Joshua-Do Not Be Afraid





[1] After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, [2] “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. [3] Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses. [4] From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun shall be your territory. [5] No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. [6] Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. [7] Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. [8] This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. [9] Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:1-9



When my daughter was a senior in high school, she gave a recital of sorts.  She was an active member in the vocal performance arts and as tradition, their last concert of the year, the graduating members got to sing a song.  Many of the students sang to a backing track and picked a song that they loved or highlighted their vocal range.  I know I’m a mom, and always will be biased to favor my children, but outside the parental favoritism, my daughter has an incredible voice.  As a junior, she was asked to fly to San Francisco to perform at their local jazz show and was accepted into a nationally ranked singing program for university. When she took the stage, she came out with a full jazz band and belted out Cry Me a River by Ella Fitzgerald.  In that moment, we were transported from a high school talent show to a stunningly raw rendition of a jazz legend where the singer did not hold back.  Afterwards, I turned to my husband and said, “I would hate to be the kid who has to sing after that!” 


Let me attempt to connect this nostalgic memory to a biblical narrative.  When those familiar with the Old Testament think of spiritual leadership within Israel, many figures come to mind—perhaps Abraham, Elijah, or David.  Moses likely take a prominent place on that list.  Many argue, he was the greatest leader, as he was God’s chosen instrument to perform miracles before Pharaoh, lead God’s enslaved people out of Egypt, receive the 10 commandment, and serve as the mediator between God and man as the people lived in the desert for 40 years.  


Now imagine you are the person asked to step into guiding God’s people after Moses?  How would you feel?  Would the people expect the same great things from you that they did from Moses?  Would you feel the pressure to make things happen on your own or would you continue to trust God as Moses did?  Enter Joshua. 


Just like my daughter sang so well that I’m sure no one wanted to follow her performance, Joshua, the apprentice of Moses must have had apprehension about following this spiritual giant.  


If we look at the book of the Pentateuch, we see that God had prepared Joshua to lead.  He had seen God’ unique relationship with Moses and witnessed the miracle of God through the Red Sea and provision of manna.  He saw what happened as a leader when Moses lost his temper (struck the rock) and was told he couldn’t enter the promised lands.  He witnessed the giving of the 10 commandments and dedication of the temple.  He saw the face of Moses shine after spending time with God.  He was one of the original spies sent to preview the land of Canaan that God wanted to give Israel and was faithful to say they could take the land, even though it was inhabited by giants.  


Yet in life, no matter how prepared we are and how ready we are for what is next.  Some things still seem too big for us.  So how does God transition His nation’s new leader?  What words does He give Joshua, who will go before the people as the enter the promised land? Be strong and courageous. 


At first glance, these words may seem a bit inadequate.  We need to hear them when we feel weak and afraid.  If words alone had the power to cause emotional change, we would give ourselves a pep talk and the struggle would be gone.  No one likes to feel afraid…yet what modifies the command to courage makes confidence possible.  God is telling Joshua to be strong and empty courage in the face of this task became God commits to be with him.  


V.5 No man shall be Abel to and before you all the days of your life.  Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.  I will never leave you or forsake you. 

God is calling Joshua to an incredible task.  Arise, cross the Jordan, the land is yours but you must battle the inhabitants there to claim it.  I promised this land to my people when Moses was in charge but you are the one to make it so.  God has equipped him, but there is much land and many people to overtake.  Yet he can be strong because it is the power of God doing the work.  Joshua is not alone or forsaken.  God is the faithful one able to bring every promise to pass. 


Yet there is a condition on the success of Joshua—be careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you.  The first five books of the Bible, the Book of the law, should be shall not depart his mouth but be a meditation for his life and leadership.  Joshua needs to know the law because He needs to know the thoughts, will, and precepts of the God of the people He is called to lead.  God will be with Joshua as Joshua lean on God’s word—an extension of HIm. 


Jesus has this same view of God’s word.  It is essential when in the battle.  When tempting Jesus in the wilderness, Satan tells Jesus to satisfy His hunger by turning stones into bread (Matthew 4).  Jesus instead reminds Satan that we are to feel our life beyond the physical by feasting on the word of God.  Obeying God’s word is a way to draw near to God, to be sure of the love and presence of the Father.  In 1 John 5:


For this is the love of God, that we keep His commands.  And his commandment are not burdensome. 


Dear reader, are you afraid?  Are you leaning on your own power?  Are you doubting the faithfulness of God to do what he said?  Are you in transition and unsure that you can follow God to the next thing He has called you to?  The God of Joshua is your God.  Hear him say, be strong and courageous.  Lean on my word, memorize it, internalize it, fall on it and I will be with you.  I will never lead you.  Your courage will come from you alignment to God’s word, your trust in the knowledge that to the one who builds there life on truth, will always stand with God in their midst.  



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