In 1963, while I was driving Jack Wyrtzen from Dayton
to Youngstown, Ohio for an evening youth rally the
announcement came over the car radio that President
... More
Obstacles
God spoke from heaven directly to Joshua to reassure him of his appointment Moses’ successor (vv. 1-3). 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. John Wesley once said, “God buries His workman, but his work goes on.” Moses was dead, but Joshua was to carry on the work (v. 2a). Joshua’s task seemed huge, but God would be with him (vv. 2b-5). Naturally we are weak and fearful but with God we can choose to be strong and courageous (v. 6). We are naturally distracted, but God commands us to be careful in observing his law, not swerving right or left (v. 7). If we keep God’s word at the forefront, we will prosper and succeed (vv. 8-9).
Next Joshua spoke to the people. In only three days they would cross the Jordan and enter the Promise Land (vv. 10-11). Joshua specifically addressed the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh (v. 12). After the battle against the Midianites (Numbers 31), these tribes had asked Moses for permission to settle in the lands on the Eastern side of the Jordan River (Numbers 32) instead of settling in the Promised land on the Western side of the Jordan, with the other tribes. Moses had granted their request on the condition that all their fighting men participated in the conquest of the Promised Land (Num. 32:29-30), and they had agreed. Joshua wanted to be sure he still had their support for the coming campaign. They told Joshua “We will do” and “we will go.” They only had one condition: they were willing to follow Joshua if he showed clear evidence of being led by God. This was a wise precaution and one that should be carefully followed by all the Lord’s people today. Otherwise, we find “blind leaders of the blind.” Also, in verse 18 like in verses 6 through 9 the command is emphasized to be strong and of a good courage.
Application
The next time you are afraid to do what you know is right, remember that strength and courage are readily available from God.
Joshua 1:1-18 (English Standard Version)
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God’s Commission to Joshua
Joshua 1:1–18
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)
In 1963, while I was driving Jack Wyrtzen from Dayton to Youngstown, Ohio for an evening youth rally the announcement came over the car radio that President ... More
God spoke from heaven directly to Joshua to reassure him of his appointment Moses’ successor (vv. 1-3). 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. John Wesley once said, “God buries His workman, but his work goes on.” Moses was dead, but Joshua was to carry on the work (v. 2a). Joshua’s task seemed huge, but God would be with him (vv. 2b-5). Naturally we are weak and fearful but with God we can choose to be strong and courageous (v. 6). We are naturally distracted, but God commands us to be careful in observing his law, not swerving right or left (v. 7). If we keep God’s word at the forefront, we will prosper and succeed (vv. 8-9).
Next Joshua spoke to the people. In only three days they would cross the Jordan and enter the Promise Land (vv. 10-11). Joshua specifically addressed the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh (v. 12). After the battle against the Midianites (Numbers 31), these tribes had asked Moses for permission to settle in the lands on the Eastern side of the Jordan River (Numbers 32) instead of settling in the Promised land on the Western side of the Jordan, with the other tribes. Moses had granted their request on the condition that all their fighting men participated in the conquest of the Promised Land (Num. 32:29-30), and they had agreed. Joshua wanted to be sure he still had their support for the coming campaign. They told Joshua “We will do” and “we will go.” They only had one condition: they were willing to follow Joshua if he showed clear evidence of being led by God. This was a wise precaution and one that should be carefully followed by all the Lord’s people today. Otherwise, we find “blind leaders of the blind.” Also, in verse 18 like in verses 6 through 9 the command is emphasized to be strong and of a good courage.
Application
The next time you are afraid to do what you know is right, remember that strength and courage are readily available from God.
Joshua 1:1-18 (English Standard Version)
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View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway) »