March 18, 2009 Courage Counts
Today’s Bible Reading: Joshua 1–2; Psalm 37; I Corinthians 3
Scripture Focus:
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:16–18 So they answered Joshua, saying, “All that you command us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. Just as we heeded Moses in all things, so we will heed you. Only the LORD your God be with you, as He was with Moses. Whoever rebels against your command and does not heed your words, in all that you command him, shall be put to death. Only be strong and of good courage.
Joshua 2:11 11 And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the LORD your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.
Observation:
First God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous. Then the people tell Joshua they’ll follow him as they followed Moses, but they tack this condition on the end: Only be strong and of good courage.
When the spies go to Jericho they find that the people there had lost their courage because of what they had heard about Israel. Rahab tells the spies “As soon as we heard these things our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you.
Application:
God and people are looking for courageous leaders, but courage can only be born out of the knowledge that “the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” and obedience to the word of God:
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
One other thought. What I listen to will affect my courage. The people of Jericho were terrified when they heard the stories about Israel. Will I put more stock in what I see or hear going on around me, or in the promises of God?
Prayer:
Father God, may I be the kind of leader that inspires confidence in people because I trust in you and follow your Word.
