Many of us are familiar with Joshua, the son of Nun, who was Moses’ successor and led the people of Israel to the promised land. Prior to his succession, God and Moses spoke to him to encourage and strengthen him. They knew he faced a daunting task ahead then; with the many conquests that had to be undertaken, leading a huge number of people and facing many uncertainties.
Like Joshua, we will face challenging situations at some point in time in our lives. There will also be uncertainties that may cause us to lose confidence or lack courage. Like Joshua, all of us are leaders in some way or other. It may be being the head of the household, leading a team of people at the workplace, in school or simply being a leader of your own life. All of us will have opportunities to exercise leadership.
Being a leader requires strength and courage because of whom one leads. Let us consider God’s encouragement to Joshua:
“Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” (Joshua 1:7-9)
“Only be thou strong and very courageous”
God repeated His command to Joshua to be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:7) a total of three times over a span of four verses and a fourth time subsequently in Joshua 1:18 when God ended by saying “only be strong and of good courage”. Moses in his wisdom and experience also called on Joshua to be strong and of good courage (Deuteronomy 31:6-7). “To be strong” means “to hold fast, to be firm and resolute”. “To be of good courage” or ‘to be courageous’ means “to be brave”.
“Observe to do according to all the law”
God gave the commandment to Joshua to be strong and courageous to “observe to do according to all the law” which Moses commanded (Joshua 1:7a). As children of God and as His people, we need to obey God’s commandments. Notice this commandment was repeated throughout the pages of the Bible. Moses said Jehovah God commanded His people to DO all the statutes for their good (Deuteronomy 6:24) and it would be to their righteousness if they DID so (Deuteronomy 6:25). Jesus said “If you love me, KEEP my commandments” (John 14:15). He also said that not everyone who calls Him Lord will enter into the kingdom of heaven but he who DOES the will of God (Matthew 7:21). Since Christians are supposed to follow God’s commandments, all the more, leaders of God’s people need to do so.
“but thou shalt meditate therein day and night”
Joshua was also commanded to meditate on God’s laws to be strong and of good courage (Joshua 1:8a). To meditate means to ponder or to think deeply on something over and over again. Meditating on the word of God day and night will enable one to know what God wants and help one to think and act in accordance with God’s laws. A man who meditates on God’s word is a blessed man (Psalm 1:2). By meditating on God’s word, a Christian can be transformed by the renewing of the mind and thus can prove “what is that good, acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2). The psalmist wrote that meditating on God’s commandments had made him wiser than his enemies and having more understanding than his teachers (Psalm 119:97-99). Meditating on God’s word also builds faith (Romans 10:17) and sharpens a person’s character (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
“for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success”
We will prosper when we do what God says (Joshua 1:7b; 1:8b). We will have good success in whatever we do that is in accordance with God’s will. We need to understand that God’s promises and rewards are conditional. The psalmist said such a man will prosper and see success in whatever he does (Psalm 1:3). These are God’s promises for one who keeps His commandments and we can believe in it because He is a God who cannot lie (Numbers 23:19). Whatever He says will come true. We will prosper because we have the courage and strength to do what is right in the eyes of God. Indeed, the psalmist said the “righteous are bold as a lion” (Proverbs 28:1).
“for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
God assured Joshua that He would be with him wherever he went. In the same way, He promised He would be with those who obey Him and do His will. They will have their strength renewed (Isaiah 40:31). They need not fear as God will comfort them (Psalm 23:4). Jesus also comforted His disciples as God comforted Joshua (Matthew 28:20). Having such comfort builds our faith in God. Joshua had to lead the fighting men in the different conquests and subsequently bring the people into the Promised Land. A direct comfort from God would have given him the boost and built his faith such that he could trust that God would deliver on His promises. Having faith in God and His promises will thus enable us to be strong and courageous, knowing that God will be for us if we act according to His will.
As we conclude, we note that Joshua had a long road of uncertainties ahead of him. This may be true for many of us today too. Therefore words that God spoke to Joshua are applicable for us today as well. It is necessary that we be strong and courageous to do all that God commands and meditate on His Word. We will also be prosperous and see success if we obey God. We have the comfort that God will be with His children who listen to Him and do what He commands. May God continue to bless our labour for Him in the vineyard!