[A ‘Tuesday Challenge‘ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during July 2026]
Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Matthew 7 v24 [NIVUK]
Last week we discussed the merits of hearing or not hearing, but there are other stages beyond hearing, including listening and responding. Listening implies more than just hearing; it requires a greater degree of attention. Our response can be prompt or delayed, and can be positive, negative or indifferent.
Our ability to listen and respond may be hampered by distractions, fatigue or perhaps the feeling that we have done enough already. It has been said that the greatest danger to spiritual progress is not tomorrow’s challenge but today’s complacency.[1]
Joshua had every reason to rest on his achievements. He had led the Israelite army into the Promised Land, taking possession of the land and defeating 31 kings in the process.[2] However, when he might have been considering retirement, God spoke to him again:
When Joshua had grown old, the Lord said to him, ‘You are now very old, and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over’.
Joshua 13 v1 [NIVUK]
Would we have been tempted to respond with “Give me a break, Lord”?
Are we tempted to respond like Moses:
But Moses said, ‘Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.’
Exodus 4 v13 [NIVUK]
In due course, Moses recognised that God would provide all that was necessary to complete his calling. Joshua was trained by the older man and he too learnt the same. The book that bears his name describes how he did indeed continue with his own calling. The details of his assignment changed but the focus remained the same.
For those who are young in faith, are we willing to learn from those who are more experienced?
For those who are more mature, are we willing to train and encourage those who are less experienced?
The apostle Paul wrote to a young man who had been his protege:
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
2 Timothy 4 v7 [NIVUK]
As for us, could it be that there is still more to be done?
References:
[1] Provost Evans Omollo, All Saints’ Cathedral Nairobi, 12/Jul/2026
[2] Joshua 12
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Last week’s reflection: Are YouDeaf?
Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © Steve Humphreys