Pressing On

Joshua 1:2: "(The Lord said to Joshua) 'Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them-to the Israelites.'"

After 40 years of wandering in the wilderness for their rebellion against the Lord's command to enter the Promised Land, the Israelites again were summoned to move into this choice land, promised since the days of Abraham (see Genesis 12:17).

It would have been easy for Joshua to have examined his situation and questioned this dictate from the Lord. After all, why did God not take His people in under the mighty leadership of Moses, Joshua's predecessor? I'm certain that Joshua knew that he simply could not cross the Jordan River and take the land without some resistance from the Canaanite dwellers already there. Land was the most important asset to a people during that day, and the Canaanites would staunchly defend their territory.

This likely is why God repeatedly commanded His new leader to be "strong and courageous" (see 1:6, 1:7, 1:9). It would require faith on the part of Joshua to trust that the Lord would provide protection and victory, even though the circumstances did not look promising.

God knew that Joshua's faith would be kindled by the meditation upon the Word; this is why the Lord commanded Joshua to meditate upon the Book of the Law and obey it fully. The Lord knew that the strength to avoid the pitfalls of discouragement and fear would be found in Joshua's regular feasting upon His Word. God then reinforced the reward for Joshua's faithfulness by proclaiming that success would come to the Israelites if they would follow His commands.

Joshua did not waver a bit. In the following verses, the leader told his people to get ready for in three days they would move across the Jordan into their land. Of course the reason for the three-day delay likely was the need for preparation for mobilization and war. Unlike the days of Moses when the Israelites refused to take the step of faith into the land, they now were ready. As the Israelites encouraged their leader to be strong, they reinforced their support by proclaiming that they would execute anyone who would defy Joshua's commands. It was time to move and receive the blessing of the Lord.

This story is such a good word for us, for we need to contemplate Joshua's response of faith and obedience toward the Lord, even though the future would involve conflict with the pagan Canaanites. How often do we face our own enemies with unwavering trust in the Lord? How much to we feast upon His Scriptures for support as we prepare to face the burdens before us? How diligent are we at obeying fully the dictates that the Lord has given to us? As the Lord promised success for Joshua, so too we can find success in our experiences if we will follow a similar course of faithfulness and obedience.

When we stand on the banks of our proverbial "river" and look to the other side. Let us not permit the impressiveness of our foe to cause us to cower in retreat; rather, let us look beyond the obstacles at the blessings that the Lord has promised to us, if only we would move forward in faith. Let's press on, and expect that the Lord will be with us, will protect us, and will bring us victory!