January 26
Joshua 1.6-9
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.”
For clarity, these are words from God to Joshua. And three times God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous. Strength and courage. Things that are valued in the larger society, but maybe in different ways. Thinking of physical strength. Courage being seen in acts of bravery. But there are deeper meanings to these words for Joshua as he listens to God prepare him to lead the people.
Strength being a part of the character. The things that lead to strength that are mentioned deal with knowing God and his words. Holding on to God’s teachings and God’s leading as Joshua leads the people. Knowing that God is the one leading him to lead.
Courage also being about character. Knowing that God is truly in charge and leading. Seeing that it is about a confidence in God that will bring Joshua to be able to lead well. Not because Joshua is so good or wise, but because God says that he is using Joshua to lead the people that God has claimed as his own. It rests in God.
Soon Joshua will give direction and encouragement to the people as they prepare to enter the land. And at the end of that the people give their statement of obedience to God and their willingness to follow with Joshua. And they end their statement of faith and following with those same words: Be strong and courageous. Not Joshua to them, but they speak those words to Joshua as well.
As we follow together may we all be strong and courageous in listening to God and serving him. As we see the ones God gives to lead us may we also bless them with these words: Be strong and courageous.
Song – I Will Follow
Prayer
Merciful God, you call us to follow; to turn away from our own selfish interests, and to take up our cross and follow after you, even if the path is difficult to see, or is heading in a direction we would never have chosen for ourselves.
Forgive us for being so quick to question and so hesitant to follow. Help us to see with the eyes of faith, rather than from our own human point of view.
Teach us to follow without fear, knowing that you are always with us, leading the way. Amen.