Spend time in prayer and silence with God asking him to meet you and speak to you.
Bible Reading
“After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Mose’s aide: ‘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 them. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert of Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Great Sea on the west. No one will be able to stand up 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. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. 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. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; 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. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.'”
– Joshua 1:1-9
Devotion
In this book it is clear that the work of the great leader Moses was completed, but the work of God moves forward. Joshua was chosen by God to be the next great leader that would lead His people into the promised land. In His commission of Joshua as the next leader, God several times instructs Joshua to “be strong and courageous.” God knew that this would be a difficult task and insures Joshua that He would be with him as he lead the people into the promised land.
God also instructs Joshua to obey the law, so that, he would be successful wherever he went. There is a direct link here between walking in obedience and receiving God’s blessing. Of course this does not promote a “works theology” but emphasizes the importance of obedience in the life of those who follow God. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey what I have commanded you.” Obedience is an opportunity to express our love for God and a way to be drawn into the blessing of a more intimate relationship with Jesus.
The Big Question
How is God revealing Himself to you through this text today?
How are you doing in the area of obedience? What areas of your life do you need to more fully yield to God?
Conclude in prayer and silence, reflecting on what you’ve learned.