How can we apply the call to support others in our church community? The Setting in Joshua 1:12 “Then Joshua said to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh,” (Joshua 1:12) The next verses fill out the charge: “Remember what Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you when he said, ‘The LORD your God is giving you rest, and He has granted you this land.’ Your wives, your children, and your livestock may remain in the land that Moses gave you east of the Jordan, but all your mighty men of valor must be ready for battle and must cross over ahead of your brothers and help them, until the LORD gives them rest as He has done for you…” (Joshua 1:13-15) God had already settled these eastern tribes, yet they were ordered to take up arms so the rest of Israel could enter their inheritance. Their obedience models active, sacrificial support for the family of faith. A Principle That Crosses the Centuries • Blessing carries responsibility. • Personal rest never exempts us from helping the rest of God’s people reach theirs. • God’s command was not optional; it was integral to covenant faithfulness. New Testament Echoes • “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) • “Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.” (Romans 12:13) • “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds…” (Hebrews 10:24-25) The pattern continues: those enjoying grace are to extend that grace in tangible ways. Practical Steps for Today Spiritual support • Pray deliberately for fellow believers by name. • Attend worship and small-group gatherings faithfully—presence itself encourages. • Speak Scripture into one another’s lives (Colossians 3:16). Emotional support • Offer a listening ear; sometimes bearing burdens begins with quiet attention. • Send timely words of encouragement—texts, notes, phone calls. Material support • Share resources when needs surface (Acts 2:44-45). • Keep a grocery or gas card on hand for immediate help. • Contribute skill sets—car repair, tutoring, tech help, childcare. Ministry support • Volunteer in church ministries even when your own schedule feels “settled.” • Mentor younger believers; invite them into your home and rhythms of life. • Use spiritual gifts intentionally: “Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.” (1 Peter 4:10) Guarding the Heart While Serving • Maintain humility: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition… consider others more important than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3-4) • Serve from gratitude, not guilt; remember how Christ served us (John 13:14-15). • When support feels costly, recall the ultimate pattern: “Though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor.” (2 Corinthians 8:9) The Blessing That Follows As the eastern tribes helped their brothers, the entire nation entered rest together. When a church family shoulders one another’s loads: • Needs are met quickly and quietly. • Unity deepens; divisions shrink. • Outsiders glimpse the gospel lived out (John 13:35). The command recorded in Joshua 1:12-15 is historical fact, preserved so we would emulate its spirit today. The same God who promised Israel rest now empowers us to make sacrifices that lead our brothers and sisters into the fullness of His promises. |
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