Read Joshua 1:1-9 NIV
1 After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. 3 I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. 4 Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. 5 No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.
7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
The overall message in Joshua 1:1-9 is that true strength comes from divine guidance and obedience, not self-reliance. It is that kind of strength that provides courage for overwhelming tasks.
God formally appoints Joshua to succeed Moses and lead the Israelites across the Jordan River into Canaan.
God repeatedly tells Joshua, “Be strong and courageous,” because He will be with him, ensuring victory over enemies.
Joshua is instructed to meditate on the Book of the Law day and night and carefully follow it for success, ensuring prosperity and good fortune.
God assures Joshua, “The Lord your God is with you wherever you go,” a promise that serves as the foundation for courage and success.
These verses offer a timeless message for believers, encouraging them to be courageous in their faith, drawing strength from God’s presence and His Word, even when facing daunting challenges.
In essence, it’s a passage about divine commissioning, the necessity of faith-based courage, and the path to success through obedience to God’s law, all empowered by His constant presence. Where do you need the kind of faith that God called Joshua to? What is God calling you to, and how can you rely on His promises and His strength today?
