STRONG AND COURAGEOUS
Joshua 1:1–11, 16–18
In Deuteronomy 34, we read about the end of Moses’ life. This incredible leader who had delivered his people from slavery in Egypt is on the cusp of seeing them fulfill the Lord’s promise to enter Canaan. From a mountaintop in Moab, he views the promised land and understands he will not be permitted to join them because of his disobedience to God’s command to speak to the rock. Instead of speaking to the rock, Moses struck the rock.
Joshua, whose name means “God saves,” was a member of the tribe of Ephraim. His name was changed from Hoshea to Joshua by Moses. He was a faithful assistant to Moses and a strong military leader. He accompanied Moses to Mount Sinai. Joshua was one of the 12 spies sent into the land. He was staunch in his faith and trust in God.
God’s Promise (1–5)
The Book of Joshua starts with the stunning statement, “Moses my servant is dead.”
Moses had been the only leader a generation of Israelites had ever known. He is the one who spoke with God as a friend.
Against that backdrop, Joshua is appointed by God to be the new leader. They are camped by the shore of the Jordan River. Joshua’s first assignment is to prepare them for entry and conquest of the promised land.
God renews the Abrahamic covenant with Joshua as He had with Moses. God says, “I have given you every place where the sole of your foot treads.”
God keeps His promises. He had promised Abraham that He would make of him a great nation and bless all nations through them.
The covenant would be based upon God’s faithfulness and not the performance or faithfulness of Israel. There is no shadow of turning with God. He is faithful.
Joshua’s Assignment (6–11)
Joshua’s assignment was going to require courage. There are four kinds of courage: physical, social, emotional and moral. Joshua would need all four types. Biblical courage is a God-centered strength that enables action despite fear. It is rooted in faith that God is present, powerful, protecting His people and honoring His promises.
In verses 6, 7 and 9, God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous. It would take strength and courage to lead the children of Israel to the rightful conquest of Canaan. God promised to be with Joshua as He had been with Moses. However, every promise comes with a premise, and the premise here is to “observe carefully the whole instruction my servant Moses commanded you.” The promise that follows states, “You will have success wherever you go.”
Israel’s Response (16–18)
Following the commands of the Lord, Joshua went through the camp commanding the people to prepare to cross the Jordan River and enter the promised land.
The people were unified in their response. They agreed to do everything he commanded them. There were to be dire consequences for anyone who refused to follow Joshua’s direction. It is interesting to note that the Reubenites, the Gadites and half the tribe of Manasseh were promised the land on the western side of Jordan, so they wouldn’t be crossing over.
We should be ready to follow God’s commands as we receive them. The ideas in the old hymn “Trust and Obey” are as true today as they were in the Book of Joshua.
By Don Fugate
Senior pastor of Foxworthy Baptist Church in San Jose, California
