The Test Of Discipleship

by Godwin Okwena, Ojo, Nigeria | Category: General | Jul 1996

In possessing Canaan under their leader Joshua, Jericho was the major obstacle faced by the Israelites. The Lord had to reassure Moses' successor with many promises: 'I will be with you; I will never leave you' (Josh. 1:5). This is comparable to the assurance of God's presence given to New Testament saints seeking to do His will (Heb. 13:5) in carrying out the great commission (Mat. 28:20). The repeated use of the phrases 'be strong and 'be courageous' indicate that Jericho was going to be a testing ground. Joshua needed to look beyond himself and depend on the power of God (Ex. 15:11). These promises were made before they came to Jericho, which had tall walls which were strong and wide enough for houses to be built on them. The house of Rahab, in which she sheltered the men sent to spy out the land, was built on the wall (Josh.

2:15).

Every man or woman of God will come to his or her 'Jericho' and find it a true test of discipleship. When the storms of life toss us about, when unbelief and lukewarmness affect God's people, when the religious world teaches false doctrine, whom do we really depend on?

Joshua went to look at the problem and met the Lord, the Commander of the armies of God. This is one of the appearings of the Son of God recorded in the Old Testament. With boldness he approached a Man with a drawn sword. When Joshua realized it was the Lord, he fell down in worship expecting to be told the plan of battle. But the instruction was, 'Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy' (Josh. 5:15) the same message that was given to Moses at the burning bush. God's standards do not change, and we cannot change them to suit our purpose. The Lord told Joshua, 'I have delivered Jericho into your hands ... march around the city' (6:2,3). Did Joshua believe it? He certainly did! What we believe is seen in what we practise.

True discipleship is seen in the level of obedience to God's Word. The Master said, 'If you love Me, you will obey what I command' (John 14:15). Obedience will manifest itself in respect for authority; regard for the Word of God; a desire to bring every thought and imagination under the obedience of Christ; and efforts to dislodge the strongholds of bias, pride and false knowledge (2 Cor. 10:4-6).

Biblical references from the NIV

Godwin Okwena, Ojo, Nigeria | Jul 1996
General