Secrets to Enter Your Promised Land

The word paradigm is an interesting word to consider. The definition for paradigm is "Example, pattern; especially: an outstandingly clear or typical example or archetype." The Greek word for paradigm paradeiknynai means, "to show side by side." This definition allows us to know that much of what is said in the Bible is for the purpose of being a paradigm, an example, a pattern for us to follow.

This truth is highlighted in many places in scripture. Paul in I Corinthians 10:11 stated,

"Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come."

Paul instructed Timothy in I Timothy 4:12,

"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers "

Paul also encouraged Titus in Titus 2:7,

"In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works "

Examples and patterns are important. They give us a guide as to how things are to be done. When we see a good or successful example we should follow that example if we want to experience similar success. The importance of a paradigm or an example is so significant that Jesus used this principle in teaching his disciples.

"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me " Matthew 11:29a

"For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you." John
13:15

"For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an
example, that ye should follow his steps." I Peter 2:21

We will be looking at paradigms in the Bible - examples and patterns that we should follow in this day and time. One of the important reasons the word of God was preserved throughout history was for our instruction. God wanted us to see how things were done so that we could follow the pattern. One of the main reasons the Word of God became flesh (Jesus) is because God wanted us to see how things were done so we could follow the pattern.

Our first paradigm will be that of Joshua, the successor of Moses. Joshua was responsible for leading the nation of Israel into the Promised Land. God spoke to Moses to bring the people out of bondage, but God spoke to Joshua to bring the people into liberty. Joshua's role is very significant in the plan of God for His people.

First in Line, Second in Line
Not many people have the privilege of "wearing the mantle" of a Moses, an Elijah, a David, or a Paul. These were men whom God gave the privilege of beginning a phase of the history of man men who had the privilege of being first. These are men who became the prototypes, the first example for others to follow. But Moses had his Joshua, Elijah had Elisha, David had Solomon, and Paul had his Timothy. These "second-tier" men were those who followed the first men. These were men who learned at the feet of the first examples.

These "second-tier" men are a paradigm within themselves. They are the first ones to have a heavenly and an earthly example to follow at the same time. The first men had only the voice of God giving them direction to trail-blaze a new way. They did not have an earthly or human example to follow. Moses was the first to keep the Passover. David was the first righteous king on the throne of Israel. Paul was the first to evangelize the Gentile world. But those who followed thereafter always had not only the voice of God, but also an earthly example to show them the way.

The "second-tier" men are also a paradigm within themselves because they are the first to experience the pleasure or pain of being compared to the first men. The pressure to "measure up" comes from within and without this second-tier leader. This pressure sometimes comes from God or man and is either positive or negative.

For example, every king that followed David had either one of two reputations. He either "did that which was right in the sight of the Lord according to all that his father had done" or "he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord as his fathers had done." David became the paradigm, the example of a righteous king. This comparison was positive and fair because God determines righteousness.

However people are not always as kind and fair. Unspoken expectations, unfair comparisons, jealousies, and uninformed mindsets sometimes lurk behind the smiles of those following this new leader. When the "secondtier" leader makes a decision that is disagreeable to some, statements arise like "The first leader would not have a made a decision like that," or "The first leader was a better preacher, teacher, pastor, etc " You get the picture. Added to this are the internal pressures and questions inside the heart of this new leader.

"Can I measure up to the first leader?

"Do I have what it takes to get the job done?"

"Why did God choose me?"

"Will these people like, trust, and respect me as they did the first leader?"

This is why we want to look at Joshua. Joshua was a second-tier leader who had to address these challenges in his life as the successor of Moses. He was given a great responsibility to bring thousands of people into the land of promise. What had been a dream for over 400 years was now about to become reality and it was to happen through the hand of Joshua.

The exciting ingredient in the story of Joshua is the presence of God. The assurances, the closeness, the instruction and the power of God saturate the life of Joshua. There's a pattern here for all of us to discover, whether we are leaders or not. Please walk with me through the initial stages of Joshua's new role and see the paradigm God has established for us to follow.

You will be pleasantly surprised by what we discover and faith can make his story your story!