A Leader Rises Up

Joshua 1

“Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law.” Joshua 1:7a  

In the first chapter of Joshua, we read about a man named Joshua who rises up to the occasion of becoming the Israelites’ new leader. The Lord picked Joshua for a specific reason, and saw in Joshua a man who could be trusted and who was serious about obeying the Lord.  Joshua reminds us how at critical periods in human history, God raises up men as fit instruments for the accomplishment of His purposes.

However, as we read on, we notice Joshua’s call to courage.  Three times from verses 6-9 God tells Joshua to be strong and to have courage.  Courage comes from the faith in the provision of God.  Joshua believed that God would take care of the Israelites no matter what. Secondly, courage comes from resting in the promises of God.  Joshua rested in verse number 5, “There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life.” Lastly, courage comes from the daily provision of God’s word.  Joshua received his confidence and courage from the Lord’s words. Verse 8, “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night.”

What made Joshua such a great leader?   He obeyed God in verse 7 by not turning away from the words of the Lord, and he obeyed all of the commandments of the Lord.  Joshua persevered and was an example of Christ likeness to his whole nation.

Joel Buckingham