Imagine a movie director. He stands in a studio before several actors, a lighting crew, camera operators and stagehands. The set is quiet and he says, "Lights! Camera!"
And that's all.
Could he make an Oscar-winning movie that way? Probably not. Because the crew and the actors need a simple word to start a scene, "Action!"
In yesterday's passage, we talked about the importance of "scoping out the land"--the act of getting a vision in mind (hopefully, something aligned with God's purpose). Having a dream is great, but it won't become reality without some action.
I like what Joshua said to the People of Israel in this passage:
"How long are you going to sit around on your hands,
putting off taking possession of the land that God,
the God of your ancestors, has given you?..."
Ouch! Interesting, right? In these verses, Joshua is saying that God actually gave the people the land, but his implication is that they need to take some action to possess it.
I realize that sounds basic, but I wonder how often scenes like this happen in the real world?
For example, I wonder how many jobs God has waiting for people...that they simply don't apply for? I wonder how many single Ms. Rights may be out there for single guys...who just don't sum up the courage to ask them out? I wonder how many churches offer life-changing teaching from the Bible...but have empty pews because people simply don't take the simple action to show up regularly?
Having a vision is great. But at some point, you usually have to move to make it happen--even though God may have already paved your way and provided the answers to your prayers.
Tomorrow: Joshua 19-21
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