God’s Commission to Joshua

Joshua 1:1–9
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Warren Wiersbe in his book “Be Strong"says “If the book of Joshua were fiction we might accept it as an exciting adventure story; but it conveys real history.” God spoke from heaven directly to Joshua and reassured Joshua of his appoint­ment as successor to Moses (vv. 1-3). This appointment had been given him earlier by Moses. Joshua was commanded by God to lead the Israelites and claim the land. Although the land was God’s gift to Israel it would only become theirs by hard fighting.

We may face the same six obstacles that Joshua faced:

1. Days passed (vv. 1-2a). The death of Moses. Hard to live up to the past but it was time to move forward. The saying on John Wesley’s grave helps us here: “God buries His workman, but his work goes on."
2. Dimensions overwhelming (vv. 2b-5). It had to be quite the scene. The tasks seem too big. However, when God is with you it is enough.
3. Deficiencies of self (v. 6a). Knowing our own weakness it is easy to lose resolve in the face of the enemy, but God told Joshua to “be strong."
4. Distresses (v. 6). Fear can paralyze us as we fear the process and the consequences. The task can seem massive, but God says to have courage and move forward.
5. Distractions (v. 7). God said, 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.
6. Delinquencies (vv. 8-9). His mind was to be exercised by God’s Word. If we do not study God’s Word, every challenge that comes our way will seem impossible.

Application

If I do the will of God I find that it leaves me no time to dispute about the plan of God.