top of page
Search

🔴"Strength and Courage in Faith: Reflecting on Joshua 1:1-9"🔴

"Strength and Courage in Faith: Reflecting on Joshua 1:1-9"





Introduction:

The name Joshua means "THE LORD IS SALVATION," which in Hebrew is Yeshua, Iesous in Greek, and Jesus in English. Joshua's original name was Hoshea, but Moses changed his name to Joshua (Numbers 13:16). This name change was prophetic, making Joshua a type of Jesus Christ. Moses, the lawgiver, could not bring Israel into the promised land, demonstrating that the Law of Moses cannot save the people. Joshua, however, brought them in; in this, he was a type of Jesus Christ who carried His own into Heaven through grace (St. John Chrysostom). The enemy will be trampled under the feet of Joshua, just as with Christ, who trampled down sin, death, and the devil by His death and Resurrection. The Lord who spoke to Joshua was the Son and the Word of God. He told Joshua to be strong and courageous in the face of war and death. Therefore, when the Word became Incarnate, how could He fear death when He stood before Herod and Pilate? How could He who said, "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body" (Luke 12:4), and who said to Abraham, "Do not fear" (Genesis 14:1; and Genesis 26:24).


"Fear the terror of death? No, He (Christ) did not fear death, but destroyed it by His cross (AthanG)."


Reflection on Joshua 1:1-9 (NKJV)

1. The Passing of Leadership (Verse 1-2):

  • After Moses, the Lord's servant, died, the Lord spoke to Joshua, the son of Nun, Moses' assistant, saying: 2 "Moses, my servant is dead. Now, therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel. 


  • Reflection: The transition from Moses to Joshua symbolizes a new era. While Moses represents the law, Joshua embodies salvation through grace. This change highlights that leadership and divine guidance are continuous, even when individuals change. Reflect on your life transitions and how God calls you to rise and take on new responsibilities with faith.


2. God's Promise of Inheritance (Verse 3-4):

  • Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses. 4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the River Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun shall be your territory.


  • Reflection: God's promises to Joshua affirm His unwavering commitment. The land represents a physical inheritance and spiritual blessings available through faith. Consider how God's promises apply to your life. Where is He calling you to step out in faith, claiming His promises?


3. Assurance of God's Presence (Verse 5):

  • No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. 


  • Reflection: The assurance of God's presence is foundational for courage. Just as God was with Joshua, He promised to be with us. Reflect on times when you've felt God's presence and draw strength from that assurance, especially in times of uncertainty or challenge.


4. Call to Strength and Courage (Verse 6-7):

  •  Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall [a]divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may [b]prosper wherever you go. 


  • Reflection: The repeated call to be strong and courageous emphasizes its importance. Strength and courage are not mere emotions but are rooted in obedience to God's Word. Reflect on areas where you need to cultivate strength and courage. How can you more faithfully adhere to God's commandments?


5. Meditating on the Word (Verse 8):

  • This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you[c] shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe 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.


  • Reflection: Meditation on God's Word is crucial for guidance and success. It's not enough to read Scripture; we must internalize and live by it. Reflect on your daily habits concerning the Bible. How can you incorporate more meditation on God's Word into your routine?


6. Final Exhortation (Verse 9):

  • Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."


  • Reflection: The final appeal underscores that strength and courage come from knowing God's constant presence. Fear and dismay are natural, but God's command reassures us of His omnipresence. Reflect on your fears and anxieties. How does knowing that God is with you transform your perspective?

Conclusion:

Joshua 1:1-9 is a powerful passage that calls for strength and courage, rooted in the assurance of God's presence and promises. Just as Joshua was called to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, we are all called to step into the roles and challenges God has set before us, trusting in His guidance and faithfulness. We can confidently navigate life's transitions and uncertainties by meditating on God's Word and adhering to His commandments; let us embrace our divine calling with the same strength and courage that Joshua exemplified, knowing that the Lord our God is with us wherever we go.


In Christ, love Jared W. Campbell




4 views0 comments

Comments

Post: Blog2_Post
bottom of page