Joshua 1 - Be Strong and Courageous

Some of you are reading through the whole Bible Book Club from Genesis to Revelation. If this is the case, take a look at the Bible Bookcase. We have completed the first five books of Moses called the Law on the Shelf. It is also called the Torah and Pentateuch (for five books). Congratulations!


The next twelve books, stretching from Joshua to Esther, are called the History books because they tell the history of God's people from their entrance into the Promised Land to their captivity, exile, and return. 

Introduction to Joshua

Throughout the books of Moses, we kept hearing about the Promised Land. It was a land flowing with milk and honey, an exceedingly good land. Now, Joshua, the newly appointed leader of Israel, is poised on the edge of the Jordan River and ready to take possession of this new land.

The book of Joshua is the story of the conquest (Joshua 1 - 12) and distribution (Joshua 13-24) of this land.

Since much of the book seems to communicate a firsthand account of the events, most evangelical scholars believe Joshua was the author with additions by Eleazar the high priest, and his son Phinehas (The Bible Knowledge Commentary: Volume 1, p. 325). 

LINK: Joshua 1

BACKGROUND

The first thing that popped out to me as I meditated on this chapter was that God spoke directly to Joshua! After all these years of watching God speak to Moses, the mantle had been passed on to his successor, Joshua.

The second thing that popped out to me in this chapter was the key phrase repeated three times . . .

"Be strong and courageous"
"Be strong and courageous"
"Be strong and courageous"

I cannot imagine what it would have been like to follow in the footsteps of the "greatest prophet." I think this is why God kept repeating this phrase and reminding Joshua that He would be with him just as He was with Moses.

REFLECTION

The Life Application Bible is simple and to the point regarding this chapter:

"Many people think that prosperity and success come from having power, influential personal contacts, and a relentless desire to get ahead. But the strategy for gaining prosperity that God taught Joshua goes against such criteria. He said that to succeed Joshua must: 

1. be strong and courageous because the task ahead would not be easy, 
2. obey God's law, and 
3. constantly read and study the Book of the Law -- God's Word. 

To be successful, follow God's words to Joshua. You may not succeed by the world's standard, but you will be a success in God's eyes -- and his opinion lasts forever" (Life Application Bible, p.334).

I can say a hearty AMEN to that today. I had something happen in the last week that reminded me once again that I needed to "be strong and courageous," stay the course, cling ever closer to the LORD, and do not worry about the opinion of others. I serve an audience of ONE, and I do not need to be afraid of anything but be in fear of HIM alone! I cannot look back at the wilderness, but I need to look ahead to the Promised Land!

APPLICATION

Are fear, disobedience, or lack of an abiding relationship with God in His word keeping you from moving forward in your walk with the LORD and experiencing the wide-open spaces of the "Promised Land"? Talk to God about it right now!

Another application of this chapter might be to meditate on and then memorize a key verse from it:

This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. (Joshua 1:8) 

You might even want to continue into Joshua 1:9 since it holds that key repeated phrase:

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. 

For meditation, I would like to suggest you try Lectio Divina (Sacred Reading). This is an opportunity for you to meditate more deeply on these two verses in these simple steps:

Recenter and Relax Yourself

Recenter your scattered senses on the presence of God. Still your mind, heart, and body. Let go of all other distractions. Relax in His presence and attend to Him.

Read the Passage (Lectio)

Read slowly and attentively, followed by a time of silence.

Reflect on it (Meditatio)

Listen for a word or phrase that shimmers for you. In what way does it touch your life? Let thoughts surface that connect the text to your life.

Respond to God (Oratio)

Converse with God about the word or phrase and what it has triggered. Think of God in the second person (“you”). Tell God what you are thinking and feeling. Be honest! What do you want of God? What help do you need?

Rest in Him (Contemplatio)

Rest in God’s presence. Be silent and without words. Move on when you are ready. (Note: Praying Scripture has nothing to do with “getting through” passages; it has everything to do with letting the meaning sink into your life.)

Take a word or phrase with you and repeat it as you perform your daily activities.

Take time to listen to God’s voice and journal something so you will remember the encounter.

Then, put it on a card and memorize it!

Joshua 1:8 is in The Topical Memory System. I memorized these 60 verses in college, and they have so helped me navigate the waters of life! 

Here is a list with links to the verses and a "mini-sermon" by LeRoy Eims. (I had breakfast with him once. So, it is special to hear his voice.)

Topical Memory System Audio Library

PRAYER

Teach us Lord where we need to let go of fear and be strong and courageous. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.