Category: Joshua

Joshua 1:16 Then they answered Joshua, “Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. 

Commentary says that all of this section–the Israelites’ reply to Joshua–is a confirmation of what the Lord told him. And while I can see that–the Israelites’ reply mirrors God’s words. I can see that as confirmation of what God just said–I can’t help but think about the beginning of this chapter where these same Israelites demanded Aaron make them an idol because Moses had been gone too long.

Joshua 1:17 Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only may the Lord your God be with you as he was with Moses.

And I’m not exactly sure what to do with that. Perhaps what Joshua should keep in mind is that he’s got God’s word and that even if (even when?) the Israelites disobey and/or things go sideways, God will still be with him and he needs to cling to God–always–to be strong and courageous no matter what because God is with him.

Joshua 1:18a Whoever rebels against your word and does not obey it, whatever you may command them, will be put to death… 

Precious Savior, Thank You for the reminder that even when life goes sideways–as it inevitably does–even then, You are with us. Thank You for the reminder that we can be strong and courageous not because of our strength or goodness or righteousness but because of Your loving presence. Thank You. Amen.

Joshua 1:18b …Only be strong and courageous!”

Have a blessed day.

Joshua 1:14a Your wives, your children and your livestock may stay in the land that Moses gave you east of the Jordan…  

The theme of these verses seems to be that once you have gone through a difficult time, you need to go back and help others instead of settling into the comfort of your new status. I see this motif played out in so many ways and on so many levels, and it can be such a beautiful gift of hope.

Joshua 1:14b …but all your fighting men, ready for battle, must cross over ahead of your fellow Israelites. You are to help them…

Recently on social media, a friend shared his struggles with addiction. He had someone who helped him, and he wanted to share his story with others in the hopes that someone might read it and realize they are ready for help. And every day in these daily reflections, I try to be open and honest about my struggles, my mistakes, my missteps, my precious, loving Savior, in the hopes that others who are struggling will realize they are not alone and that there is hope. That is the theme of these verses. Help others through.

Joshua 1:15a …until the Lord gives them rest, as he has done for you, and until they too have taken possession of the land the Lord your God is giving them. 

Precious Savior, Thank You for the light of hope. Thank You that we can use all our mess–struggles, mistakes, missteps, everything–to help others who are struggling. Help us, even when it’s difficult, to have the strength to reach out and offer hope. Amen.

Joshua 1:15b … After that, you may go back and occupy your own land, which Moses the servant of the Lord gave you east of the Jordan toward the sunrise.”

Have a blessed day.

Joshua 1:10 So Joshua ordered the officers of the people: 

Clearly, all the encouragement, the reminders to be strong and courageous, the reminders that Joshua is not alone, clearly, it all worked as intended because now, Joshua gets to work. Without hesitation. Seemingly without fear. He does what he’s been called to do.

Joshua 1:11 “Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Get your provisions ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you for your own.’ ”

He knows God has a plan for him. He knows that God is with him. He has all of those beautiful reminders to be strong and courageous, not to be afraid. I doubt he has any illusions of perfection. He doesn’t expect it. He just gets to work.

Joshua 1:12 But to the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joshua said, 

Precious Savior, There is so much to be said about facing your fear, remembering God’s promises, and getting to work. We all have our own baggage, Lord. We have our own trials. But Your promises are the same for all, the same for us as for Joshua–Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid; I am with You. Help us, like Joshua, to take heart and to get to work, knowing You are right there with us. Amen.

Joshua 1:13 “Remember the command that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you after he said, ‘The Lord your God will give you rest by giving you this land.’ 

Have a blessed day.

Joshua 1:9a Have I not commanded you?   

Lord, You know what each person reading this reflection has before them today. Thank You for the command, for the reminder, that we can be strong and courageous, that we do not need to be afraid or discouraged, because You are with us. Always.

Joshua 1:9b …Be strong and courageous….

Father, We have so many needs, so many hurts, so many anxieties and worries and requests. Thank You that You love us so deeply, that You lavish us with blessings so completely. Thank You for Your reminders, Your encouragement, Your presence.

Joshua 1:9c …Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged…

Precious Savior, The encouragement to be strong and courageous, the encouragement to not be afraid or discouraged, those things are priceless. But the true gift is the fact that You are with me wherever I go, that You see me, You love me, You are for me, You know every hair on my head, every tear I will cry, I am Your deeply, fiercely loved child. Always. Thank You. Amen.

Joshua 1:9d …for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Have a blessed day.

Joshua 1:1 After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: 

Moses got to see the Promised Land, but he never got to set foot in it. His anger got the better of him one too many times, causing him to be disobedient to God. Ironic, considering how many times he was angry at the Israelites for their disobedience. But now Moses is gone and Joshua is in charge of leading the Israelites.

Joshua 1:2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. 

Interesting that in verse 2, God still loves Moses, still uses Moses in His service, even with his repeated anger and disobedience. There were consequences to both–Moses didn’t get to enter the Promised Land for one, but God didn’t turn His back on Moses because of his imperfections. And now that Joshua has taken the mantle, God is there for Joshua, too.

Joshua 1:3 I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. 

Precious Savior, Thank You for Your love for us, even when we disobey, even when we get angry. Thank You that Your Son has made a way for us that allows us a path back to You, even when we are messy and human and so very fallible. Thank You for the knowledge that You are with us. Always. Amen.

Joshua 1:4 Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. 

Have a blessed day.

Joshua 23:6 “Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left.”
The book of Joshua speaks of being strong and courageous many times, so it is fitting that the Israelites would be reminded here at the end of the chapter. By being strong, by being mindful of God’s laws and commands, given through Moses, the Israelites can stay the course, even if Joshua is not there to guide them. 
Joshua 23:10 “One of you routs a thousand, because the LORD your God fights for you, just as He promised.”
This seems a very fitting chapter to read this last week of classes for high school seniors. In a world that changes rapidly, more change is on the way for them. But Joshua’s advice is just as timely for graduates: Be strong and courageous because God is at your center. You will encounter much that is new, different, maybe scary, but hold tight to the One that holds you securely in the palm of His hand. By doing so, you will stay the course, His course.
Joshua 23:11 “So be very careful to love the LORD your God.”
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for this timely reminder that applies to all of us, especially those who are on the cusp of stepping out on their own. Thank You that we can be strong and courageous because You are at our core. Draw us closer. Amen.
Joshua 23:14 “…You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed….”
Have a blessed day.