"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. 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." (Joshua 1:7-9)
As we face the 21st century, I sense the Word of the Lord to Joshua coming alive for the Church of Jesus Christ today. I would like to point out some similarities we have with Joshua.
Joshua was given a mandate from the Lord to go and claim the promise. He was also given the assurance of God’s presence (Joshua 1:3-4). Likewise, the Lord has given us a mandate and His assurance that He will go with us (Matt. 28:18-19). It seems the challenge brought fears, doubts and uncertainties. The Scriptures plainly show me that God was addressing these feelings when He said, "Be strong and courageous …" and then proceeded to tell us how. There are at least three distinct instructions.
First, "Be careful to obey…" The apostle said, "…Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:19-20). God has called us to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading and be obedient. This is the way to be strong and courageous.
Second, do not turn from what God has said. Beware of compromising, substituting and sidestepping the truth for obedience. Obedience is needed in fulfilling the Great Commission. There is no necessity to interpret God’s mandate. Remember the mother of Jesus who told the servants when they ran out of wine at the wedding in Cana, "Do whatever He tells you" (Jn 2:5).
Third, "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth, meditate on it day and night." This is what the Psalmist said, "I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you" (Ps. 119:11). He also said, "Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Ps. 119:105). The Bible also says: "... your Word is truth" (Jn 17:17). "The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life" (Jn 6:63). The work of the Holy Spirit is also to quicken the Word of God in us. Therefore, we cannot be strong and courageous without the Word of God in our heart and mouth.
The Lord said to Joshua: "Then, you will be prosperous and successful" (Joshua 11:8). The result of obedience, keeping on course and living the Word of God is success. We can be strong and very courageous to meet the challenges of the changing world and end times. We can be sure of peace, protection and victory. |
