The Lord’s Encouraging Words
Joshua 1:1-11
Immediately after assuming the mantle of leadership from Moses, Joshua faced a daunting task – to lead God’s people into the promised land. In his new role, Joshua would endure obstacles tied to his own people, such as the sin of Achan (Joshua 7), and obstacles related to his enemies, such as the military coalition formed by Jabin of Hazor (Joshua 11). Knowing full well, then, the challenges his servant would encounter, the Lord spoke encouraging words to prepare him for the task ahead.
What did the Lord say? First, the Lord promised to give the Hebrews the land (vv. 3-4). More specifically, he declared that he would give them every place upon which they set their feet (v. 3). From north to south, the land would stretch from Lebanon to the desert, while from east to west it would reach from the Euphrates to the Mediterranean (v. 4). Interestingly, references to the land as God’s gift continue throughout the writing (more than 50 times). Joshua would lead the Hebrews into the land, but God would give it to them.
Second, the Lord promised Joshua that he would be with him (v. 5). Not only did the Lord declare that he would be with Joshua, he would be with him just as he was with Moses. For his ministry, then, Joshua could expect the same divine power that his mentor possessed. The Lord further elaborates on his promise by declaring that he would never leave or forsake Joshua. He would remain faithfully by his side at all times.
Third, the Lord commanded Joshua to show courage (vv. 6-7, 9). Three separate times the Lord told Joshua to “be strong and courageous.” When Scripture wishes to emphasize an idea, it employs repetition. God was adamant, then, that Joshua display a spirit of boldness toward the task ahead.
Fourth, and finally, the Lord commanded Joshua to obey his commands (vv. 7-8). The Lord told Joshua to take care to follow the law of Moses so that he would be successful in the land (v. 7). God further stressed the importance of keeping his commands by instructing Joshua to meditate on them day and night so that he and the people would prosper (v. 8). Only in following God’s word diligently would he find success in the land.
Though Joshua’s call to lead people into the promised land was unique, the Lord still calls his people to accomplish tasks marked by tremendous challenges, such as leading, sharing the gospel, and opposing evil in the world. If he has placed a task before you, reflect on the Lord’s words of encouragement to Joshua and affirm them as your own.
Bryant– Lessons by Michael Bryant, assistant professor of religion at Charleston Southern University. Bryant has a B.S. in history from Charleston Southern and a Ph.D. in New Testament from Southeastern Seminary.