Necessities verse Niceties
Joshua 3:7
The LORD said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.”
How uplifting to think of Providence sifting through the tribes of earth, with omniscient eyes that unveil every hidden ambition and impure motive, with voice that calls out in rhetorical test, “Whom shall I send?”, and finding men and women, who, though covering their own eyes in contrite recognition of their wretched condition, nevertheless rise to respond, “Here am I, LORD, send me!” God once asked the devil, “Have you considered my servant, Job, a man blameless in all his ways?”, and I wonder: has He ever said that of us? Christ asked Peter, “Do you love Me? Feed my sheep.” I wonder: did we bring mere words to the feast of faith today or food for others? Remember the proverb: “He who humbles himself will be exalted, but he who exalts himself will be humbled.” And, elsewhere, “humble yourself in the sight of the LORD and He will lift you up.” And, in a further paradox, “He who is the greatest among you is servant of all.” The Bible frames that fundamental truth in proverbs, parables, and flesh-and-blood portrayals, so that our practice of it becomes second nature. In fact, without humility, we can’t begin that second nature.
To that end, God has already exalted Joshua long before this promotion. Before Joshua ever set foot in Jordan’s waters, before God established his rule through Mosaic wonders and marvels, he was already in the peak of his prominence as a godly man. As a disciple of Moses, he was faithful. As a select spy in Canaan, he was courageous and brought back good tidings. As a worshipper, he didn’t hide his face from God like so many of his brothers but instead sat outside the tabernacle and yearned to draw nearer. Which, to me, is the deeper point to make. Because whether Joshua becomes loved by these pilgrims or loathed, whether he finds favor in their eyes or contempt, whether he receives fidelity or treachery, the favor of Heaven is upon him!
Humble saints yearn for that last aspect of God’s promise more than the first. Exaltation from men is nice; but God’s presence with us—that’s necessary!