Joshua receives the exhortation. “Be strong and courageous.” Hearing it loud and clear. Multiple times.
From the Lord. And from the people. (Joshua 1:6,7,9,18)
He’s stepping into leadership after one of the greatest leaders of all time. Moses.
Certainly not for the faint of heart, this. Leading the multitudes. And entering the Promised Land.
Then. At the end of his life. He delivers the exhortation.
Watch yourselves!
Among Joshua’s final words to the nation are these.
“Be very strong and continue obeying all that is written in the book of the law of Moses” (Joshua 23:6).
He reminds them, “So diligently watch yourselves! Love the Lord your God!” (Joshua 23:11).
There it is.
The greatest commandment. And one they fail to obey. Time and time again.
Prone to wander
Joshua knows. They are prone to wander.
Turning their eyes toward local idols.
Breaking covenant. Bowing before and serving handmade gods.
Ones they can touch. Carry. Stick in a convenient place.
Carved images that have eyes but cannot see. Ears, but cannot hear. Mouths, but cannot speak. (Psalm 115:3-8)
Promises
So, at the end of his leadership, the end of his life, Joshua testifies.
After a lifetime of hearing the word of the Lord. Seeing the work of His hands. Fighting battles in His strength and by His direction.
“…None of the good promises the Lord your God made to you has failed. Everything was fulfilled for you; not one promise has failed.”
None. Not one. Everything He promised, He did.
Exhortation
Today, we are called to be strong and courageous. Walking by faith through spiritual battles. In His power, not our own.
Standing firm. In the shifting sands of culture. Remembering Who our foundation is. And trusting the Spirit of Truth who indwells us, leading us into all truth.
Let’s testify to the work of the Lord our God. Not one of His promises will fail. Not one.
What about you?
How would you exhort believers living in the world today? How has the Lord encouraged you to stand firm?
Related posts
Be strong and courageous – Remembrance – Entering the land – Shoeless – empty skies – Everything – Borders –
Joshua 1 – Joshua 23 – Psalm 115 – John 16:13 –
4 replies on “Exhortation”
Oh what love that He always keeps every promise! Great challenge!! Let’s Go!!’
Yes and AMEN.
I’m always encouraged by Joshua’s life. At the end to stay so clearly “God has never failed to be good” is my hope! And I should do it each week in the waiting time!
Me too. Thanks for sharing, sister.