Filed under: Uncategorized
After Moses passed on, Joshua had huge shoes to fill as the next leader of the children of Israel. He had a huge mission – to lead the people into the Promised Land. This was something that Moses did not even have a chance to do personally.
How did he feel? I believe he was feeling apprehensive, uncertain, perhaps a little fearful even. I am sure he had struggled with many doubts in his heart. I am sure he had toyed with the idea of backing out as the leader of Israel. He must have felt pressurised. How bad was it? It was so bad that everyone around him had to assure him.
Moses, his mentor, had to assure him.
Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Then Moses called Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and of good courage, for you must go with this people to the land which the LORD has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall cause them to inherit it. – Deut 31:6-7
Then He inaugurated Joshua the son of Nun, and said, “Be strong and of good courage; for you shall bring the children of Israel into the land of which I swore to them, and I will be with you.” – Deut 31:23
The children of Israel, the people under him, had to assure him.
Just as we heeded Moses in all things, so we will heed you. Only the LORD your God be with you, as He was with Moses. Whoever rebels against your command and does not heed your words, in all that you command him, shall be put to death. Only be strong and of good courage.” – Jos 1:17-18
God Almight had to assure him.
Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. – Jos 1:6-7
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” – Jos 1:9
Now the LORD said to Joshua: “Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; take all the people of war with you, and arise, go up to Ai. See, I have given into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land. – Jos 8:1
Though Joshua had fear and doubts, he was encouraged by the Lord, his mentor and even the people he was leading. The Lord even exalted Joshua before the people.
And the LORD said to Joshua, “This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. – Jos 3:7
And the LORD said to Joshua, “This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. – Jos 4:14
In the end, he rose above the circumstances, his inadequacies, his inferiority and did might exploits for the Lord.
Jos 6 – talks about the destruction of Jericho
Jos 8 – talks about the fall of Ai
Jos 10 – talks about the execution of Amorite Kings and the conquest of the Southland
Jos 11 – talks about the Northern Conquest
Sometimes we let doubts, inferiority and challenges overshadowed what God has called us to do. Sometimes we struggle with apprehension and fear. But as we hold on to the hope of the Words that are spoken forth, it brings forth life, the life to do move on with God, the life that empowers us to fight a good fight of faith, the life that will enables us to conquer our difficulties, just like Joshua.
SO BE COURAGEOUS AND CONQUER!
At the end of the day, we we can be like Paul who said ‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.’
Irene Chia
P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail
Leave a Comment so far
Leave a comment
