Imagine Joshua's position - he's been under Moses' wing for a while (since getting the Commandments), and has even seen it coming that he'd be in charge next. He's just been waiting for that moment. Ever been there? Have you ever known some big responsibility was coming your way ... and felt totally unprepared for it? Moses was basically the leader of millions. He lead the Israelites through battle, famine, natural disasters, judicial affairs ... and now he's gone.
Why be strong and courageous? Couldn't he be just an okay leader - enough to get by? Yahweh had two reasons for Joshua to be strong and courageous. 1) Joshua had a huge task in front of him. "I've promised you this land. Now go get it." He had to have these qualities to face the challenge that was in front of him. The second reason Joshua had to be these things because of a promise (and promises made by Yahweh never fail): v 9, "do not be terrified; do not be discouraged for your God Yahweh will be with you wherever you go." In other words, "Don't get down kid, I've got your back. And in case you forgot: my name's I AM. That's who has your back."
Wouldn't it be cool if we had that same promise - that the God of the ages is with us wherever we go; something that would take away our fear and enable us to charge ahead? Matthew 10:19, 26, 31, 14:27, 28:20, John 16:33, Romans 8:31, Philippians 4:13, etc. etc.
it is so funny to me how quick we are to forget that the God of the ages IS with us wherever we go. like, you would think, that's kid of a big deal... you should definitely not forget that information. but, so quick. all the time people around me remind me that wherever i am next year HE will go with me so i dont need to worry about leaving whatever is here... but why do i always forget? it SHOULD enable me to charge ahead, and when i remember... it does. but its definitely hard to remember!
ReplyDeleteand this has nothing to do with your back?
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