31 Days of Strength - August 1-7
This is one of the greatest verses of faith in the Old Testament. We read and quote it often but do we really know the background on the verse and why we love to read it?
Let’s dig deeper and find out why we are commanded to be strong and courageous.
Background - Joshua 1:1-2
After the death of Moses, the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua, son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving them to the people of Israel.
Moses who led the children of Israel out of bondage in the land of Egypt has died in the first chapter of Joshua. Joshua had been chosen by God to lead the Israelites in to their promised land of Canaan. Did you know Joshua means “Jehovah is Salvation”? Joshua is a picture of Christ in the Old Testament.
In this chapter, God is giving encouragement to Joshua that He will be with him and the children as they enter and take their promised land. It was inhabited with the Canaanite people and would have to be overtaken. So a monumental task lay ahead for Joshua the new leader of the Israelites.
But God encourages and reminds Joshua of the following:
The promise of the land in verses 2-4.
Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you.
The promise of His Presence in verse 5.
I will not leave your or forsake you.
The promise that God will keep His word in verses 6-9.
…for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them.
God had already given them the land and all they had to do was step out in faith and take it.
The same principles applies to us today.
God promises to Never Leave Us
Keep your life free from love of money and be content with what you have, for he has said, “ I will never leave you or forsake you.” So we can confidently say:
“The Lord is my Helper, I will not fear. What can man do to me.”
Hebrews 13:5-6
Jesus Promises To Give Us a New Home
Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also.
John 14:1-3
In the verse pictured above, God issues a command to Joshua before he embarks on entering the promised land.
God told Joshua to be strong and courageous. Remember the Book of the Law and meditate on it day and night. Remember all the ways God had protected and provided in their past.
God commanded Joshua to stand strong in the faith, never fear or be discouraged because God would be with Joshua and the Israelites wherever they go.
Again, we are privileged to hold and learn from the entire Bible and all the promises of God.
1 John 2:14
I write to you, children, because you know the Father.
I write to you, Fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning.
I write to you, young men, because you are strong and the Word of God remains in you, and you have conquered the evil one.
Just like Joshua we have…
The Promise of Victory!
The battle has been won! We are safe in the arms of God!
Keep the Scriptures in your heart and mind!
Remember Jesus Conquered Death On The Cross!
Be Strong!
Mimi
