I was listening to my Audio Bible this week when something about the Scripture occurred to me. Joshua. In Exodus, GOD was speaking on the mountain and the children of Israel cried to Moses. They said they did not want GOD to speak to them, instead, let Moses be the go between. How sad! Alternatively, the elders of Israel met with GOD, ate with GOD (jealous yet?) and talked with GOD. I can just imagine the elders dipping and their hands brushing GOD's Hand! Wait, how can you be normal after that? You've got to be supernatural after such an encounter! I envied those who ate with GOD. Father Abraham fed GOD. That is even a step higher. To feed GOD. Meaning, you cooked and GOD agreed to eat the food. Then, we come to Joshua. heyyy! I am excited to watch them. Because it seemed as though while others were crying and running from GOD, Joshua saw GOD in another light. He served Moses, saw how righteous the man was, and wanted a little something of that awesomeness. He glanced at GOD and GOD glanced at him. He lingered in the tent where Moses met with GOD, and the GOD WHO speaks volumes without saying one word, measured the man who was interrupting an intimate interaction with Moses. But Joshua was knocking, seeking permission to enjoy such intimacy with the GOD of the universe. He presented hunger, GOD, the greatest lover, most intimate romantic, and greatest FATHER saw the hunger for more of GOD in this...servant. Oh, you missed that. Joshua was not an elder. No president. Not even an elected official. He was nobody. A servant. To Moses. See, when you serve divine greatness, if you show GOD (not the person you are serving, but GOD) your hunger unashamedly, GOD will satisfy that hunger, with or without the approval of who you serve. A servant, who approached GOD, not with a heart ready to reject GOD or be afraid of HIM, but with a heart hungry to embrace WHO GOD is, was allowed to be in an intimate space with GOD. Oh, what a rare privilege! The elders ate with GOD but it ended there. Joshua lingered with GOD and got the whole package! A servant can approach GOD and be accepted of HIM! A nobody can approach GOD and be promoted by HIM! Hunger is not only a need, it is a password of access to GOD! Joshua went on to become Israel's new leader appointed by GOD. But GOD and Joshua did not stop there. No. Joshua began working miracles. Joshua parted the Jordan. Joshua commanded the sun and moon to stand still for hours, maybe 12- 24 hours and the sun stood, obeyed the command of a man who became intimate with GOD. Whatever happened between Moses and GOD that made them part the Red Sea, happened with Joshua and GOD and made them part the Jordan. Joshua got what he wanted, intimacy with GOD. And all the good trappings that come with it. Today, I invite you to hunger for intimacy with GOD. GOD does not change. What HE does for one, HE does for another. If you would let HIM in today, open your heart completely, especially the places you struggle where you have been trying to do it on your own, then you will enjoy a slow dance of love with the ALMIGHTY GOD! Next time you read Exodus 22-24, put yourself there. Say, "GOD, I want to get closer to YOU just like Joshua. I want to eat with you and talk with you like the elders of Israel. I want to walk with you and serve you like Moses. I want to cook for you like Father Abraham. I want to be who YOU designed me to be." And, if you pray that sincerely, GOD will answer you just like HE did the generations of HIS saints before you and I. Have a happy slow dance with GOD in holy reverence! HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Love & Blessings, Joy
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Joy Ohagwu, J.PUSA Today Bestselling & Award winning Author, Christian Fiction. M.A. Int'l Affairs. Archives
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