Tuesday, September 4

Helping Them Cross Over

I promised to introduce you to some of my "peeps" who have influenced me in ministry in a major way over the last several years... and I will keep that promise. However, instead of doing it daily, I will do it weekly. So, if you enjoyed the Influences, Part 1 post, you'll look forward to getting Part 2... next Monday. :-)

Today, though, I want to just share some things that are on my heart from the Book of Joshua, where I've been meeting the Lord regularly...

In Joshua 1:12-18, Joshua reminds the tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh about a command given to them from Moses, who has since died (read the entire dialogue between them and Moses here). Joshua says to these leaders, "Hey, God's given you YOUR land, but your brothers - the other nine and a half tribes - haven't reached that point for themselves yet... don't forget that it's your responsibility to help them!"

In essence, what Joshua was saying to then was, "Okay, God's given you rest... He's given you a nice, spacious land that will serve you well... a place where you can stretch out and do your thing. But guys... REST COMES LATER!! There is so much at stake, so much left to do so that your brothers will be able to gain their rest, as well! Right now, we need you to help them get to their place of rest!"

Wow... that's some pretty powerful stuff!! Here's my application for today from that passage:

We don't get to focus on ourselves! Just because we're "saved and going to heaven" doesn't mean we get to settle down and only think about ourselves...

Our problems...

Our families...

Our own forgiveness through Christ.

We have an OBLIGATION to help those who haven't "crossed over" to their place of "salvation rest" yet. We have a duty to fight for those who haven't experienced peace with God yet... so that they can enjoy the same kind of blessing and spiritual rest that God has given us.

That's why I'm so passionate about Mosaic reaching unchurched people... we're not called to focus on ourselves! We have to be about the business of helping people to find new life in Christ... to experience the same kind of life and freedom anf joy that He's given us.

We've gotta help others cross over...

... and we shouldn't even THINK of resting... eternity is at stake.

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