You are to help them, until the Lord gives them rest, as he has done for you.
Joshua 1:14b–15a

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READ: Joshua 1:10–18

Have you ever completed a huge task, having done all that was asked of you—and then been told, “But wait! There’s more!” Maybe your parents asked you to mow the lawn, which you did. Then they ask you to mow the lawn of your elderly neighbor. Or perhaps your PE teacher told everyone to run four laps around the track, then added on a fifth lap for good measure. You thought you were finished—but now you have further to go. It feels like a bait-and-switch.

After wandering around in the desert for 40 years, the twelve tribes of Israel could see the Promised Land just across the Jordan River. It was time to cross the Jordan, conquer the land, and begin taking possession of their new home.

But two-and-a-half of those tribes (Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh) were already home: God had given them the land east of the Jordan River. No need to cross the river and fight. They were already home. And yet Joshua was now asking these tribes to send all their men of fighting age to help their brothers (the other tribes) fight battles and take possession of their new homes.

Joshua knew it would take all of God’s people to accomplish all of God’s plan. It was an all-hands-on-deck situation. And those tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh rose to the occasion and obeyed: “Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you” (1:16–17a).

Christ followers today face an “all-hands-on-deck” situation where it will take all of God’s people to accomplish all of God’s plan. By the world’s standards, most of us in the United States live comfortable lives, and it’s so tempting to simply rest. But God’s plan, in the words of Jesus, is to “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39), and many of our neighbors, both at home and abroad, face battles where our help would make all the difference. Will we fall into complacency, thinking we’ve done our part and deserve a little rest? Or will we obey the words of Jesus and love our neighbors as ourselves, even when it means leaving home or rest behind?

A STORY OF THEN & NOW

Qualified by Grace | Scott P. | Willow South Barrington

My journey has been one paved by God’s grace, His unmistakable sense of humor, and the surprising opportunities He kept laying before me. Looking back, it’s clear: none of this was about my qualifications. It was always about walking through doors He opened—and seeing how He can use the least likely candidate for the job.

It all started with grace—God’s relentless, undeserved favor in my life. After a season of drifting, I found myself coming to grips with His grace and second chances. He welcomed me back in—not just into relationship with Him, but into participation in His kingdom work. That alone is still hard to comprehend.

Then came the laughter. God has a wild, surprising sense of humor. Every ministry opportunity He opened up for me, I was totally unequipped for. No degrees. No background. No reason— except Him. When the invitation came to join Willow’s Global Team and partner with churches in Africa during the earlier days of the HIV/AIDS crisis, I said yes, even though I had no idea what I was stepping into. And that yes changed everything.

What followed was a front-row seat to seeing the Church at work—local African churches rising up in compassion, dignity, and strength to serve those suffering from disease, poverty, and injustice. I got to witness hope take root in hard soil.

More than twenty years later, that opportunity continues. So does God’s grace. And yes— so does His sense of humor. I’ve never been qualified. But I’ve always sought to be obedient. And somehow, that’s been enough. Thank you, Jesus.

DID YOU KNOW?

The word “rest” in Joshua 1:13 means more than taking a break, a nap, or a day off from work. It’s an important Old Testament concept implying secure borders, peace with neighboring countries, and absence of threat to life and well-being within the land.

A PRAYER

God, keep me mindful of the battles my neighbors face every day. Help me be an all-hands-on-deck Christ follower who is quick to leave my position of rest to help them f ight their battles, obeying Your command to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Amen.

FOR REFLECTION

Joshua gave his men three days to prepare for the battle that lay ahead. How might you spend three days preparing to take on a battle on behalf of others?

The fighting men of the two-and-a-half tribes mirrored back God’s words to their leader, Joshua: “Be strong and courageous.” Describe a time when those you led encouraged you. How might you encourage a leader in your life?