When Moses died, Joshua entered his new season to lead the nation into the promised land, but not as a normal military general. He could only do it primarily, as a man of God.
This new season had to be underpinned by a new outlook. In Romans chapter 15, Paul could only walk in his new season with a new outlook. He ‘dared not speak of anything that Christ had not accomplished through him’…to bring people to an obedient faith.
Do you want to enter your new season? How does God get us ready?
A defining kingdom foundation is needed
Joshua is first mentioned in the battle against Amalek in Exodus chapter 17. He led the Israelites to win, despite being untrained and unequipped.
He learned that the victory relied on winning in the spiritual realm first, in Christ. Joshua saw how as Moses prayed, with raised hands they won, his hands waning they lost.
To grow in our salvation, we too must learn to fight daily to advance. We must learn to value prayer and it’s impact in the natural.
No wonder the Christ’s disciples asked Him, “teach us how to pray.” They discerned a profound connection between Jesus’ miracles and victories over the kingdom of darkness, and his prayer life.
A mission trip I did comes to mind. A member was running late, and it seemed impossible to catch the flight, but we knew God wanted them to come. As we all prayed for a miracle, I received a word of knowledge, ‘half hour delay.’ We stopped petitioning and declared it, and shortly after got a text, flight delayed half hour, and our team member ended up catching the flight. Everyone was in awe and we gained a new outlook by seeing, firsthand the spiritual reality, of God’s power and sovereignty in His kingdom.
Whether pastor or deacon, a businessman or genetic engineer, having eyes opened to this spiritual authority as sons, in His kingdom, is foundational to make us ready for our new season. (See Ephesians chapter 1, Verse 18-21) Then, we must learn to abide in Christ as we do life, to release God’s kingdom domain in all things we do.
Here are some Christ-lessons from Joshua’s life:
Building on kingdom foundations in Christ
1. Christ is our teacher and gives counsel, so we succeed for him.
Joshua accompanied Moses at Sinai where Moses received God’s law-tablets of stone, miraculously ‘written by the finger of God;” see Exodus chapter 24, verses 12-19. This type was fulfilled at Pentecost, in Acts chapter 2, when the spirit of Christ came upon believers in power, God’s gospel and ways being written on the tablet of human hearts.
I know of quite of few businesspeople who are taught of God, whose lives are read as living letters, written by the spirit of Christ. They have confidence and extraordinary competence at work despite challenges, due to God’s supernatural joy, wisdom and leading. They learn to glide, not hide in the difficult times, being made ready for the new season.
2. Christ gives us discernment so we can understand and navigate life without confusion or fear.
Joshua also learned to discern the spiritual atmosphere. In Exodus chapter 32 when God’s people backslid and worshiped idols, Joshua from a distance heard what he thought was the sound of war, but Moses knew it was revelry in the camp. Joshua learned spiritual discernment, an important trait to navigate his new season.
This week my friend told me of a nightmare they had; it just didn’t sound right. The following day I had a bad nightmare about the same person, who was also their mutual friend. Why?
The spirit of Christ helped me discern. I realised I had been praying and witnessing to our mutual friend. It was actually spiritual warfare. Satan comes as a thief to steal and distract; my peace returned, and I am praying for our friend’s salvation more.
3. Christ is our righteousness, whom we must seek for fresh anointing.
The bible says that Moses would go to a tent and seek God, speaking as if, face to face with God, which means like a friend, returning from prayer, his face glowing. He was freshly anointed.
Joshua saw this, and in Exodus chapter 33 verse 11, it says, that he remained in Moses’ tent. He knew the source was not Moses, but God. We do well not to chase people, but God!
Friends, we need to see the value of staying in God’s presence, to stay shining. Christ’ righteousness made the way, once for all for access, but we must also follow his spirit-led commands, to remain in the right. As we learn righteousness, there is new liberty, and we gain purity of heart to see God at work more.
Purity of heart leads to anointing. Seeking God helps us align to His kingdom, in terms of our character, life direction, and the way we do ministry so it does not hinder God’s presence. Jesus cautioned, seek first his kingdom and righteousness,’ so we don’t worry, instead we glow! What appears impossible will seem logical; it’s a new outlook.
I was blessed to see a passionate young woman minister recently, as many, many people were delivered of demons. Shrieks resounded throughout the place as Kathryn Krick spoke about purity and the anointing. All were in awe at Christ working through her.
Friends, the anointing of the Spirit brings people to you, draws the spiritual encounters, brings fresh business deals in dire conditions; it confirms that sins curse is cancelled in Christ.
I hope you’re encouraged that a new, renewed outlook is the precursor to your new season! The spirit is leading us deeper into Christ to experience this. Follow him to be ready. When you step out and see nets break, you will follow. (See Luke chapter 5)
Mark Rusic was born in Melbourne and has a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering. He became a missionary to many, suffering hardship and poverty on Madura Island in Indonesia, in 1990 for about four years. He worked as a pastor-life coach with Hope International Ministries from 2002 to May 2023, playing a key role in raising up leaders and elders for the local Melbourne Hope church, which lead today. Mark has also been active in conducting yearly trips to remote Indigenous communities, bringing teams for training and outreach, which he initiated from 2015. He also established a salt and light ministry to empower saints of influence in the marketplace from 2017.
Mark is also an artist and an author and has written two books which are both a collection of his own paintings, photography, and poetry. These include ‘Iconic Melbourne of Australia’ and ‘Iconic Animals of Australia- With a voice to release your giant potential within,’ which are available now on booktopia.com.au and at leading book retailers. He has been counted among some of Australia’s best authors on several occasions through Dymocks since 2014 and continues to be a motivational speaker in various community groups, organisations, and churches.
He is currently pioneering his itinerant ministry to bless Indigenous people and empower the body of Christ, while working as an artist, author and speaker.