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With the decline of consistent Christianity at the end of the twentieth century and the beginning of the twenty-first (depending on your perspective), the idea of “universe” has devolved into the notion of “multiverse.” In this non-existent fantasyland, no fact has any particular relation to any other. History also suffers, since men reject the idea of relationships between past, present, and future.
It is only as human beings are brought into covenant with God through the mediation of the Lord Jesus that relationships between people, facts, and history are once again perceived in terms of God’s revelation. In God’s covenant faithfulness, as one generation passes, He raises up another to step into the gap produced by sin and death. History is the record of the execution of God’s eternal purpose.
Issues in the Church
Believers do not ignore the realities of sin and death in their efforts to find meaning and purpose in life. These realities are at the forefront of the believer’s worldview. “ ‘Moses My servant is dead,’ ” God says to Joshua. Yet this is no discouragement to the one whose trust is in God. For the believer, death is but the portal to the nearer presence of God. And it is no discouragement to the plan and purpose of God.
In the continuity of God’s covenant, every generation of believers is given the objective of exercising godly dominion in faithful obedience to the eternal and unchanging Lord. Abraham was given the promise that he would possess the land of Canaan. God continued to work out that promise by delivering His people under Moses. And He continued to execute His decree under the leadership of Joshua. “ ‘Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them’ ” (Josh. 1:2). However, the objective was not ultimately realized with the conquest of Canaan. It is no coincidence that “Jesus” is Greek for the Hebrew name “Joshua,” which is associated with salvation (Matt. 1:21).
Not only is there continuity in the objective for believers in every age, there is continuity in the promises of God. These promises assure success and give confidence to every generation. “ ‘Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses.… No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them’ ” (Josh. 1:3–6). At times, we grow weary and despair at the apparent condition of our Lord’s church and the progress of the Gospel. In times like these we must remember that He has promised to give His people the whole earth as our inheritance in Christ. This promise is given to God’s Son: “ ‘I will declare the decree: The LORD has said to Me, “You are My Son, today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession” ’ ” (Ps. 2:7–8). In conformity to God’s promise, Jesus claims all authority in heaven and on earth. He commissions His people, His body, to “ ‘make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age’ ” (Matt. 28:19–20).
The purpose and promises of God were given to Joshua and his people to stir them up to faithful obedience. Thus, we find continuity in God’s covenant sanctions. He blesses obedience and curses disobedience. God therefore reiterates the obligations of His covenant people. “ ‘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’ ” (Josh. 1:7–8). God will bring about His purpose. And God ordains the means to accomplish the ends. If we would see the nations discipled, we must be strong and courageous to believe God. We must be careful to obey that we might enjoy His blessing. The success of the Gospel should never be in question. The only question is whether our generation will participate in the conquest or wander in the wilderness.
In view of God’s purpose to redeem a lost world, we must find our strength and courage in His Word. The 10 spies who accompanied Joshua and Caleb discouraged the Israelites from believing God and initiating the conquest of Canaan. They did so by giving an accurate report about the inhabitants of the land, pitting their observations against God’s promise. The people were fierce and lived in easily defendable walled cities. And there were giants there. We face similar circumstances. The mighty institutions of worldly power are arrayed against God and the church. Yet He has sent His Son and has spoken clearly: “Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.… The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this” (Isa. 9:7).