“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.” Ephesians 6:10
Dear Ones:
When Joshua was given the responsibility of leading the people of Israel into the promised land, he was faced with a monumental task. It is true that he had seen how the Lord met Moses, guiding and providing for and through him. But now, he is alone with regard to the challenge before him. No one can fulfill the role that has been given him, and he cannot turn away from it. The words given by the Spirit of God to the Apostle Paul might have been ringing in his ears at this time: “The gifts and the calling of God are without repentance.” (Romans 11:29) How is a man, singularly commissioned to an impossible task, discharge his responsibilities in an effective and successful manner? The answer is found in basically one concept: “Faithful is He who calls you who also will do it.” (1 Thess. 5:24) Why do we begin with this concept when we address the essentials of strength and courage? If we are to overcome difficulties, obstacles, and resistance to doing the will of God, and being what we should be, then we must know Christ as our strength and courage. It will be in the measure that we see this, and rely on Christ according to the promise, that His strength and courage will become our own.
How important is this consideration of strength and courage? For Joshua it was so important that the Lord COMMANDED him: “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” (Jos. 1:9) In instructing Joshua by way of a command, the Lord is making it very clear to him that he does not have an alternative…he MUST be strong, and courageous. He must refuse all fear and dismay (disappointment leading to discouragement). If he is not to be swayed by the enormity of the challenge, the difficulty and intricacy of the task, then he must be resolutely strong to obey the Lord in all things. Also, he must be courageous in the face of the enemies that would oppose him.
After instructing the Ephesian church with regard to their standing IN Christ, and the repercussions and effects that should be known as a result, the Apostle Paul brings them to the consideration of spiritual warfare, and the implementation of that which is essential for Christ’s victory to be seen and known. He writes: “Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might…” (6:10) Please note that here again there is not an option. Strength and power are essential to live by faith. What is clear here also is that we are speaking of the strength and power of Christ, and that consequent experience of His might…certainly beyond what we could ask or think.
Dear Father, give us to see and to grasp firmly, that Christ IS our strength and power. You never ask us to stand in our own strength, for “the arm of flesh will fail” us every time. Open our eyes to see ourselves IN the Lord Jesus, and then to believe Him to give us His strength by Thy Spirit. Then we shall know Thy strength and courage in order to obey Thee, and finish the work Thou hast called us to do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad