Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Strength and Courage

Joshua 1:1-18

Moses had died and been buried; Joshua had been given his authority and responsibility. Now what? They were still in the wilderness, but just at the edge of the Jordan River. All they had to do was cross over and they would be in their Promised Land to live as God had said. And just as God had done for Moses, he provided Joshua with wise counsel and encouragement.

God gave Joshua his mission, to lead the people across the Jordan, and gave him encouragement to accomplish it - he promised to go with him. I can imagine how Joshua must have felt. He had been assisting Moses for the 40 years the Israelites were wandering through the wilderness. He had seen a few things, learned a few things and grown a lot, but now it was his turn. He knew it was coming; Moses had made the announcement, but now he actually had to step up and be the leader he had been preparing to be all those years.

That must have been at least a little bit unsettling. After all, he wasn't leading just any group of people to any old place. He was leading God's people to their Promised Land. There were still nations to be conquered and territory to be established, and he was in charge of the whole operation. But God spoke to him and confirmed his role. He promised to be there with him and not leave him - just as he did for Moses. That last part is important, because it gave him a frame of reference. God was very faithful to Moses and the Israelites under his leadership. So, that small qualifier was probably a huge relief for Joshua.

Then God gave him encouragement - be strong and courageous. Now, one might have considered this just a pat on the back as he walked out the door, or perhaps a courteous word as he starts his new job. Except for the fact that God said it three times! So, I'm guessing he really meant it. This new task was not going to be easy, so he really wanted to ingrain in Joshua that strength and courage would be required to accomplish his mission. And just to be sure he had it down, when Joshua went before the people to give them the instructions God had for them, the people told him the same thing! How's that for confirmation?

When God has something for us to do, he will tell us what it is, show us how to do it and stay with us to help us get it done. It may not always be something simple and he may not always give us all the instructions at once. But, we can rest assured that God will give us everything we need to succeed; it is his name on the line, not ours.

Thank you, Lord, for encouragement - for courage and strength. Thank you for reminding us of your faithfulness and preparing us to do your will. Help us, God, to do that in just the way you desire, so that you get all the glory. Go with us, Lord, as we accomplish the tasks you set for us, so we have no reason to doubt or fear. We will praise you along the way, all the way until you have fulfilled our victory. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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