Passing the Mantle
Opening Prayer
Whatever challenges you may face this day, pray that, through his Word, God will enable you to meet them.
Read Joshua 1:1-9
[1] After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: [2] “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them-to the Israelites. [3] I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. [4] Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates-all the Hittite country-to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. [5] No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. [6] Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. [7] “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 wherever you go. [8] Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. [9] Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What task faced Joshua and what assurance did he get?Moses was one of the outstanding figures in Israel’s history; yet someone had to pick up the baton of leadership after his death. Joshua was his chosen successor (see Deut. 31:1-8 and 34:9); yet doubts remained about him–maybe among the people, and certainly within Joshua himself. Could he step into Moses’ shoes and lead the people into the Promised Land? So, how does the Lord address this issue? First, he restates his promise to his people. They will possess the land he’s leading them into, and nothing will stand in their way. That wasn’t only a promise for Moses’ time, but for all time (see v. 5). Just as he underlines his promise of the land to his people, so he emphasizes the promise of his presence to Joshua: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (5). God’s people, doing God’s work, can always be assured of God’s faithful presence. Of course, Joshua has his part to play. As God is faithful, so he must be faithful, too, both in strength and courage, and unswerving devotion to God’s revelation in the Law.
Apply
What might the Lord be calling you to do? Listen to his words: “Be strong and courageous: I will never leave you ….”
Closing prayer
Lord, thank You for the assurance of Your presence with me always. May I have the courage to follow as You lead me.
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