The Death of Moses
After the death of Moses, the beloved leader of Israel, the nation mourned for thirty days. Once the season of grieving had ended, it was time for the Israelites to resume their journey to the promised land. This presented legitimate problems on two major fronts.
First, despite their many years of grumbling and complaining, the Israelites didn’t possess a clear plan for moving forward. The second, and far greater problem was they no longer had a leader to take them to their desired destination.
A New Leader
What the Israelites had failed to realize is that God is never without a plan, nor is He without a person. While they spent their time between leaders unproductively worrying, God who owns time was actively at work preparing and transitioning a new leader. There was no fanfare or public ceremony introducing Joshua, Moses’ apprentice to his new position. God simply spoke saying,
God had a plan.
God had a pathway.
God had a person.
Moses, my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you [Joshua] to lead these people… across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them. (Joshua 1:2 NLT)
Succeeding a Legend
Can you even imagine the potential thoughts reeling through Joshua’s mind? On the one hand, it was an honor to be chosen by God for His purposes. On the other hand, the thought of stepping into Moses’ sandals had to be incredibly intimidating!
Let’s face it, Moses was not simply a great leader, he was God’s intimate friend. He was a legend, boldly opposing Pharaoh, walking in the miraculous power of God, bravely leading the Israelites through the Red Sea. Unquestionably, this would be a hard act to follow!
And if this weren’t daunting enough, Joshua’s first assignment was to lead the people through the Jordan River!
A God-Sized Assignment
The communication between God and Joshua on his inauguration day would best be described as a monologue as only God spoke. If by chance Joshua was mentally formulating a response, it was never uttered. Yet, as Yahweh began sharing amazing promises with him, any potential need he had of questions he might address was no longer a concern.
Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you. No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. …I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. (Joshua 1:3&5 NLT)
God would position him. God would protect him. God would be with him. God is enough!
Only Be
God is faithful and He always keeps His promises. This knowledge should be all the motivation we ever need to walk courageously in our unique assignments. Unfortunately, as flawed humans, we are prone to forget the truth that God works through us to accomplish His purposes. God knows this to be true of us and suspected it to be true of Joshua. So as a means of empowering him, He reminded him, not of what he would need to do, but rather of what he would need to be, “strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:6 NLT).
To emphasize the significance of this charge, God restated His words to Joshua, not once, not twice, but rather a total of three times, with the final charge including a command and a stellar promise!
This is my command—be strong and courageous [Joshua]! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For [I will be] with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9 NLT).
What an empowering exhortation! What an amazing promise! What an awesome God! And the very same words and promise that God spoke over Joshua, He speaks over us today!
So perhaps, take some time to consider the unique assignment(s) God has entrusted to you. And as you do, be encouraged knowing your potential for success is not based on what you do; instead it is a matter of what God has made you to be,
STRONG & COURAGEOUS.
Pray
Father God, thank you for empowering me with strength and courage to accomplish your purposes. It is a privilege to know you and an honor to serve you. Thank you for your promise to always be with me in whatever I do and wherever I go. You are an awesome God, and I am forever grateful, amen.
Extend grace to others!
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Community Question of the Week
What assignments, tasks, or opportunities has God entrusted to you that will require Godly courage and strength to accomplish? Encourage others with your response HERE!
Worship
