The focus of Joshua chapter 1 is generally placed on God’s command to Joshua to be strong and courageous. This is right – it is repeated three times in one chapter because it is important.

But there is a reason for the command. It is not merely for Joshua’s benefit. God tells Joshua that Joshua will put ‘this people in possession of the land …’

The goal for Joshua being strong and courageous was to bring the people into their possession. When God deals with individuals his purposes are for the whole people of God and his greater glory. Just as it was too small a thing that Jesus be for the Jews only, but rather for all the nations, so, when God works in our lives it is to the eternal benefit of the whole body of Christ.

Joshua’s strength and courage were needed for the particular task God had for him: leadership. But not only did Joshua have the goal in sight, he also had the promise of God’s presence – just as Jesus promised to be with his disciples (Matthew 28:18-20).

This entry was posted on Thursday, March 13th, 2003 at 12:00 am and is filed under Devotional. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.