A Bold Beginning
Opening Prayer
Father, in whatever station I find myself, help me to boldly proclaim Your Name.
Read Joshua 1:10-18
[10] So Joshua ordered the officers of the people: [11] “Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Get your provisions ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the LORD your God is giving you for your own.'” [12] But to the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joshua said, [13] “Remember the command that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you after he said, ‘The LORD your God will give you rest by giving you this land.’ [14] Your wives, your children and your livestock may stay in the land that Moses gave you east of the Jordan, but all your fighting men, ready for battle, must cross over ahead of your fellow Israelites. You are to help them [15] until the LORD gives them rest, as he has done for you, and until they too have taken possession of the land the LORD your God is giving them. After that, you may go back and occupy your own land, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you east of the Jordan toward the sunrise.” [16] Then they answered Joshua, “Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. [17] Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only may the LORD your God be with you as he was with Moses. [18] Whoever rebels against your word and does not obey it, whatever you may command them, will be put to death. Only be strong and courageous!” Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
How is Joshua obeying God?Having been encouraged by God three times to be strong and courageous in yesterday’s reading, Joshua responds by giving confident direction. Summoning the officers, he gives clear instructions with a clear timetable (10,11). Moreover, he commands the officers to communicate this throughout the camp, so that everyone knows they’re preparing to go forward to claim their inheritance (rather than back into the wilderness). Joshua seeks to communicate clearly and confidently in what must have been a very unsettled situation. Joshua also boldly grasps a nettle. It might easily appear to those tribes granted land east of the Jordan that this isn’t really their fight. Disunity and half-heartedness could have been the outcome. Instead, Joshua, appealing to Moses’ authority (13–15), insists that the only way for these tribes to enjoy their rest is through all inheriting together what God had promised. To make sure they’re not half-hearted, Joshua challenges them to be the spearhead of Israel, crossing over ahead of everyone. Joshua shows boldness in setting clear direction and confronting conflict. A direction has been set and all can fall into line.
Apply
Joshua acts to unearth conflict. Bring to God situations – at work, home or church – where you’re conscious of conflict.
Closing prayer
Whether in light or darkness, I trust that You are leading me and bringing me to a place of life.
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