Dear Ones:
Joshua begins his book in a very deliberate, factually realistic manner: “Now after the death of Moses, the servant of the Lord…” (Josh. 1:1) He goes on to write that the Lord then told him, “Moses, my servant is dead, now therefore arise, go…” (v.2) Most certainly the fact that Moses was no longer present as an example, help, inspiration, made a very deep impression on Joshua. And the Lord wanted him to realize this. Why? Because the time had come for Joshua to know the Lord in a deeper way. Now Christ would of necessity need to be to him a living, present reality, upon whom he would count for everything. How does the Lord deal apply this expanded venture to the life of Joshua? First of all, by the commandment that he is to rise up, and go over the Jordan, taking the people of Israel with him that they would inherit the land. With the commandment comes the promise of victory: “Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon….there shall not any man be able to stand before you all the days of thy life.” (v.4-5) Every place, and no man…these are the promises associated with the commandment to “arise” and “go.”
Question: How can Joshua accept such a “commission?” How can he fill the shoes of Moses, in the face of such a daunting task? Again, the answer comes from the Lord, and it is directed at what Joshua must BE…but BE by the grace of God. He has prefaced this requirement by declaring to Joshua: “I will be with thee; I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” (v.5) The promise of His presence is also the commitment of His resources…His unfailing resources. This declaration reminds us of Christ’s words to the apostle Paul, “…my grace IS sufficient for thee.” But, specifically, what must Joshua CHOOSE to be, by the grace of God?
“Have not I COMMANDED thee? Be strong (1) and of a good courage (1). Be not afraid (3), neither be thou dismayed (4): for the Lord thy God IS with thee, whithersoever thou goest.” (v.9) There is no leeway here…the attitude of Joshua is to be one of strength (Christ’s strength), and Christ’s courage. All fear is to be refused, as well as the disappointment that leads to discouragement. If Joshua is to fulfill his mission, then he must believe God for the strength which He supplies through His immortal Son. And so do we. This is why Paul writes to the Ephesians, “Be strong IN THE LORD and in the power of HIS might…” This is what we are to be, and it will be so, as we are looking unto Jesus, believing Him for His life to be revealed in us…today.
Love, Dad