Words: Joshua

Joshua 1:1-11

"After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses' aide: 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. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates–all the Hittite country–to the Great Sea on the west. No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you, do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

Moses is dead.
Get ready.
I will give you...as I promised.
No one will be able to stand against...
As I was with Moses, so I will be with you...
I will never leave you nor forsake you.
Be strong
Be courageous
...you will lead these people
Be strong and very courageous.
Be careful to obey all the law...do not turn to the right or to the left...
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth...
meditate on it day and night...
Have I not commanded you?
Be strong and and courageous.
Do not be terrified.
Do not be discouraged.
I am with you.

Joshua had walked with Moses, talked with him, and had been witness to many incredible things. God was about to fulfill a promise spoken years and years before to Abraham, and Joshua was to lead the Israelites into the fulfillment of this promise. The task was daunting. He could have said, "I just can't." He probably was tempted to lay it all down and walk away. These words that God spoke in the ear of this leader are heavy. They are purposeful. They have life and direction, they have power and insight. These words fill my heart, mind, and spirit with courage and purpose. I fall on my knees and ask, "Lord, send me! Almighty God, I am not worthy to be called, but send me!" "Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. " Emmanuel. God with us. Almighty God, with us.

How do these words stir your heart?