Chapter 180 of 1163

JOSHUA 1

God equips us. Joshua was not in an easy situation, facing a difficult assignment and replacing a great leader like Moses. But God had equipped him and prepared him for this very work. Joshua had faithfully served with Moses and was now qualified to lead. The task that you faithfully do today gets you ready for what God is preparing for you (Matt. 25:21).

God encourages us. The inheritance can be claimed only by the obedience of faith (v. 3), but faith and obedience demand courage. God encouraged Joshua by giving His promise (v. 6) and the assurance of His presence (v. 9) and by reminding him that his success came from the Word (vv. 7–8). God also encouraged Joshua through the people (vv. 16–18). Are you an encouragement to your leaders?

God enables us. “Be strong!” is much more than an admonition (vv. 6, 7, 18), for God’s commandments are God’s enablements. It was not Joshua’s experience or skill that brought the victory; more than once, he was defeated. The victory came from the power of God that was released when they obeyed Him by faith. God still does the impossible (Luke 1:37)!

Joshua—Training for Leadership

Joshua did not seek a place of leadership, but he was called and trained by God to be successor to Moses. Joshua knew the rigors of slavery in Egypt. He also knew how to obey orders as he served with Moses (Exod. 24:13). He had courage to face the enemy (Exod. 17:8–16) and faith to believe God for victory (Num. 14:1–10). His given name was Hoshea (“salvation”), but Moses changed it to Joshua (“Jehovah is salvation”). Even Joshua’s name reminded people that he had faith in God.

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