The Lord's people learn to trust those whom God sends. The saints will (sometimes amid much complaining) do what they believe to be God's will. They expect God to be with those who are leading them.

Therefore, responsibility is borne by those who accept the task of teaching and directing the flock of God. Their reward will be great if they lead the people in the Lord's will. If the leaders attempt to use the things of God for their own advantage, not giving their lives for the sheep, their punishment will be severe in the Day of Christ.

My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. (James 3:1)

The people repeated the admonition of the Lord to Joshua. The people around us often will testify of the Lord's will for us.

. . . only be strong and of a good courage. (Joshua 1:18)

It is not possible for the fearful and unbelieving to enter the city of God, the new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:8).

And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there. (Joshua 2:1)

The Lord does some things in secret. The soldiers of Christ's army must learn to control their tongue. If we are willing and obedient, keeping our heart and ears open to the Lord, He may reveal His secrets to us. Then we are to keep our mouth closed until the Spirit of God leads us to speak the Word of the Lord.

Many spiritual battles are lost because the saints talk too much. A wagging tongue produces spiritual weakness and sin.

Joshua himself had been one of the two men who brought back a good report concerning Canaan. Now Joshua is sending out two spies. The two spies are a type of the two witnesses of Revelation, Chapter Eleven. Before the Lord brings His people into new territory He sends a remnant ahead of the Church so the Church will know how to prepare itself for the battle.

God has witnesses today who are informing the Body of Christ what is to be expected in the near future and how we are to prepare ourselves for the battle.

It was not by accident that the two spies lodged in Rahab's house. The Lord knew that Rahab would become one of His heroines who would be declared righteous by faith in God (Hebrews 11:31, James 2:25).

And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, there came men in hither to night of the children of Israel to search out the country. (Joshua 2:2)

Satan understands that God is moving today and that Satan's kingdom will be invaded and destroyed. There is nothing he can do about it. He is as powerless as the king of Jericho.

When works of God fail it is because well-intentioned believers are attempting to serve Christ in their wisdom and strength. When God Almighty Himself begins to move there is no authority or power in Heaven or on the earth or under the earth's surface that can in any manner hinder what God has undertaken to perform. Let us look to Christ and work His works. Then we cannot be defeated.

To be continued.