The Way
Be Strong and Courageous
A voice heard again where Moses had been
Story
The days of weeping for Moses came to an end. In the camp east of the Jordan, the tents lay quiet in the shade of the acacia trees. Then the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, who had served at Moses' side. My servant Moses is dead. Now get up, you and all this people, cross the Jordan, and go into the land I am giving them.
Every place the sole of your foot treads I have given you. From the wilderness and Lebanon to the great river Euphrates, and to the great sea where the sun goes down, will be your land. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will never leave you or forsake you. Do not let this book of the law depart from your mouth, and turn it over in your mind day and night. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid.
Joshua gave orders to the officers of the people. Go through the camp and tell them, Get your provisions ready, for within three days we cross the Jordan. To the fighting men of Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh, who had received land east of the Jordan, he said they must cross over armed, ahead of their brothers. They answered, Whatever you command us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. Only be strong and courageous.
Walk this scene on the map →God's Words
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for I, the Lord your God, am with you wherever you go.
As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you, and I will never abandon you.
Keep the words of this book of the law always on your lips and turn them over day and night. Then your way will open before you, and you will act wisely.
Whatever you command us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. Only be strong and courageous.
The sayings are fresh renderings of the original meaning in today's language. Text: Josh 1:1–18
Background
The name Joshua means the Lord is salvation. Moses gave it to him in place of his original name, Hoshea. In Greek it becomes the same name as Jesus. Shittim means acacias, and its exact location remains a matter of conjecture.
Pause and Reflect
Even if my fear doesn't go away, can I hold on to God's word and go forward?