by Bryan Ridenour

Created on: July 11, 2011   Last Updated: July 17, 2011

After the death of Moses, God appointed Joshua to take the reigns of leadership for the Children of Israel. After wandering in the wilderness for forty years, an older generation, disobedient to God, passed away, leaving only Joshua and Caleb to lead the people into the Promised Land. Though a mighty undertaking for Joshua, God promised to bless the young man if he walked in obedience.

God commanded Joshua to lead the people across the Jordan River "to the land which I am giving you."  God informed Joshua that "Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon, I have given you."  God promised to bless the Israelites with an expansive territory if they trusted His leading.  God also pledged to wipe out all the enemies standing in their way.  In verse 5 God said, "No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life."

God promised His presence

In verse 5, God promises Joshua, "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you." Surely this vow encouraged this fledgling leader, following in the footsteps of a great and godly man.  Thankfully this guarantee holds true for those who know Christ today.  For those who know Jesus as Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit resides in the life of a believer, always present to encourage, help, and comfort.  He too, will never leave or forsake a child of God.  Knowing that God's Hand stood ready to guide and to help, Joshua felt equipped to heed God's call upon his life.

God extended a challenge

God called Joshua to "be strong and courageous."  Many new circumstances awaited the Children of Israel.  Unfamiliar territory and enemies of great strength resided on the other side of the Jordan River.  Joshua knew that leaving the comfort zone took a large dose of faith, and that holds true for believers today.  God desires for us to move beyond the boundaries of our own comfort zones and trust him to direct our paths.  Leaving that which is comfortable sometimes strikes fear in the hearts of Christians, but God challenges us to to trust Him to always do what's best in our lives.  It behooves Christians to keep in mind that when God calls people into uncharted waters, He created the seas.

God gives instruction

In verse 9, God reminds Joshua that everything he needs to know can be found in the Book of the Law.  God instructed Joshua to meditate and study His Word so that he might follow it implicitly.  God extends the same challenge to believers today.  God wants us to "study to show ourselves approved."  Also, "faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God."  Since God's Word is alive and active. sharper than any two-edged sword, every time that Christians study the Bible, the Holy Spirit of God uses the sacred texts to grow our faith and challenge us to action.

In closing out the text, God reiterates His promise to be with Joshua and for him to boldly go across the Jordan.  True courage comes when one learns that when God guides, God provides.

Learn more about this author, Bryan Ridenour.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.