like other countries" and have a ruling king.  Samuel rebuked the people, telling them that their request symbolized a rejection of God's rule.  Despite their rebellion, Samuel still conveyed a message of grace to a sinful nation. 

Look at the words that Samuel shared:  "For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people." 

From this verse, I want you to notice four precious things:

1.  THE LORD'S PROMISE

First of all, note the Lord's promise:  "For the LORD will not forsake his people..."  What a glorious truth!  These words were spoken to a stiff-necked, sinful, rebellious nation. 

For God's people today, we have a similar promise:  "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee."  We may fail to keep our promises, but God always keeps His promises.  We may disappoint Him, but He will never disappoint us.  We may do Him wrong, but He never does us wrong.  The Lord's people find comfort in His promise, "... I am with you always..." 

Friends may forsake us.  Loved ones may die.  But God ever remains with us.  He is with us all the way --- even through the experience of death.  David wrote, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." 

2.  THE LORD'S PURPOSE

Secondly, note the Lord's purpose.  The Lord will never forsake His people, "... for his great name's sake."  There could be no higher purpose than this.  When it comes to keeping His promise, God's honor is at stake.

Everything God does is accomplished for His glory.  God is glorified when He keeps His promises.  It is sad that we tend to bask in God's blessings without rendering praise to Him.  It is a greater thing to bask in the radiance of God's glory than to only enjoy His blessings. 

3.  THE LORD'S PLEASURE

Next, we learn about God's pleasure:  "... because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people."  Israel was the apple of God's eye.  He found great pleasure in blessing His people.

It pleasures a father to do something good for his children.  When a good father gives his child a special gift, he stands back with pleasure as he watches his child enjoy the gift.  Jesus said, "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" (Matthew 7:11).  Meditate on these words and be blessed!

4.  THE LORD'S PEOPLE

Finally, we learn about the Lord's people:  "... it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people."  Some think that they made a decision to be a child of God --- and thus it was so.  However, the Bible makes it clear that His children are chosen of the Lord.  He looked through all the junkyard of this sinful world and saw you and me.  He wanted us long before we wanted Him.  He sought us before we began to seek Him.  He loved us before we loved Him.

Furthermore, when we became His children, we became His possession.  Think about it.  You were once living in the cesspool of sin.  Yet the clean, pure hand of Jesus reached down into the sewage of sin and pulled you out.  He made you His prized possession.  He washed you.  He made you new.  You didn't do this, He did.  You belong to Him.  He loves you with an everlasting love. 

The world may think you are worthless.  Family members may treat you with scorn.  But to the Lord, you are precious.  You are His.  You are His child. 

The verse we have looked at was spoken to Israel.  However, the basic principles are true for the child of God today.  We have a heavenly Father who loves us ... and we don't deserve it.  He loved us so much that He willingly gave His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for us.  On that cross, Jesus purchased us with His blood.  Because of Calvary, we belong to Him. 

Yes, He loves us ... and we don't deserve it.  Let us love Him with shameless affection and devotion!

RUTH'S REWARD

"The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust." - Ruth 2:12

The book of Ruth is a small, but important book of the Bible.  The book unfolds with great sorrow.  A famine leads a whole family to relocate in the land of Moab.  If that isn't bad enough, tragedy struck.  Elimelech and his two sons died, leaving Naomi and her daughters-in-law, Ruth & Orpah, as widows.

Naomi addressed her daughters-in-law and advised them to return to their homeland.  Since they were young, Naomi believed that, if they returned home, Ruth & Orpah would have little trouble finding a husband and begin a family of their own.  Orpah heeded the advice, but Ruth refused to leave Naomi. 

There are several things we learn about Ruth.  First, Ruth had loyalty.  Ruth refused to leave Naomi alone.  Being a widow in Old Testament days was a challenging situation.  Government assistance wasn't available.  Social Security wasn't an option.  Naomi would need help.  Ruth refused to leave her.

Secondly, Ruth had humility.  Ruth was willing to work and provide for Naomi and herself.  A distant relative, Boaz, was wealthy & had a vast field.  The Old Testament law required that the fringe part of the field be left for the poor and disadvantaged people.  Ruth took it on herself to reap from this fringe part of the field.  She did not consider herself to be too big or important to come as a poor person and work in this area of the field.

Finally, Ruth had dignity.  Throughout the book of Ruth, Ruth is portrayed as a woman of honor.  She did not stoop to the level of compromise to make ends meet.  She remained faithful to her vow before Naomi and God (Ruth 1:16-17).  Later, when her relationship with Boaz became serious, Ruth maintained her purity and integrity. 

When Boaz heard of Ruth's plight and saw her working hard to provide for Naomi and herself, Boaz commended her highly.  Boaz said to Ruth, "The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust."

The words of Boaz seemed prophetic in nature.  Indeed, the Lord was about to do a mighty work in and through the life of this humble lady, Ruth. 

Look at Boaz's statement again:  "The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust."

Notice that Boaz believed that Ruth's work would be rewarded:  "The LORD recompense thy work."  Several things are true about Ruth's reward.  First, God saw her deeds.  God knew about her love, loyalty and hard work.  God knows about our works.  He recognizes even the smallest of deeds. 

Next, Ruth's reward would be a full reward:  "... and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel."  It is one thing to receive a reward, but it is far better to receive a full reward.  A full reward is reserved for those who are most faithful.

Finally, Ruth's reward would come from the One she trusted in:  "... a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust."  Our Lord rewards faithfulness.  Faithfulness is a product of our trust in the Lord.  Genuine faith leads to faithfulness and not the other way around. 

Boaz was right.  Ruth would be rewarded.  She would later become his wife.  Her story would be enshrined in the canon of Scripture as a testimony of her faithfulness.  Furthermore, from her marriage to Boaz a wonderful lineage was produced, including King David --- and ultimately, the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Ruth was a godly woman with a rich heritage.  She is one of only two women to have a book of the Bible named after her.  Her life and memory should motivate believers to remain faithful with the expectation of a future reward.

Young women today model themselves after singers and actresses.  How refreshing it would be to have young ladies pattern their lives after Ruth.

Ruth was rewarded.  Will you be?  

PERILOUS TIMES

"... every man did that which was right in his own eyes." - Judges 21:25

The book of Judges is a sad book of the Bible.  The book of Judges is sandwiched between two victorious books, Joshua and Ruth.  Although there are glorious highlights in the book of Judges, much of the book documents Israel's spiritual apathy, idolatry and disgrace during that era.

The above text is the final verse of the book of Judges and it summarizes the spiritual climate of Israel.  I feel that our nation presently mirrors the shame Israel exhibited during the time of the judges. 

There are two things I found that was true of Israel in that period that is true of America today.

1.  SIN AND REBELLION.  First of all, Israel was an unholy mess.  Sin and rebellion describes the years covered by the book of Judges.  The people of Israel rebelled against God.  They forsook the only true God and pursued idols.  Instead of being a nation of righteousness, Israel had compromised morally and spiritually.  A nation that was set apart by God was now embracing the beliefs and practices of pagan nations.  Our text states it best, "... every man did that which was right in his own eyes."  Notice the text does not say that every man did what was right in God's eyes.  Rejecting God's standards, each man set his own standard. 

Doesn't that sound like America today?  Today, we're told that there is no right or wrong.  Today, every man is doing what is right in his own sight --- and any attempt to preach against sin is deemed as intolerant.  Soon, I believe that the straightforward preaching against sin will be declared a hate crime.  Twice the book of Proverbs states:  "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. " (Proverbs 14:12, 16:25)

2.  SEASONS OF REFRESHING.  During the unholy mess of that era, there were seasons of refreshing.  Every time Israel sunk to the depths of disgrace, they faced terrifying consequences that drove them to God.  Desperation replaced disgrace as Israel sought God.  In response, God sent judges to bring deliverance. 

I believe that America needs a season of refreshing, don't you?  Yet, like Israel, America will never experience seasons of refreshing without seeking God in desperation and repentance.  Better days were ahead for Israel.  Ultimately, a great king, David, would lead Israel to the zenith of her glory.  Yet David's glorious reign would be just a shadow of the future reign of the King of Kings who will reign over the house of David forever. 

These are sad times in our nation.  Yet the book of Judges gives me hope that revival is still possible in our land.  Right now, every man is doing what is right in his own sight.  We need a spiritual awakening so that every man will do what is right in God's sight. 

God will visit American either in revival or judgment.  Join with me in praying that God will have mercy on us and bring the spiritual awakening we need! 

LIVING BY THE BOOK

"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

I love to read.  Through the years I have purchased numerous books.  In fact, I have spent a small fortune on books.  The accumulation of books brought a problem:  where to store them all.  Due to a lack of space, I made a great investment and purchased a Kindle Fire.  Now, I can have hundreds of books without worrying about storage space.

I have to confess that I've purchased books that I did not care for.  In fact, I have books I've purchased for my Kindle Fire that were not as good as I had hoped.  But there are books I absolutely love.  I revisit these books from time to time.  But there has never been a book that has impacted my life like the Bible. 

The Bible is God's holy Word.  The first Bible I ever owned was a flimsy Zondervan Bible.  I still have that Bible, although the book is coming apart.  The second Bible I had was a Christmas gift from my parents.  They bought me a Scofield Study Bible, leather edition.  I loved that Bible.  It was compact, yet easy to read.  I read that Bible over and over again --- until it began to fall apart.  

When Moses died, the mantle of leadership fell on Joshua.  Joshua was fearful and apprehensive.  Who wouldn't be?  It is difficult to follow a highly successful and much beloved leader like Moses.  Incredible things took place during the leadership of Moses.  After Moses' death, Joshua had every reason to be reluctant to lead the Israelites. 

The Lord knew that Joshua was filled with fear, yet He gave Joshua a challenge that would greatly impact his leadership.  In Joshua 1:8, God told Joshua, "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."

The success of his leadership hinged on Joshua's approach to the Word of God.  Keep in mind that Joshua did not have 66 books to read from like we do today.  He had just five books.  Yet the five books he had were inspired by God. 

From our text, there are some important lessons for us to learn about Joshua's leadership --- and our lives.

1.  DEDICATION

First of all, Joshua was expected to be dedicated to God's Word.  "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth ..."   The Word of God was to be his daily resource.  Furthermore, Joshua was told to stay in the Word, "... day and night." 

These days, leaders are more interested in reading journals, trendy books and newspapers.  However, Joshua was commanded to be dedicated to the Word of God.

What about you?  Are you dedicated to read from the Word of God daily?  Many people claim that they don't have time to read from the Bible every day.  Here's the blunt truth:  we find time for the things we consider to be most important.  Thus if you don't have time to read from the Bible, it is because you consider other things to be more important.

Like Joshua, we need to have dedication.

2.  MEDITATION

Secondly, Joshua was to meditate on the law of God.  God told Joshua, "... thou shalt meditate therein day and night..."  Meditation is an important spiritual discipline that needs to be revived among God's people.  Too many read the Bible like it is a novel.  They skim over the words quickly. 

The Word of God is nourishment for our souls.  For me, there is a difference between eating from a bag of potato chips and enjoying a steak.  When I was growing up, Mom always referred to potato chips as "junk food."  Junk food can be tasty, but it is not the same as a steak.  When I eat a steak, I tend to eat it slowly, enjoying every bite. 

The Bible is steak for the soul.  You do yourself (and the Bible) a great disservice when you treat it like junk food.  The world's menu generally consists of junk food.  Junk food tends to take your appetite away so when a steak is placed before you, you have no desire for it.  Joshua would have no time for the world's junk food.  Neither should we.

We savor the Word of God when we meditate on it.  Meditation is the slow, deliberate concentration on the precepts of God's Word.  You can read a chapter of the Bible in about five minutes.  However, meditation on a verse or two may take an hour.  The Word is our spiritual food.  When we meditate on the Scriptures, we tend to enjoy it more, plus it gives us spiritual strength.

3.  APPLICATION

Finally, Joshua was challenged to obey the Word of God.  The Lord told Joshua to meditate on the Word daily, "... that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein." 

Notice that obedience was the expected result of meditation.  These days, Christians are guilty of boasting about Bible knowledge, however Bible knowledge that falls short of obedience is nothing to boast about.

Also, note that Joshua was to be fully obedient.  He was to obey, "...according to all that is written therein."  Partial obedience is not really obedience at all.

Joshua was expected to live by the Book.  His success as a leader hinged on his dedication, meditation and application of the law of God.

These days, many TV ministers have distorted God's Word to make it seem like that Christianity is a "get rich quick" scheme.  If Joshua lived by the Book, God promised him success.  But what kind of success was being promised?  A mansion?  A Rolls Royce?  A million dollars?  No!  Joshua was promised that if he lived by the Book, he would be successful in accomplishing the work God entrusted him with.

God has not promised to make you financially wealthy.  He has not promised that your dreams will come true.  However, if you live by His Book, you will accomplish His will.

When life is over, all that will really matter is whether you lived for Him.  All that matters is not the wealth in your bank account, but the treasures you lay up in heaven.  That should be great incentive for us to be dedicated to God's Word. 

Live by the Book!