Men of Courage Part II - Joshua 1:1-18
1. Be strong and courageous, because you have a light.
“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. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; 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.” (Joshua 1:7-8 NIV)
At times, life can be confusing. God wanted to make sure Joshua led the people in the right direction, so He said, “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.”
In America, we are in the middle of an identity crisis in which we are attempting to redefine our basic values. We can no longer assume that the right and the wrong have clear meanings or that there is universal truth. We are made to believe that we have the inner capacity to do good rationally, apart from God.
The Psalmist put it this way: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105 NIV) God instructs Joshua to make the Word his light in three ways:
- Embrace the Word (v.7). “Do not turn from it to the right or to the left.”
- Know the Word (v.8). “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night.”
- Practice what you know (v.8). “Be careful to do everything written in it.”
The Word of God “is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” that will lead us through the mine fields which seek to destroy our spiritual lives.
2. Be strong and courageous, because you are led. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9 NIV) Joshua had an awesome task. Remember, he was to do what Moses had failed to accomplish. He was to lead the nation of Israel into the land of Promise.
Men, we too have an awesome task. We are to lead our homes in the ways of God. That is a difficult assignment in this day.
Notice the words of God to Joshua: Take hold of the task - Do not be terrified - Don’t be apprehensive.
- “Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The LORD will do what is good in his sight." (2 Samuel 10:12 NIV)
- "I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none.” (Ezekiel 22:30 NIV)
Keep looking up - do not be discouraged. Keep your eyes on the victories. Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.” (Exodus 14:13 NIV)
3. You are never alone - for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.
- For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:14 NIV)
- “But now, this is what the LORD says-- he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1 NIV)
- “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” (Isaiah 43:2 NIV)
In this day, we desperately need fathers of courage. Men of faith who will cross the river of compromise and without turning back, lead the way in conquering the land God has given us.
By: Dr. Harold B. Graves, Jr., President Nazarene Bible College
Published: 06/17/2019
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