The Battle, The Mount And The Tent

by R. Darke, Victoria, B.C. | Category: General | Dec 1976

These were the places where a young man learned about the power of God, the glory of God, and the presence of God. The young man was Joshua. He came from Ephraim, and if his tribe had sought the power, the glory, and the divine Presence as Joshua did, their black page of history might never have been written.

Joshua was a prince of a man (Num. 13:2); a leader (Num. 26:17); a spiritual shepherd (Num. 26:17); valorous (Josh. 5:13); enduring (Num.

26:65); obedient (Josh. 4:1-4); diligent (Josh. 7:16-26); and a warrior (Josh. 5:13). In contrast, his descendants were described, at various times, as drunkards (Isa 28:1); deceitful (Hosea 7:16); half baked (Hosea 7:8); like silly doves (Hosea 7:11); those who turned back in the day of battle (Psa. 78:9). Knowing these characteristics would reveal themselves, God passed over Ephraim and chose Judah as the sovereign tribe (Psa. 78:67-72). However, because of His everlasting love, He will yet make Ephraim as a mighty man (Zech. 10:7); and as watchers on the hills of Ephraim to cry out to their Millennial brethren, "Arise ye, and let us go up to Zion unto the LORD our God" (Jer. 31:1-6). If Ephraim was once passed over by God, it was not so with Joshua. Newly arrived out of Egypt with His chosen people, he was appointed by Moses to arm and lead an Israeli force against Amalek. This was the baptism of fire for young Joshua. He performed admirably, and Amalek was prostrated (Exod. 17:8-13). Being a Spirit-controlled man (Num. 27:18), Joshua would attribute victory to the power of the same God who performed miracles in Egypt, and parted the mighty waves of the Red Sea to admit His people into the wilderness. This narrative also confirms what God can do when four of His leaders, Moses, Aaron, Hur, and Joshua, are prepared to sacrifice, endure weariness, and hold on prayerfully with faith in their God.

After seeing such a manifestation of divine power, Joshua must have been awe-struck when he ascended the mount with Moses (Exod. 24:12-18). Here, Joshua the young warrior becomes Moses' servant, and he is given precedence over Aaron, Hur, and the 70 elders, as he accompanies Moses who is to receive the tablets of stone from the hand of God. If the appearance of the glory of the Lord was like devouring fire to Israel, how solemnizing it must have been to young Joshua. During this time God also gave to Moses the pattern of the Tabernacle. Joshua saw not only the glory of God, but was associated with the vision of the heavenly house, of which Israel was to build a copy on the desert sands.

Our final glimpse of Joshua is in the Tent of meeting where his master, Moses, met with God. This was the place where Joshua quietly observed Moses' life of communion with God. What a privilege for Joshua to witness the pleadings of Israel's great intercessor! To share in the holy joy of hearing God speak to His friend ! What an education to share in the secret things which belong unto the Lord our God (Deut. 29:29)!This was the place for Joshua to learn. "Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the Tent" (Exod. 33:11). Joshua's experiences were all part of God's preparation of the man who was to succeed Moses. These experiences were reinforced over the years, and when the need arose he was able to speak forcefully to the nation in these words: "Fear the LORD, and serve Him in sincerity and in truth ... choose you this day whom ye will serve ... but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Josh. 24:14,15).

Is there a message in all this for young men of God today? We hope so. One generation comes, and another goes; and if the Truth is to be maintained, then spiritual young men must equip themselves in preparation for the responsibilities of upholding the teachings of the house of God. Paul wrote to a young man of God in his day, these words: "And the things which thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also" (2 Tim. 2:2). Faithful men; teachers; lovers of souls; lovers of the Scriptures; good soldiers of Jesus Christ; young men of prayer, of vision, of communion. The call will now come with increasing urgency for the young Joshuas to rise up and lead God's people. Experiences in the battle of life, on the mount, and in the tent, can equip them to do this.

R. Darke, Victoria, B.C. | Dec 1976
General