During yesterday’s sermon, Pastor Mary spoke about allowing Jesus the proper spiritual authority within our lives. Although you and I reside on earth and our soul (which is our mind, will and emotions) wants to align with the ways of this world, we must stand in oneness with Jesus and allow Him the spiritual authority to move us (along with our soul) within the direction that He created us to prosper and to further grow His Kingdom.
In today’s passage, Moses has died and now the Lord has commissioned Joshua, who was Moses’ assistant, to lead the Israelites into the promised land. It is obvious even prior to reading this Word that Joshua would be experiencing sadness, fear, loneliness, and possible feelings of being in over his head. But you will notice that the Lord tells Joshua three times within this passage to “be strong and courageous”. In verse 8 the Lord specifically guides Joshua by instructing him to “Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” The Lord goes on to tell Joshua that there is no need for fear or to be discouraged because He is with him wherever he goes.
Friends, this passage isn’t only for Joshua, and it isn’t only for those called into leadership, it is a calling for all of God’s kids. In the first few verses we are reminded of God’s promise to give to His people. In the middle section of this passage, God reminded us that in order to receive all that He has to give we must grow in our faith, and God is so gracious to give us specific instructions on what we need to do in order to grow. In the last few verses, God reminds us that He is always with us, with every breath that we take.
Joshua 1:1-11 (NLT)
The Lord’s Charge to Joshua
1 After the death of Moses the Lord’s servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant. He said, 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them. 3 I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you— 4 from the Negev wilderness in the south to the Lebanon mountains in the north, from the Euphrates River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west, including all the land of the Hittites.’ 5 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.
6 “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. 8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. 9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua’s Charge to the Israelites
10 Joshua then commanded the officers of Israel, 11 “Go through the camp and tell the people to get their provisions ready. In three days you will cross the Jordan River and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you.”
Prayer: Jesus, please forgive me when I run ahead, fall behind, or step sideways from Your plan for my life. Holy Spirit, I need Your guidance each and every day. I submit my soul to You, as I want to continue to grow in my faith. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for always being with me. I ask all of this in Your Holy Name, Jesus. Amen.