Monday: Cross! Take! Divide! Serve!
Daily Lesson for Monday 29th of September 2025
Read Joshua 1:1-18. What can we learn about the structure of the book from this opening chapter?
The first chapter of Joshua serves as an introduction to the whole book. It comprises four speeches that correspond to the four main sections of the book: crossing (Joshua 1:2-9); conquering (Joshua 1:10-11); dividing the land (Joshua 1:12-15); and serving by obedience to the law (Joshua 1:16-18).
Image © Review & Herald Publishing at Goodsalt.com
The book of Joshua can be seen as a series of divine initiatives. In each initiative, God gives a specific task to Joshua related to the conquest of Canaan, and each one is acknowledged later in the book after its successful completion.
In the end, the promises of God concerning the occupation of the land would be fulfilled. From then on, the responsibility of keeping the land lay in the hands of the Israelites and could be accomplished only by true faith and by the obedience that such faith always engenders.
God’s initiatives, expressed by the three verbs—“cross,” “take,” and “divide”—receive a proper answer in the people’s obedience, which derives from the final initiative: service.
Again, the book of Joshua has four major sections, each characterized by a specific concept expressed through the dominating presence of a Hebrew word:
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Cross (Joshua 1:1-18; Joshua 2:1-24; Joshua 3:1-17; Joshua 4:1-24; Joshua 5:1-12)
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Take (Joshua 5:13-15; Joshua 6:1-27; Joshua 7:1-26; Joshua 8:1-35; Joshua 9:1-27; Joshua 10:1-43; Joshua 11:1-23; Joshua 12:1-24)
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Divide (Joshua 13:1-33; Joshua 14:1-15; Joshua 15:1-63; Joshua 16:1-10; Joshua 17:1-18; Joshua 18:1-28; Joshua 19:1-51; Joshua 20:1-9; Joshua 21:1-45)
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Service (Joshua 22:1-34; Joshua 23:1-16; Joshua 24:1-33)
Thus, the structure of the book itself conveys its main message: God’s initiatives are not accomplished automatically. Instead, they require the faithful response of His people. That is, with all that God has done for us—including all that He has done for us that we cannot do for ourselves—we are then called to do what we can do for ourselves, which is to obey what God commands us to do. This is how it has always been in all of sacred history, and it remains so today. For example, the depiction of God’s end-time people in Revelation 14:12 conveys the same idea: faith in what God has done for us, which leads to obedience.
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Think about some of the promises of God’s Word that are most precious to you. What kind of response do they require on your part in order for them to become reality? |
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The elephant in the room in this study is that modern Israel right now is in the process of retaking that land at an enormous cost in the lives of innocent people. Part of their justification is that “this is our land”. Carmel and I read the Bible through aloud as part of our daily worship last year and there were chapters in the book of Joshua where we just had to stop reading; it was not the sort of stuff you want to read before you go to bed. It did not escape our attention that we are seeing “take and divide” in action again. Independent sources estimate that more than 65,000 Palestinians and 2000 Israelis have been killed in this conflict and 80% of the deaths have been civilians, many of them women, children, and aid workers.
I interact with atheists who know their Bibles pretty well and understand the parallels of modern-day events with history very well. They also know how some Christians support the modern “take and divide” process. That leaves us with a dilemma. I don’t have a cute one paragraph answer for them and typically we end up with a long discussion about ethics in ancient and modern worlds.
I think we need to remind ourselves that our theological discourses on spiritual lessons from the book of Joshua are occurring against a background of real world conflict destroying the lives of people. While most of us are remote from this tragic conflict, we still interact with people both Christian and secular who have strongly held opinions about it. How do we take part in such discussions to reveal the compassion of Jesus?
Dr. Maurice, these are my thoughts entirely. I sincerely wish we can discuss how we can be relevant and timely in our Bible discussions of the book of Joshua. Today a group of people justify illegal occupation of a territory and what the UN describes as genocidal massacre, on the basis that it is (divine?) their divine right. Then there are swathes of fundamentalist, nationalist Christians who support and condone these heinous actions on the basis that it is indeed their territory and use the Bible.
Of course l am aware it is linked to the flawed doctrine of a secret rapture and the mass conversion of physical Jews thereafter during the supposed seven years of tribulation, purportedly taken from the book of Daniel (but this is another discussion for another time).
I wish to reiterate Dr. Maurice’s valid point ‘we still need to interact with people both Christian and secular who have strongly held opinions about it. How do we take part in such discussions to reveal the compassion of Jesus?’
We can no longer afford to discuss lessons and theology in a silo, with our heads in a cloud bubble. We risk being irrelevant and totally in ineffective to the commission and command JESUS gave US to evangelise and make disciples of ALL nations just before we enter heavenly Canaan. May GOD help and lead us all the way.
Maurice and Marcia, and all. "He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!" Revelation 22:20. The tight spot we are in though is there are many who have not had the opportunity to learn of Jesus, let alone those who we are praying for to turn to the One who loved us unto death, our intercessor. War or not, the lessons we get are valuable. Let's enjoy the discussion this quarter, with all due respect.
After saying that, I do enjoy every post you all make. And I agree with Christina following post, we don't want to answer, and may I add, also don't ask questions slickly with superficial apparent validity.(glibly) Enjoy the Book of Joshua. 😊
You are right that Joshua is unlikely to be a favorite book of secular people and it does leave questions that we shouldn't try to answer glibly. However, it is Scripture and we must treat it accordingly. I know there are some even in the church who try to suggest that God really didn't command what was done in Joshua. I am personally uncomfortable with that as it makes us the judge of what the Bible says. I don't think that ever ends well.
For me, the biggest thing that helps me accept what is in Joshua is the big picture of the Messiah. Jesus was to come from Israel and the nation needed to be a blessing to draw people to it so they could accept Him. God needed to plant this nation in this particular place for that purpose and the wicked nations that were there would have to be driven out. As sad as it is that innocent children and perhaps others died in this process, it would be even sadder if Jesus didn't come. There would be no hope for them or anyone else. Also, perhaps many of these people will be saved in the end.
This reality is much different from what's going on in the Middle East today. For me, understanding the plan of salvation, I don't see any connection really even if the two situations appear similar. I do sympathize with both Israel and the Palestinians - there is some justification on both sides. I agree with Marcia that faulty prophetic ideas has fueled this situation in a bad way.
WHOSE LAND WAS CANAAN? GOD'S OWNERSHIP AND HIS PROMISE
When God promised Israel the land of Canaan, many wonder: “But weren’t there people already living there?” Yes—there were mighty nations, but Scripture makes it clear: “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein” (Psalm 24:1). Every land, every nation, every treasure belongs to God. He, as Creator and Owner, has the right to give it according to His purpose.
1. God’s Ownership of the Earth
Psalm 24:1–2 — “The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”
Deuteronomy 10:14 — “Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD’s thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is.”
God is not taking something that doesn’t belong to Him—He is simply redistributing what is already His.
2. Why Canaan Was Given to Israel
The Canaanites were not innocent victims. For over 400 years, God patiently gave them opportunity to repent (Genesis 15:13–16).
Their cup of iniquity eventually became full—gross idolatry, child sacrifices, and immorality filled the land.
Leviticus 18:24–25 — “Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you: And the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants.”
Thus, Israel’s conquest was not mere possession—it was divine judgment and a fulfillment of God’s promise.
3. God Reserves the Wealth of Sinners for His Children
Proverbs 13:22 — “The wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.”
Just as God gave Israel vineyards they did not plant and houses they did not build (Deut. 6:10–11), He shows that His children will inherit the blessings once misused by the ungodly.
4. Ellen G. White Insights
“The Lord had given to the Canaanites ample opportunity to repent… But they rejected the light, and their probation was closed. The judgment of God was to fall upon them, and Israel was to be the instrument by which it was executed.” — Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 492
“The Canaanites had rejected the worship of the true God, and their land was to be given to Israel, that they might establish in it a pure worship, and be a light to the nations.” — Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 505
5. Application for Us Today
Just as Israel received the land by obedience and faith, we too are heirs—not of Canaan, but of the heavenly Canaan (Hebrews 11:9–10, Revelation 21:1–2).
God is still the rightful Owner. If we are faithful, He will entrust us with blessings here and eternal inheritance in the new earth.
Canaan belonged to God, and He gave it to Israel not because they were stronger, but because He is sovereign and faithful to His promises. Likewise, the blessings of this life and the promise of eternal life are His gifts to His children. Let us remember: The earth is the Lord’s, and He gives to whom He wills.
I have been concerned about the genocide in Gaza. And the ongoing debates about Old Testament military ethics. One is left with deep emotional trauma despite the best theological rationale.
I want to carefully separate Old Testament permissive will of God from present Middle East scenario and condemn the brutal slaughter of civilians in our time.
Maurice – may I suggest to consider this conflict as part of the spiritual warfare mentioned in Eph.6:11-13. Though this conflict takes place on a physical battle field, the true conflict is sourced in the hearts and minds of God's enemies bound to destroy His people and take the land promised to them by Him. This will not be the end of the conflict, as we have been told of a final battle to come at the same location.
The New Jerusalem will be established at the location where all the warfare is taking place now. It will be God’s ‘bride’ adorned for her ‘husband’. Indeed, it is a long and terrible struggle. Ellen White calls it the ‘Great Controversy’. Million upon million lives have already been lost on all types of 'battle fields' since this conflict started. To simply state that Israel fights to 'retake' this land because 'it is our land' is far too simplistic. Ultimately, this Land belongs to the LORD, not to Israel - the Place God chose to dwell with His People - Rev.21:3.
Today’s lesson profoundly reminds us that faith without practical obedience is dead. God’s promises must be acted upon tangibly and practically. God’s promises are not passive, but they require active responses: “cross,” “take,” and “divide”. Joshua trusted God in his heart, and the inward conviction was translated into outward practical acts of obedience. All of God’s promises require human participation. Faith in God must cause spiritual vitality. How can we possibly believe that God can do all that He has promised and yet fail to take even one step forward? Faith must manifest visibly.
Noah’s faith was visibly seen by building the ark (Hebrews 11:7).
Abraham’s faith was seen visibly by moving out to an unknown country (Hebrews 11:8).
The Israelites’ faith at Jericho was visibly seen by going around the city seven times (Hebrews 11:30)
Jesus always taught that faith must always be embodied in action.
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock”(Matthew 7:24, NKJV).
How can we learn to exercise our inner trust visibly?Our faith will grow tangibly by doing the following spiritual activities:
1) Reading and meditating on the word of God (Romans 10:17)
2) Surrendering our will to God in prayer ( Luke 22:42)
3) Obeying God’s instructions (Hebrews 11:8)
4) By doing acts of love to our fellow human beings (Galatians 5:6)
5) By persevering through the trials that come our way (1 Peter 1:7)
Something struck me as I was reading the first chapter of Joshua.
Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Why did God say the book of law shall not depart from his MOUTH? Not his heart or mind or any other part, since he wanted him to meditate upon it. Why the mouth - any significance to that?
It get's confusing, doesn't it, Hellen? I know.
Maybe if you look at it from a Hebraic context or meaning we could understand. Unfortunately, translation to english may not have been very compatible with Hebrew so some words are dimmed off their original meaning and context.
The word used is Hagah הגה which means more than just "By Mouth" but means "meditate" which describes a deep, chewing-like process of thought and speech, similar to a ruminant processing food. This continuous interaction with God's Word is like speaking or instructions to self. Talking deep into your body and soul.
Joshua 1:8 emphasizes continuous, oral engagement with the "Torah" (the Law), not just reading but also muttering, pondering, and reciting it throughout the day and night, internalizing it deeply into one's being to allow for wise actions that lead to prosperity and true success.
Hopes it helps!
Wow! Wonderful explanation. Thank you so much.
When I read that(that ye may prosper)Helen a couple of days ago, the 1st thing that came to my mind was not only the ten commandments, yes most important, but all of the civil laws God gave the people of Israel, last quarters lesson titled it, 'The Code of the Covenant' That we could also call the Laws for better living.
Helen , your question is very profound. It's good to know that there is more to "Mouth" in terms of meaning. Thank you Stanley and John
The Bible is filled with stories of impossible battles that were won and overwhelming obstacles that were overcome, not because of human strength but because of God’s power. Our attitudes and mindsets, just like Joshua’s, determine whether we walk in faith or in fear. When the walls of Jericho fell, it was not by the might of Israel’s army but by obedience to God’s unusual instructions (Joshua 6:2–5, 20). There are victories in life that can only be secured through trusting God’s Word rather than relying on our own understanding.For Joshua he trusted God’s plan, we are called to walk by faith, knowing that God’s ways lead to triumph.
Joshua’s life shows the blessings that come from obedience. Unlike the ten spies who doubted God’s promise and incited rebellion (Numbers 13:31–33; Numbers 14:36–38), Joshua and Caleb believed, and as a result, Joshua was chosen to lead Israel into the Promised Land. His victories over Jericho, Ai, and other cities (Joshua 8:1–2; Joshua 10:12–14) testify that obedience brings God’s favor and strength in seemingly impossible situations.
Ultimately, Joshua received the inheritance of Timnath Serah, the land he requested (Joshua 19:49–50), as a blessing from the Lord. A powerful illustration that God rewards obedience, faith, and perseverance. Just as God was faithful to Joshua, He remains faithful to us today. When we align our hearts with His Word and trust His promises, we too will experience victories and blessings that are far beyond what we could achieve on our own.
- Exodus 24:3
The first time the children of Israel made this pledge, they were speaking from their mouths, not from their hearts. Three other times that followed, they chanted this promise; it was just empty words without any commitment – lip service. However, something serious was now happening, and an additional admission of consequence had been added to the pledge. This was now a serious affair.
Look at this:
– Joshua 1:16-18.
The vow had deepened with added ramification – it was serious business now, carrying with it a penalty, and not just any penalty, but the penalty of death. Perhaps it's because conquest is usually a serious thing – a matter of life and death. Where discipline and obedience are key, a question of life and death arises. An army must be sure of what they want, and conquest is decisive, requiring serious loyalty – any falter can lead to serious calamity.
But what significance does this part hold for us today? Has it been conquered for us, so that "Cross! Take! Divide! Serve!" has lost its significance? Has all this been overtaken by events? Or maybe it comes in a new dispensation? Perhaps we should think of commands or pledges that are the very fabric of our commitment to our faith – one that has been in every Seventh-day Adventist's mouth. Pledges and promises based on Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8, and Revelation 14:6-10.
Yes, our pledges, have they been within our mission – the Great Commission and the Three Angels' message? Luckily, the ramification of death for failed promises is no longer in the hands of peers or man, and since Christ redeemed us from death on Calvary, He took our fall. The choice now is through Him – eternal life.
But we still are left with a role to play – more of:
- the conquest is now about bringing souls to Christ for salvation - Evangelism is our vow, promise and mission.
I would like to thank the co-ordonators for their help throughout last quarter's lessons. You have caused me to see the bigger picture and to reflect as I go through each day.May God continue to bless you as you share your thoughts. Praying for this. Many thanks.
I consider the word ‘willingness’ to be a good word describing the heart’s and mind’s disposition when engaging to do that 'we can do ourselves' after having been called to ‘follow’. ‘Obedience’, without the motivation provided by a willing, open, receptive heart and mind, represents a state of slavery.
How productive could we be knowing that our ‘doing’ is based on fear of the consequences when falling short of the Glory of God? We might never get started with walking the Path of Life by Faith - but God gave us Jesus and His Holy Spirit to overcome fear by loving God. This starts when we begin to trust God to work in us His redemptive work as we welcome each day to be a new opportunity to faithfully place one foot in front of the other and humbly walk by faith in His Word.
Our ‘Willingness’ to do His Will is all we are called to give Him and all we can do. To all who are willing to love and trust Him, He gives His Holy Spirit. He helps us to straighten our life's path in preparation for Him to use us according to His Will and Purpose –
Isaiah 40:3: ”The voice of him that cries in the wilderness. 'Prepare you the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God'.”</i<
Mark 1:2-3; John 1:2-3; Luke 1:76.
Why is it important to remember who the true invisible leader of the church is?🤔
God works in mysterious ways! As much as that sounds like a cliché, it really hit me this weekend.
I was on YouTube and noticed a number of strong, even conflicting, opinions among Adventists regarding some prominent church leaders—well-known preachers like Mark Finley and Doug Batchelor—sharing their views on Mr. Charlie Kirk. The comments were passionate, with people divided on whether this was appropriate or not.
As someone who grew up in the church but drifted from regular attendance, I was invited back to attend this past weekend. Maybe that explains why I ended up watching religious programming Friday night. Hearing familiar names from my childhood made me reflect.
What stood out to me—and what I even mentioned to the person who invited me—is that this is exactly why we must have our own relationship with God. Leaders, however gifted, are still human. To blindly follow anyone is risky. The divisiveness I saw in the comments reminded me that people can easily get pulled into camps around personalities or positions.
As I prayed and pondered, I couldn’t help but wonder: What does God think of all this? He sees the whole picture, beyond our debates.
Later, I opened the Sabbath School quarterly for study and stumbled across this very blog—and the question:
“Why is it important to remember who the true invisible leader of the church is?”
What perfect timing! Truly an “on-time God.”
For me, the takeaway is simple: while preachers and teachers are valuable, our faith must rest on Christ alone. He is the Head of the church, the One who never misleads, and the Shepherd who unites us.
Just my five cents—but I hope more people are awakened to that conviction. This really is a great forum for reflection and growth.
Please I don't understand the concept of cross! take! divide! and serve!
I need an explanation and structure.
David, it is a four word summary of the mission of Joshua and his leadership of the Children of Israel. Here is an expanded version to help you understand:
I hope that helps.