Evening star., 1926-10-23

Moses had prayed for divine guild
ance Il. appointing his successor so
that his work might be carried on to
a successful conclusion after the great
liberator, leader and lawgiver finished
his career. In this request we can de-
tect some Of the elements of the
genius and greatness of the founder
Of the Hebrew nation. The choice of
Jehovah was none other than Joshua.
''the minister of Noses" who was a
man of a similar purpose and ideals
with his eminent commander. Joshua
lacked the greatness of the one who
had attracted him to the service of
Jehovah and whom he revered and
loved.
Facing the promised land the new
leader had different task to perform
from that which Moses had accom-
plished amidst great difficulties. He
was summoned to conquer Palestine
and divide it among the tribes in
manner that would establish them in
the promised land as a united nation.
The work called for a military genius
who had the capacity for executive
work. During the 40 years in the
desert Joshua had been the military
commander. We know but little of his
early days in Egypt, where he was
born in the land of Goshen. He was
the son of Nun of the tribe of
Ephraim. He was of the twelfth gen.
Grafton from Joseph, and was about
40 years of age at the commencement
of the exodus.
He had demonstrated his military
ability in leading the Israelites in
their first battle, when they repelled
the attack of the Amalekites at Rephi-
dim. He gave credit to the interces-
sionS of Moses, for the Hebrews won
only when the great lawgiver had his
hands lifted up in prayer for the ma
TONS hastily organized national guard.
In that battle he had shown his zeal,
energy, swift decisions and the pos
session of all the military virtues in
the highest possible degree.
Chosen of God.
joshua whose name means Gods
salvation" was the first Wearer Of the
title that later was worn by Jesus.
which was derived from Joshua. Like
most military men his was peaceful
spirit. He rejoiced at the honor of
being the servant of Moses, and that
as such he could be near the cloud,
where Moses was seeing the Lord face
to face. 1t required courage of high
order to wait alone on that lofty noun
tain height for the conclusion of that
epoch-making conference. Leaders at
tract men Of similar purpose and
ideals to them. From Moses Joshua
had learned that philosophical concept
that considered that religion was the
base of all correct thinking. the spring
Of all right conduct, and that 1t was
the greatest thing in the world, SO
that he looked upon religion as the
only great and worthy thing in the
world. Some of the greatest military
genuises Of history have been devoted
followers of the Prince of Peace.
Joshua not only had the name that
our Master carried, but he was a fair
type Of the Christ in all his life and
labor.
In selecting Joshua as the success
sor of Moses, Jehovah picked out
one whose unity of purpose was simi
lar to that of his chief. He had been
jealous of the leadership of Moses and
had complained to him, when some Of
the 20 prophesied outside in an ir-
regular way. 1t gave Moses a cfr'nco
to correct him and keep him from be-
coming a regular martinez. AS mem
Der of fact finding commission, that
visit Palestine, he had revealed that
he was a man OF vision. courage and
faith. It took courage for man to
make a minority report, but Joshua
did it, pointing out that the question
of Israers ability depended upon the
Lords will.
Gods choice of Joshua indicated
Hfis desire that the work of Moses
should be carried on until it was COM
pleted. In selecting him, there was
the recognition of his fitness. It was
a promotion that revealed the fact
that God selected men not by their
birth, but by their personality. The
people were given ain opportunity to
share in the selection by the Lords 8
order Of q public ordination. This con-
tained a religious aspect through the
part assigned to ElaZar, who had sue
ceeded his father Aaron, as high
priest. Moses installed him as his sue
cessor by giving Joshua a public
charge that pointed out the way in
which he ought to administer the gov
ernment, exercise justice, and be a
valiant leader in battle.
Joshua Diyinely Commissioned.
Upon the death of Moses. Jehovah
commissioned Joshua by telling him
what was expected of him, as the new
leader. Gods work does not depend
any OIlo pckScii lOl IT'S SliCCeSS.
The workers died, but the work goes
on. We are not told how the Lord com
missioned Joshua. He might have done
1t by using the Urim and Thumnm
He could have given him vision. He
may have spoken unto his servant by
an audible voice. 1t Is quite possible
that God gave Joshua an inward reve-
lation. No man has a right to assume
the leadership in the Lords work,
until God has made His will known
personally to him and called him per-
sonally to definite task
Joshua's commission gave him a
unique title to Every place that the
sole Of your foot shall tread upon
from the wilderness. and this Lebanon,
even unto the great sea toward the
going down Of the sun, shall be your
border" The conquest Of Canaan was
no filibustering expedition. 1t was a
summons to take possession Of the
land that He had promised to Abra-
ham 400 years previously. The geo.
graphical dimensions OF the land that
they were called up to conquer was at
that time the most fruitful in the
world and the most beautiful. 1t was
q gift to them, but they had "to go
up and possess it," We are given
eternal life. but we must take it per.
AoRal;E hsfoxs lie can enjoy i. We