Slices
Prepare
Ask God to speak to you as we begin these readings in Joshua, especially that you will have the courage to rise to the challenge of following Jesus in today’s world.
Bible passage
Joshua installed as leader
1 After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant: 2 ‘Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the River Jordan into the land I am about to give to them – to the Israelites. 3 I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. 4 Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates – all the Hittite country – to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. 5 No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.
7 ‘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. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; 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. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.’
Explore
It has been said that success without a successor is failure, but leadership transitions can be tricky. Joshua is called by God to take over from Moses. What big shoes he has to fill! I wonder if he feels daunted by the task.
God speaks to reassure his servant and reminds him of two important resources to help him meet the challenge. First, his presence will be with Joshua (v 5). When God calls us, he promises to accompany us and to equip us for the task. He will be alongside us in every situation we face, leading and directing us, strengthening and upholding us.
Secondly, God’s Word (the Book of the Law) will be Joshua’s guide (v 8). We are also to meditate on scripture, absorb its wisdom then live it out. That way we will be successful.
God will bring his people into the land he has promised them. It is primarily his work. At the same time, Joshua must find within himself the strength of mind and depth of character to persevere. He must be resilient and brave, strong and courageous. There will be big challenges ahead (v 9).
Respond
What challenges are you facing at home, in work or at church? How can God’s presence strengthen you? How is God speaking to you through his Word, so you become more confident and less fearful?
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Exodus 9,10; Acts 21
Pray for Scripture Union
Thank God for the various printing companies who produce our printed resources. Pray that in their interactions with the SU staff and in the content they process they will meet the risen Christ and respond to him.
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