Dare to Stand Like Joshua

Introduction Nothing is known of the writer C.M. Robinson –Original poem had 5 stanzas –The original title is unknown Peter Philip Bilhorn, the composer, published the song in the late 1800’s –Probably added the chorus and entitled it to match the chorus The song draws lessons from the wilderness wandering of the children of Israel and makes application to Christians –The reference to Joshua in the song title and chorus might mislead you to thinking the references are all to Joshua’s life

Stanza 1 “We are bound for Canaan's land, Tenting by the way; Who shall lead us on the road? Choose your King today.” A lesson drawn from Moses’ life –There were actually several instances where Moses had to ask the people to make a decision Ex 32:26 – God or the golden calf Num 13 – God or fear Num 16 – God or Korah (man) Num 21 – God or food Num 25 – God or prostitution –They had no permanent homes and were dwelling in tents

Stanza 1 Canaan, the promised land, land of rest –Often used as a type for heaven (Heb 4:8-9) –We have a home awaiting us in that land, so we are merely passing through (tenting) 2 Cor 5:1-4 – our tents are our bodies –We too must decide who can lead us to that land of rest Jer 10:23 – we should know that man needs guidance But there are a lot of temptations that might draw us away from following God

Stanza 2 “Many trials we have seen Thus far on our way; He hath led us safely through. Shall He lead today?” The Israelites went through many trials (1 Cor 10:1-11) When considering who should lead, God’s past help makes the case for Him to be King –As He delivered them from the plagues –As He provided food and water –As He led them in battle

Stanza 2 We too have many trials today (Jas 1:2-3) And God has helped us and will help us if we turn to Him –Jas 4:7-10 –1 Cor 10:12-13 Is that the King you want to lead you today?

Stanza 3 “When the dark Red Sea of doubt Billowed in our way, Then He parted every wave--So He will today.” A lesson drawn from Ex 14 –The Egyptian army was pursuing Israel –Ahead, the Red Sea blocked further progress –The people blamed Moses (Ex 14:11-12) –Moses told them to trust in God (Ex 14:13-14) –And the Lord did provide a way through the obstacle

Stanza 3 We, too, have many tribulations that may get in our way (Acts 14:21-22) –But if we trust in God and ask His help, He will help us through (Matt 7:7-11)

Stanza 4 “Can we safely trust a guide Who knows not the way? God hath traveled every foot--He shall lead today.” Returning to the question of who should lead –Would you ever trust someone as a guide, if the person said he had never been where you are going? That would be foolish Like a blind man choosing another blind man as guide (Mt 15:12-14)

Stanza 4 We have a guide who knows what we have to face and who knows where we are going –Heb 12:1-4 – our guide who has finished the journey –Heb 2:17-18, 4:14-16 – our priest who has suffered as we suffer –1 Pet 2:21-25 – left us an example to follow –Jn 14:1-6 – the only way, the only one who knows the way, because He is the only one to come from and return to the Father

Stanza 5 "Just before us Jordan rolls, Just across the way. We can safely trust the Lord; He shall lead today.“ A lesson from the end of the wilderness wandering –They came through the wilderness –They stood across from the promised land –Between them stood a wide and deep river –Who should they turn to for leadership? –Without hesitation, they followed the Lord’s commands –They knew Who was leading them

Stanza 5 And so for us when we’ve gone through a lifetime of following God We will stand at the end of our lives, looking past death and to the promised land Who should we trust to carry us safely over to that land of rest? –Without doubt and without hesitation we should boldly march forward following our God

Conclusion Chorus: “Dare to stand like Joshua, Dare to say the word: 'As for me and for my house, We will serve the Lord.’” A final lesson drawn from later in Israel’s history –After the land had been conquered –Joshua told them there was still a choice to be made as to whom they would follow (Josh 24:14-24) –And now, the choice is ours: Who will you follow and serve today?