“THE WORK IS NOT FINISHED”
(Joshua 10:28 – 13:33 & 1 Chronicles 5:1-24)
“Now Joshua was old and advanced in years, and the Lord said to him, ‘You are old and advanced in years, and there remains yet very much land to possess.’” — Joshua 13:1
As I approach retirement age, our “key verse” that states, “You are old and advanced in years – yet there remains very much land to possess,” reflects our current reality. I can imagine Joshua saying, “I have fought many battles. I have witnessed walls crumble, kings fall, and the power of God leading us forward. The land is ours—at least, most of it. However, as my strength wanes, I see what remains. There is still more to be accomplished! I have taken the lead, but now the next generation must rise up. Will they move forward and claim what God has given them, or will they become complacent and fall short of the promise?”
Joshua had spent decades leading Israel in battle. Under his command, they had conquered much of the Promised Land, fulfilling what God had spoken to Moses. But when Joshua grew old, God reminded him: The mission isn’t over yet. There were still territories left unconquered, land unclaimed, and promises yet to be fulfilled.
This was a pivotal moment. The next generation had a choice: Would they build upon Joshua’s victories, advancing God’s kingdom further, or would they grow complacent and settle for less than what God had promised?
The same is true for us today. We stand on the spiritual victories of those who came before us—parents, pastors, missionaries, and leaders who fought to advance God’s kingdom. But their work is not the end of the story. We must take up the mission, press forward, and claim all God has prepared for us.
New Testament Connection:
-
- John 4:38 — “I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.”
- Philippians 3:13-14 — Paul presses forward, not settling for past achievements but striving for what lies ahead.
- Ephesians 2:10 — “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
- John 4:38 — “I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.”
Simple Truth:
The victories of the past are not the finish line—they are the foundation. God’s promises are still waiting to be claimed, and He is calling us to move forward in faith.
Reflection & Application:
- Honor the Past, Build the Future: What spiritual foundations have been laid for you? How can you build upon them?
- Seize Your Opportunity: The next chapter of God’s plan depends on your faithfulness. What step of faith is God calling you to take?
- Don’t Settle: The work of God continues. What “unfinished land” in your life—spiritual, relational, or missional—needs to be claimed?
Closing Prayer:
Father, I don’t want to stop short of Your promises. Thank You for those who came before me and paved the way. Give me the courage and faith to step forward, to build upon their legacy, and to claim all that You have prepared. May I never grow complacent but always press on for Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About our Author
Pastor James M. Armpriester, Jr. worked as a molecular biologist at Procter & Gamble for ten years before becoming a pastor. With over thirty years of experience in ministry, he has been heavily involved in church planting and church health. He has served as a district director in Ohio and North Texas and has been a national leader in curriculum development, coaching, and consulting for church planting and revitalization. Pastor Jim has been the lead pastor of several churches, including New Hope in Cincinnati, Ohio, First Assembly of God in Niagara Falls, NY, and Transformation Life Church, which has multiple campuses in New Jersey.
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