Challenge of Change

24th November 2013

1. Introduction

· Change is always uncomfortable – we prefer the comfort zone, place of safety.

· Change is essential to keep us moving in what God is doing.

· Change is an opportunity to grow deeper in faith and experience more of God.

· E.g. Mark 4:35 “Let us cross over to the other side” => vision of harvest of opportunity.

· E.g. Joshua – Time of change – of harvest.

2. Focus on God – not in People and Circumstances.

· Josh 1:1-2  “Moses my servant is dead – now therefore arise”.

· People were focused on grief, loss, disappointment about unexpected change.

• Moses represented stability, confidence, security – they were attached to him.

· Grieving is appropriate to recognize loss.

· Gods directive: Let go past – focus on God and His purposes – unchanging.

· Change is uncomfortable – turn focus to Jesus to hear Him afresh.
Heb 13:5 “I will never leave you or forsake you”.

3. Expect Gods Grace to Overcome Challenges

· Josh 3:14-17 “The waters that came down from upstream stood still”.

· This time of harvest was the worst possible time to cross the Jordon.

· The river had swollen over its banks, lions came out and attacked people.

· Natural circumstances seemed impossible – Gods word – Go forward (Jer 49:19)

· So they went forward – God moved on their behalf – heaven came to earth

· Don’t focus on the swollen river, the lions, the difficulty – expect God.
Heb 4:15 “Come boldly to throne of grace” – affirm mercy and grace to help.

4. Walk in New Covenant Love.

· Josh 5:2-8 “Circumcise the sons of Israel again the second time”.

· Circumcision was the outward evidence of the old covenant.

· Our circumcision is one of the heart by the spirit (Rom 2:29)

· Process is painful, vulnerable – process of repentance and faith.

· We are called to walk in New Covenant Love…
Jn 13:35 “By this will men know you are my disciples if you have love one another”.

· E.g. Lk 9:51-56 “Shall we call down fire from heaven?”

· Jesus rejected by Samaritans – acted badly towards Him.

· Could have been a blessing but they rejected Him, refused Him access.

· Issue was personal opinion – temple issue Jn 4:20, 24

· Disciples reaction: Shall we call down fire from heaven? – judgment as Elijah did.  They operated out of OT thinking => judgment, disapproval, rejection.
v55 “You don’t know what spirit you are!”

· Pride, anger, personal revenge, covered with zeal and justified in their minds.

· Spirit of Christ is loving spirit!

v56 “Come to save not destroy”
Matt 5:44 “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you.”

· We can call fire of judgment from heaven by how we speak to people
- criticize, judge, speak evil of others.
e.g. (i)  People choose to leave – don’t judge, speak evil of them, pray and bless
        (ii) People choose to stay- don’t judge, speak evil of them, pray and bless

· “Don’t know what spirit you are of” – pride, bitterness, hate, anger

· When we attack believers with words we attack Christ the head (Act 9:4)
Eph 4:29-5:2 “Walk in love – don’t grieve Holy Spirit”

5. Expect Fresh Encounter and Revelation.

· Josh 5:13-6:2  “He lifted His eyes and looked and behold a Man stood”

· Expect fresh encounter and experiences with Jesus.

· Jesus did not take sides – he is the Head and expects all to submit

· People tend to focus on who is right and who is wrong?
                                           are you for us or against us?

· Jesus is Head and Commander – He directs people.

· When Joshua yielded – he received fresh revelation – vision of victory.

· Our best days are ahead
Jer 29:11 “I know the thoughts I think towards you, thoughts of peace not evil, to give you a future and a hope”.