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KEY TEXT: Joshua 4:14 (AMP) — “On that day the Lord magnified and exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; so they feared him [with profound awe and reverence], just as they had feared Moses all the days of his life.”

God instructed Joshua on how to send spies to Jericho and Joshua obeyed (Joshua 2:1). God then commanded Joshua on how to lead the people across the Jordan River and Joshua did exactly as He said (Joshua 3:8). After they crossed, God told Joshua to set up twelve stones as a memorial of their crossing, twelve to be placed at their camp in Gilgal, and twelve to be set where the priests stood in the midst of the river (Joshua 4:3, 8–9, 20). And Joshua faithfully did all that God commanded.

After Joshua’s obedience, “the Lord magnified and exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel.” Through simple obedience, God gave him honor and established him as a trusted leader before the nation.

Many people love and value exaltation. We often do everything we can to magnify ourselves, striving to be noticed, respected, and admired. But our human attempts at self-promotion often end in exhaustion and disappointment. “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).

“Man may lift himself up in pride and boast of his power, but in an instant God can bring him to nothingness. It is Satan’s work to lead men to glorify themselves with their entrusted talents. Every man through whom God works will have to learn that the living, ever-present, ever-acting God is supreme, and has lent him talents to use—an intellect to originate; a heart to be the seat of his throne; affections to flow out in blessing to all with whom he shall come in contact, a conscience through which the Holy Spirit can convict him of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment.” – The Youth’s Instructor, March 28, 1905, Ellen G. White.

God does not want us to magnify ourselves because self-exaltation is pride. Instead, He calls us to humility and obedience. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:6).

 “Before honor is humility. To fill a high place before men, Heaven chooses the worker who, like John the Baptist, takes a lowly place before God. The most childlike disciple is the most efficient in labor for God. The heavenly intelligences can co-operate with him who is seeking, not to exalt self, but to save souls. He who feels most deeply his need of divine aid will plead for it; and the Holy Spirit will give unto him glimpses of Jesus that will strengthen and uplift the soul. From communion with Christ he will go forth to work for those who are perishing in their sins. He is anointed for his mission; and he succeeds where many of the learned and intellectually wise would fail.” – The Desire of Ages, Page 436.3, Ellen G. White.

Joshua’s life shows that true exaltation comes not from striving, but from serving. God Himself lifts up those who are faithful. “Promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: He putteth down one, and setteth up another” (Psalm 75:6–7).

When we obey God in the small things, He entrusts us with greater responsibilities. Jesus said, “Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much” (Luke 16:10). Joshua didn’t seek fame or authority; he followed God’s instructions step by step. And in due time, God magnified him before the people.

The Sabbath is a reminder that our worth is not found in what we achieve, but in Whom we serve. It teaches us to rest from self-exaltation and to trust that God is the One who magnifies and uplifts His obedient children (Isaiah 58:13-14).

The Sabbath invites us to cease striving for recognition and to rest in God’s sovereignty. Just as Joshua rested in obedience and let God do the magnifying, so we too can rest in the assurance that God honors humility and faithfulness in His perfect time.

When we humble ourselves and serve diligently, we reflect the spirit of Christ, who said, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26). True greatness in God’s kingdom comes not from pride, but from obedience and service.

Joshua’s exaltation was not man-made; it was God-given. And the same God who exalted Joshua will exalt all who walk in faith and humility before Him.

“All true exaltation grows out of the humiliation developed in the life of Christ, shown by the wonderful sacrifice that He made to save perishing souls. He who is exalted by God must first humble himself. God has exalted Christ above every name that is named. But Christ first reached to the very depths of human woe, weaving Himself into the sympathies of the race by His meekness and gentleness. He has set an example that all who engage in his service are to follow.” – Pacific Union Recorder, February 23, 1905, par. 3, Ellen G. White.

GOD BLESS YOU!

Prayer

Almighty Heavenly Father, thank You for showing me through Joshua’s life that true exaltation comes from obedience and humility. Help me to serve You faithfully and to resist the desire for self-promotion. Teach me to wait patiently for Your time and to rest in Your promises. In Yahshua’s name, Amen.

Activity

This week, practice humility through acts of quiet obedience:

• Do a good deed for someone without seeking recognition.
• When you’re tempted to boast, instead give God the glory.
• Every day, take time to thank God for the unseen ways He is working to exalt you in His perfect timing.

Remember: When you focus on obedience, God will take care of your exaltation.

Author: Mark Alex   

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