In chapter 1, the Lord informs Joshua of his responsibilities, and afterwards, Joshua embraces his leadership role. The Lord said, “Now that my servant Moses is dead, you must lead my people across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them. I promise you what I promised Moses: “Everywhere you go, you will be on land I have given you -- from the Negev Desert in the south to the Lebanon mountains in the north, from the Euphrates River on the east to the Mediterranean Sea on the west, and all the land of the Hittites.” No one will be able to stand their ground against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.” (Joshua 1:2-5)
The Lord continues, “Be strong and courageous, for you will lead my people to possess all the land I swore to give their ancestors. Be strong and very courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed. I command you -- be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:6-9)
Wow! The Lord told Joshua to be strong and courageous three times! It sounds like God is giving us the formula for a successful LIFE! He says, “Study this Book of the Law CONTINUALLY. Meditate on it DAY and NIGHT”...for the purpose of obeying what is written. God then emphasizes, “ONLY THEN WILL YOU SUCCEED.” And if we do these things and stay strong and courageous in all of life’s circumstances instead of being afraid and discouraged, we will be successful in everything we do because God is with us wherever we go. Yes, Lord!
Joshua then tells the leaders of Israel to inform the people to prepare their belongings because they were crossing the Jordan River to take possession of land the Lord has given them in three days. “Then Joshua called together the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. He told them, “Remember what Moses, the servant of the Lord, commanded you: “The Lord your God is giving you rest and has given you this land.” Your wives, children, and cattle may remain here on the east side of the Jordan River, but your warriors, fully armed, must lead the other tribes across the Jordan to help them conquer their territory. Stay with them until the Lord gives rest to them as he has given rest to you, and until they, too, possess the land the Lord your God is giving them. Only then may you settle here on the east side of the Jordan River in the land that Moses, the servant of the Lord, gave you.” (Joshua 1:12-15)
The chapter ends with the leaders of Israel committing to Joshua as their leader, telling him to be strong and courageous, and that they will obey him just as they obeyed Moses.
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Help us to be strong and courageous as we battle circumstances in our life, for you are with us! Help us to study and meditate on your Word daily that we may be surrounded with your favor We love you!
“May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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