Saturday, July 4, 2009

Today's Passage: Joshua 1-2


The passage begins with the placement of Joshua as the new leader of the Israelite people. Moses had been leading the Israelites on their journey since the exodus out of Egypt. Although Joshua had been watching and assisting a great leader, God was now placing him at the forefront to assume his new role. This was a pretty big responsibility for Joshua to handle. God comforts Him regarding his new role by admonishing him that He has and will always be there with Him. There are many times throughout this book where the phrase, “be strong and very courageous” is said to encourage Joshua in what he needs to do. It hit me though, that the reason Joshua is able to be strong and courageous is because of his close adherence to God’s commandments, and thus, close connection to God’s Word. Joshua 1:8 is a commonly memorized verse, and if you’ve never put this verse in your “tool bag,” this would be a great opportunity for that to happen.

The second chapter tells the story of the prostitute Rahab. These two chapters connect on a similar level in regards to being strong and courageous. Her faith in the matter of trusting God to provide her a way of helping His people out was incredible! I tried to visualize how this was all taking place, and when I did that, I was able to see just how she was able to take an opportunity and be courageous in it. Rahab was probably going about her normal life when this occurrence happened and afterwards, I imagine it changed her life.

How many times are we faced with opportunities to serve God in some capacity and all it takes is for us to step out on faith, or better said, to be strong and very courageous? Then we can see just how the Lord can use us, even when we might think that there is nothing we can do! So my challenge for you today, on the fourth of July, is to be very strong and courageous by seizing the opportunities the Lord gives you!