Day Sixteen
This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
This is the third time we have heard these words from God to Joshua. You get the feeling that God knew exactly how and what Joshua was feeling. He goes on to remind him not to be afraid or discouraged, don’t let what you are facing cause you to tremble, and allow your resolve to be shattered. Today I want to remind you that he knows exactly how you are feeling too, and rather than get frustrated, He is spurring you on! He’s promised to fight with you, to never leave you. God knew Joshua had been here before, when he returned from spying out the land 40 years ago and that the people had refused to follow him. He knew he’d seen the giants and the fierce warriors that would need defeating in order to take the land. He knew that Joshua knew what it felt like to be fearful and doubt himself. This time God adds the words “this is my command” Moses was a pastoral leader, Joshua is more of a military strategist and God speaks to him in the language of a military man, “This is my command” He wants Joshua to understand that as they move forward He needs Joshua to behave as an officer would to his commander. In Joshua 5 before they enter Jericho, Joshua has an encounter with someone who introduces himself to him as “Commander of the Lord’s host.” When we move forward, and say yes to engage in God’s promises, and face giants, take territory, the language God uses with us often changes accordingly. He needs to know that we will respond to his commands. The church is a hospital a family and an army, and those in the army God ‘commands’. Are you ready to take commands, without wavering, ready to step up, ready to possess what He has for you?
Blessings,
Jane Evans