April 10
Deut 34:1 - Josh 2:24 | PS 79:1-13 | Prov 12:26 | Luke 13:22-14:6
If one were to make a list of those sins or character traits which culminate in one going to hell, I’m sure most of our lists would contain many of the same things. One such list in Revelation 21:8, might shock some, as the list begins with “the cowardly”. Yet as we take a glimpse at our current society, courage is scarce, and cowards abound. Maybe it would help to see how courage is defined using the 1828 Webster’s Dictionary, “Bravery; intrepidity; that quality of mind which enables men to encounter danger and difficulties with firmness, or without fear or depression of spirits; valor; boldness; resolution. It is a constituent part of fortitude; but fortitude implies patience to bear continued suffering… that grows from constitution, often forsakes a man when he has occasion for it; courage which arises from a sense of duty, acts in a uniform manner.”
So, as Joshua takes over where Moses left off, and is going to face tremendous dangers, God gives him sound advice in Joshua 1:7-9, “Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. 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. 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.”” God was looking for this in Joshua, but so were the people, as we read in 1:17-18, “Just as we heeded Moses in all things, so we will heed you. Only the Lord your God be with you, as He was with Moses. Whoever rebels against your command and does not heed your words, in all that you command him, shall be put to death. Only be strong and of good courage.”” Though the walls of Jericho, along with their inhabitants were well protected, we see a huge difference in their attitude, as the spies tell Joshua in 2:24, “And they said to Joshua, “Truly the Lord has delivered all the land into our hands, for indeed all the inhabitants of the country are fainthearted because of us.””
Our earthly and heavenly futures rest on this, as we read in Luke 13:24-28, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying,‘Lord, Lord, open for us,’ and He will answer and say to you,‘I do not know you, where you are from,’ then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.’ But He will say, ‘I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.’ There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves thrust out.” So, how about you? Are you trying to fly below the radar and play it safe? Are you quiet about your faith, not wanting to stir the pot? Would people be surprised to even know that you are a Christian, as you try to keep this from most others? These are the actions of cowards. When Jesus mentioned “the prophets” in His message above, these were men who spoke forth God’s message with courage, not concerning themselves with the fallout. Like most things, it comes down to a choice. Which will you choose: courage or cowardice?
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: