Television directors work hard to ensure continuity details from one shot to another. Mistakes mean that the programme seems inconsistent. The first verses of Joshua establish continuity in the handover of leadership from Moses to Joshua. Verse 1 describes Joshua as the son of Nun, confirming that this is the same Joshua who is described as Moses’ assistant throughout Deuteronomy. 

The Lord speaks to all his people (vs 2–4) to establish Joshua as the new leader who would lead them into the land that he was giving them. Look at verse 4 to see the area that this land would cover.

In verses 5–9 the Lord speaks to Joshua. Imagine how Joshua felt about the job the Lord gave him. Three times he tells Joshua ‘Be strong and courageous’ (vs 6,7,9). How might this promise have helped him? Verses 7 and 8 remind Joshua that the courage he needs is a gift from the Lord but in order to receive it he needs to play his part: he needs to obey the Law the Lord gave to Moses, without being distracted to the left or the right.

‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’¹ Ponder the enormity and application of this statement for you and your walk with God. 

How do you succeed a leader like Moses, whose spiritual and practical example was so impressive – and who was mentioned 11 times in a chapter about Joshua’s calling? Joshua must have felt a great weight of expectation and fear of not being able to reach the heights Moses did. The same could be said today for many facing leadership challenges and, to that end, we can take great hope in this affirmation of Joshua. God uses the name ‘Moses’ to reiterate the promises made to his people and to remind Joshua that there is and always will be only one true leader, God. He refers to Moses as ‘my servant’ (vs 1,2,7), a clarion call to any who doubt that God chooses his leaders – that is their strength. 

Joshua is not without immense training, skill and experience gained as Moses’ assistant, but all this can only be offered to God who will be the enabler. God is clear: it is ‘I’ who ‘commanded you’ (v 9), ‘I’ who ‘will give you every place’ (v 3), ‘I’ who ‘will never leave or forsake you’ (v 5) and ‘I’ who ‘will be with you’, ‘As I was with Moses’ (v 5). Joshua’s confidence is found in understanding that his strength and courage for the coming battles will be in walking with God, not through his own effectiveness. Obey the words of God, meditate on them, keep close to God – then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua, like Moses, will find that the fruit of ministry is through relationship with God, not just man’s determination! What an incredible challenge and comfort to those who lead God’s people. We can but offer all we have and allow God to take it and magnify it for his glory and purpose. He is the sovereign commander, we are his willing servants.  

Where are you called to lead within your family, relationships and church? How do you ensure that you are following God’s directing?

¹ Heb 13:5, NRSV