| CALL OF JOSHUA |

Having completed our reading of the first five books of the Bible, the Pentateuch, we now enter into a new section. Where Deuteronomy recorded the story of the Israelites’ wanderings in the wilderness between Egypt and Canaan, Joshua picks up the story shortly after the death of Moses with the Israelites just before they cross the Jordan River and enter into Canaan, the land God promised to give to them.

The Call and Confidence of Joshua

Joshua was Moses’ right-hand man. Now, after the death of Moses, Joshua takes over the leadership of the people. I would encourage you to go back through the beginning of the chapter and underline all of the places where God tells Joshua, “Be strong and courageous.”

Now, ask yourself. On what basis should Joshua be strong and courageous? Israel is no army or mighty people. All that they have is whatever is left over from their plundering of Egypt. Now, they are supposed to cross a river and invade a land filled with warriors. Where was Joshua’s confidence supposed to come from?

No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or foresake you. – Joshua 1:5

Joshua’s strength and courage came from the fact that the Lord was with him. Let us remember that the heart of the promise of God is to create a people for himself; that he would be their God, and they would be his people. Joshua, as the leader of the people, embodies this promise as God walks with him.