Overview:
Joshua 1:1–9
Influential 18th century American preacher Jonathan Edwards experienced frustration early in his ministry. His struggles could have given him an excuse to hang up his wig and retire his frock. Yet because of a strong sense of responsibility to his mission, he sparked the Great Awakening that eventually spread throughout the 13 colonies, across denominational lines, and even into the wild frontiers of America. His commitment was expressed in 70 resolutions he had composed before the age of 20. These straightforward resolutions guided his steps toward fulfilling his personal mission of glorifying God through His preaching ministry. Yet Edwards was also a realist. He knew obstacles were inevitable, so many of his resolutions were written to address this challenge. No matter the difficulties that came before him, he resolved to continue upon the path laid out for him by God. That’s responsibility, which is our topic for this message.
Message Summary:
In this empowering message, Chuck Swindoll draws a sharp distinction between a prediction and a resolution. While predictions are merely guesses that often fail, resolutions are determinations based on conviction, discipline, and a strong sense of mission,. Using the example of 18th-century preacher Jonathan Edwards, who composed 70 life-guiding resolutions before the age of 20, Swindoll challenges listeners to take full responsibility for their spiritual walk rather than looking for excuses.
The sermon focuses on the transition of leadership in Joshua 1, where God calls Joshua to step up after the death of his mentor, Moses. Swindoll notes that despite Joshua likely being 80 years old and facing a land filled with enemies, God commanded him to be “strong and courageous”,. Swindoll outlines the three specific assurances God gave Joshua to help him face his responsibilities: the confidence of a divine calling, the wisdom of the written Word, and the guarantee of God’s personal presence,,.
Swindoll concludes by urging believers to stop blaming their age, their past, or their lack of mentors for their stagnation. Instead, he invites everyone to write down three personal resolutions, deciding beforehand to obey God regardless of the obstacles that lie ahead.
Message Key Facts:
- Prediction vs. Resolution: Swindoll defines a prediction as something based on assumptions and trends (which are often wrong, like the 1949 prediction that computers would weigh 1.5 tons). A resolution, however, is a statement of responsibility: “I take full responsibility for this occurring and by the grace of God, I will live to see it take place”,.
- Jonathan Edwards’ Resolutions: The sermon highlights the discipline of Jonathan Edwards, who wrote 70 resolutions before age 20. Swindoll cites several, including Resolution #6 (“Live with all my might while I do live”) and Resolution #14 (“Resolved never to do anything out of revenge”),.
- Joshua’s Three Obstacles: Swindoll points out that Joshua faced three major hurdles:
- Advanced Age: Citing Josephus, Swindoll suggests Joshua was likely around 80 years old.
- Loss of a Mentor: Moses was dead, requiring Joshua to lead without his guide.
- Formidable Enemies: The land was filled with walled cities and warring tribes.
- The “Roseanne Roseannadanna” Principle: Swindoll humorously quotes the Saturday Night Live character to illustrate that in life and ministry, “It’s always something”—meaning obstacles are inevitable, so we must press on.
- The Civil War Widow: Swindoll tells the story of an elderly woman in Moorefield, West Virginia, who disarmed a group of intruding Yankee soldiers simply by reading Psalm 27 (“The Lord is my light and my salvation”) and praying at her breakfast table, causing them to leave in silence,.
- The Three Foundations of Responsibility:
- Confidence of God’s Calling: Knowing you are destined for the task.
- Wisdom of the Written Word: Swindoll emphasizes that as society rejects biblical values, believers must meditate on the Book “day and night”,.
- God’s Personal Presence: The promise that “The Lord your God is with you wherever you go”.
Message References:
- Joshua 1:1–9: The primary text, detailing God’s charge to Joshua to cross the Jordan, His command to meditate on the Book of the Law, and His promise of presence,.
- Psalm 27:1–3: The scripture read by the Civil War widow: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?”.
- Deuteronomy 34 (Implied): Context regarding the death of Moses.
