Joshua 1-3

It took about 11 minutes for me to read to beginning of Joshua’s story.  God’s message went first to Joshua; the new leader of Israel.(he was not their ruler, but the one to lead them into the Promised Land) And this was the message: “Be strong and courageous.”  Twice in the first few verses of the book Joshua recorded those words from the Lord himself.  But in almost no time the message was also coming out of the mouths of Joshua’s followers.  The last words spoken in chapter one from the army men were; “Be strong and courageous.”  So I wonder where the call to faith is?  What about the call for holiness?  Joshua’s actions show that he was acting in faith and holiness.  God spoke to him, and Joshua heard.  God commanded him, and Joshua obeyed.  There were two men who had tread the ground on the other side of the Jordan before, and they were going in.  Their faith from 40 years previous had brought them to the brink of God’s provision fulfilled.  Joshua and Caleb were going back in among the giants.  Joshua has the faith.  He also was living a holy life.  During Moses’ leadership it was Joshua who stayed near the tent of meeting.  Moses had set apart Joshua for the service of God by changing his name from Hoshea.  Neither man may have known at the time that Joshua would eventually lead Israel on the last stage of their long journey to their inheritance.  Strength and courage are the attitudes we need to combine with the faith and holiness that God has given us.  With these things God will accomplish much in our lives.

Stuart