Reading
SAA Notes
It is remarkable that Joshua is told several times in a short space of time to be courageous and strong. Life can be so battering that we quickly lose heart. An Israelite reading these words would thank God that Joshua heeded this command all his life. We too should be thankful that Jesus did so and does so.
SJA Notes
* Mighty God, preserve us for in You we take refuge. You are our Lord, we have no good apart from You.
“Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them.”
Be strong and courageous.
This command has been repeated previously by the Lord to both Moses and Joshua, and here is again hammered in.
Even the people echo it back in their response.
This is a _command_. But it is a command that we can unpack and continue to grow in our understanding of.
Be strong.
In what strength are we to be strong?
It is God who gives strength,
“Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.”
We are to be strong in the Lord.
Be courageous.
Where does our courage come from?
“Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
We are able to take hold of the promise and reality that our God, who is the LORD, is with us wherever we go.
We are never alone. And nobody and nothing can snatch us out of His hands.
We are in His hands, wrapped in the everlasting arms – What comfort this is!
* Great God Above,
Please help us today to be strong and courageous, as You call us Your people to be.
Thank You for Your word, in which we can stand firm.
Thank You that You are with us, we are never alone – You are our high tower, our fortress and protection.
Amen.