One of the great leaders of all time has died. A man who was not only beloved, but revered. Joshua is taking Moses’s place as the leader of God’s chosen people. The son of Nun was one of the two faithful spies from Israel’s first stop at the Promised Land’s threshold. Now, he is Jehovah’s pick to lead her, two generations later. In the phrase “Be strong and courageous,” God is giving Joshua words of encouragement. Those reasons should encourage us as well.
“Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them.” (Josh. 1:6). God had a purpose for Joshua’s life. He would lead God’s people into the land of promise. God has a purpose for us as well. We are chosen to be His children in Christ (Eph. 1). Our mission is to lead others to the Lord and to His land of promise through sharing the Gospel (Mt. 28:18-20).
“Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go.” (Josh. 1:7). God not only had a plan for Joshua’s life, but He also had a will for him to follow. We don’t have to stumble through life wondering which way to go (Eph. 4:14). We can know which way to go by following God’s word (Psa. 119:105).
“Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua1:9). God tells Joshua that He is with him. What do we have to worry or fear knowing that? God is with us (Heb. 13:5; Rom. 8:38-39; I Cor. 3:16; Rev. 3:20). Of course, the truth is God is always with us. The question is whether or not we are allowing Him to be with us. Are we drawing near to Him?
God has a plan for our lives. He has given us His will to give our life direction. He has promised to always be with us. Joshua found out that when he followed God’s plan and will, he was blessed. We are also blessed when we face life with Him. We do not have to face life with uncertainty, timidity, or fear. We can face today and whatever it holds, “Strong and Courageous,” with the Lord!
