Patterned Living

One of my favorite scriptures is Joshua 24:15, where he states, “as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” What brought him to this stand? He is one of two Israelites that God delivered from slavery into the Promised Land, mind you with 40 years of wondering between the Exodus and the entry into the Promised Land. Whenever I think of this I can’t help but think of a song my piano teacher Mrs. Buck had me practice over and over for a recital “because you have such long fingers you can make it roll”. Years later after studying this story in scripture I can easily imagine Joshua singing this song not that I would now be able to accompany him by any means.

Exodus

This land is mine, God gave this land to me
This brave and ancient land to me
And when the morning sun reveals her hills and plain
Then I see a land where children can run free

So take my hand and walk this land with me
And walk this lovely land with me
Though I am just a man, when you are by my side
With the help of God, I know I can be strong

Though I am just a man, when you are by my side
With the help of God, I know I can be strong

To make this land our home
If I must fight, I'll fight to make this land our own
Until I die, this land is mine

(Artist: Andy Williams
Music written for 1960 film "Exodus" by Ernest Gold, who won an Oscar for the
score. Words added in 1961 by Pat "White Bucks" Boone as "This Land Is Mine."
Various versions charted in 1961 by Ferrante and Teicher (#2); Mantovani (#31);
Eddie Harris (jazz rendition, #36); Pat Boone (#64); and Edith Piaf (#116))

When I think of Joshua I think of someone with resolve, determined, dependent & faithful. How does a person develop those traits? Without GOD I think it’s impossible! Joshua was prepared and encouraged along his journey to be the leader God used to bring His people into the land He promised them. God’s will is for us to always posses the Promised Land, in order for us to reach it we must choose Whom to serve. Plain and simple we must choose God no matter what environment we find ourselves in.

The persons after whom we pattern ourselves will have a definite effect on us. A person committed to God provides the best model for us. When I think of a pattern I remember my Grandmother who was a great seamstress (she even made my wedding dress). Patterns are a delicate outline of something yet to be made. They give shape, size and instruction for the seamstress to pin to a material, cut out, mark and then sew together. Depending on who you are it can be confusing or frustrating to get the pattern laid out just right. How easy it is to get stuck (no pun intended) in the lower story. I’ve started many a project and got “stuck” in the lower story and never finished. Not my Grandma, if she were here today I would be sitting at her feet learning from her years of wisdom. You could describe what you wanted she would pull out a little note pad sketch out your description, take some measurements and next the next time you’d be over it would be hanging up ready for you to take home. She amazed me at her ability to sew and I always wondered how in the world she could do that. When you do something over and over again you learn what to do and what not to do. Hopefully you do if you pay any mind to it.

All of this brings me back to Joshua, he experienced the bondage that slavery brings, he experienced the plagues and God’s deliverance, he walked through the Red Sea on dry land. He was chosen to be one of the twelve spies sent out to explore the land of Canaan and one of two that returned with a favorable report. He lived and walked alongside the people of Israel amidst all the grumbling and wondering. He was chosen to be Moses assistant and was his constant shadow. Faithful - Patterned living at its best!

And yet God still had to tell him in Joshua 1:6 “Be strong and courageous” and then again in verse 7 “Be strong and very courageous”. We must be obedient not turning to the left or right but focused, obedient and determined to live life God’s way on God’s terms.

We might not have had the best patterns growing up. Nothing’s impossible with God! We might be the pattern no one else should follow. Nothing’s impossible with God! You might find yourself saying, I’ve done so much, I’ve been so unfaithful, I just didn’t know. Have HOPE, if you are reading this then it’s not too late. Make a choice today whom you will serve. Who’s it going to be? Self, others, stuff or the Almighty Living God? Make the right choice today and fall flat on your face tomorrow? I have one promise for you. God is there ask Him to help you back up and lead you to the place of promise He has for you. God is faithful! Seek Him above all else.

We have been graced with the patterned living of Christ. Whatever your pattern has been, whatever your life has looked like so far turn it over to God and receive the fullness of life Christ died to give you.

Choose this day Whom you will serve – serve Christ because he has served you!