What’s your image of someone who is strong and courageous? “Quick, look up in the sky! It’s a bird, it’s a plane, IT’S SUPERMAN.” As a boy, that was my image of someone who was always strong and courageous. I wanted to be just like him.
The Bible lists some people who were strong and courageous, but when we are first introduced to them, do we see those characteristics? What about little shepherd boy David? Saul didn’t recognize any strength in him. Or how about Rahab the harlot, or Gideon, Barak and Jephthah? In today’s Scripture we look at Joshua, who is being called into action and being prepared to take over the responsibility of leading God’s people into the Promised Land. This will be no easy task. Just consider all that Moses has had to deal with while making this journey. And now Joshua must enter this new land without the guidance of Moses. At the same time God has issued a proclamation of blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. No wonder Moses has to tell Joshua several times to “Be strong and courageous.”
Has God called you into action? Has the Holy Spirit been nudging you into a ministry opportunity to serve him? It doesn’t have to be a call to be a missionary, it could be a call to teach a Sunday school class or it could be a call for you to speak to someone who does not have a relationship with Christ. Wherever God is leading you, you may see it as a frightening adventure or you might think you are ill-prepared to take on the responsibility. But here’s the good news, it’s the same news given to Joshua in verse 8 “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
A final encouraging word from Scripture reminds us that “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Phil. 4:13, KJV).
David Blythe
Extended Scripture: Deuteronomy 28–31 (NIV)
