Joshua 1:2

New King James Version

“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.

For Your Encouragement

For Joshua, two constants had marked his life for the past forty years—Moses and God. He had watched Moses exercise authority from God over Egypt as he led Israel out of slavery. Joshua had witnessed the miracle at the Red Sea and all the others the man of God had performed through their wilderness journey and come to know God Almighty at work in Israel’s life. But now, Moses was dead. 

Not only was Moses dead. God was also calling Joshua to fill the shoes of his great mentor. How could he? The shoes God was asking him to step into were too big to wear. He knew his people and how stubborn and troublesome they were  to Moses. How could he lead such people? Will they accept his leadership? Will God work through him as He did with Moses?

At such times, many questions parade themselves in our minds. We are grieving and need consolation to carry on with our life. The shock of our loss is too much to bear, and the future seems too bleak and threatening. The responsibilities are too many and too heavy. How can we make it? Will God be as gracious with us as He was with our dear ones we just lost?

C. S. Lewis says that when a man of God dies, nothing of God dies. How true! 

We humans are finite beings, but God is infinite. We change like chameleons to suit our desires and preferences, but God is unchanging. He is faithful to His promises. He assured Joshua that He would never leave him and never forsake him. 

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 (Joshua 1:5).  

So, be strong and courageous, Joshua (6)!

The Holy Spirit speaks this same promise into your lives through the pen of the Hebrews writer (Hebrews 13:5). It is a promise God kept with Joshua, and He will keep it with you, too. He is the same yesterday, today and forever (8). He will be by your side and in every situation all the time, and He will not loosen His grip on you. 

As the hymn writer says, trust and obey—the only way to walk happily with Jesus—and you will see His glory in everything.

Shalom, and good morning.