Sunday June 3, 2012
Our grandson Joshua joined the
thirty-something generation last Saturday, and I prepared this devotional for the
birthday celebration.
Joshua 1:6-9
"Be strong and courageous, because you
will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give
them. 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. 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."
Josh:
What’s in a name? For most people
today, nothing—as long as they like it and it sounds nice. Not so for the Israelites,
names had purpose and direction, and for whatever reason your name was chosen,
it may have special meaning for your life. Remember, Joshua is the westernised
version of the Hebrew: Yeshua, Aramaic: Jesus, and English: Deliverer or
Saviour.
I cannot predict how that will
work itself out in your life, or what Jerichos you will come up against. But I
do know that the advice given to the original Joshua, as he faced his term of
leadership, is as relevant today as it was then—for all of us, but today, particularly
for you.
Note particularly, three times
in this short passage, the Lord directs Joshua to be “strong and courageous.” First,
the Lord points out Joshua needs these qualities because he is responsible for
the people he is leading; any lack of courage on his part can leave them in
danger. The problem for him, and, of course, for all of us, is lack of
strength.
So the second and third
references give the source of strength and courage; in fact the greater part of
this passage, verses 7 and 8, is devoted to it: full obedience to the law, and
constant meditation on it, which will give Joshua prosperity and success.
However, Christians no longer
keep the law for fear of retribution, but as a response of love and gratitude
for Christ’s rescue from its curse. The law, given by our Creator, reflects the
optimal conditions for fellowship with Him, spiritual health, and success in
our God given calling.
Finally, in a fourth injunction
not to be terrified or discouraged, the Lord promises to be with Joshua
constantly; which is just as well, because like us, he would fail in
maintaining that full obedience and meditation.
Life is hazardous. Being a
Christian often makes it more so. Thus the need for strength and courage: strength
to pursue our calling despite the obstacles we face, and courage to face the
dangers we fear. After all, courage is unnecessary in the absence of fear.
We, Nan and Gramps, together with
others, are encouraged by your commitment to the Christian faith, your intensive
investigation to understand the faith, and seizing opportunities to express it
through various forms of media. Continue in the way you are going and you will
fulfill the promise of your name: Joshua. Our love and prayers go with you
through the next year and beyond.
