January 15, 2022
I greet and bless everyone in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. The blessed word that God has given for you today is from the book of Joshua 1:9, “Be strong and of good courage, do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you, wherever you go.”
From the above context we come to understand that after, the children of Israel had wandered for 40 years, Joshua, the newly called Prophet, was charged with the daunting task of leading them into the Promised Land. This challenge included claiming the land from the current inhabitants, fighting battles and providing spiritual leadership for millions. Joshua may have felt the overwhelming weight of the task before him. And so the Lord offered these comforting yet encouraging words. “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 was one of the most successful of all ancient leaders. He was one of the twelve spies of Israel, sent by Moses, to explore the land of Canaan. He was not afraid of the situation but bold in the Lord.
After Joshua was encouraged by the Lord, he boldly led the people of Israel into the land of Canaan and also distributed the land as an inheritance, allocated to the tribes of Israel as promised by the Lord God. In the same way, today the Lord tells you also, that He will go before you and make the crooked places straight. He will go before you and level the mountains that stand before you as blockage to your progress in life. Some of you are scared to take up responsibility. You seem to be so timid in nature. But God expects you to be bold and strong when you face challenges in your life. God will be with you and direct your steps. He says, this is the way, you walk in it. God is willing to instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. He will guide you with his eyes. Amen.
Therefore take up the responsibility boldly. For the Lord says, be bold, do not be discouraged. God who promised Joshua, did not forsake him. So when the Amorites attacked the Israelites, he prayed to the Lord. And asked God to let the sun stand still over Gibeon and Moon in the valley of Aijalon. Both the sun and the Moon stopped till the people had revenge over their enemies. The sun stood still in the midst of heaven, and did not, hasten to go down for about a whole day. And there has been no day, like that day, before it or after it. God was with Him. So God answered his prayer. He would have been a timid person, until Moses was the leader of Israel. But after his death God called him and strengthened him to carry out his task boldly. God not only gave him the leadership but also made him bold and strong.
Similarly the Lord will strengthen you and make you bold if you will depend upon Him for all your needs. Make Him the master of your life. Joshua was a good follower of Moses. He learnt all the precepts from his leader Moses and walked in his footsteps. He was one of the most successful of all ancient leaders. God will make you a leader too. God will not only lead you but also perform miracles for you.
Prayer: Our loving heavenly Father, we thank You for this blessed day. Thank you Lord for showing us the good nature of Joshua. May we learn from him the quality of leadership. Strengthen us to be bold and courageous in the task that is set before us. Help us when we call you . Teach us to obey You like Joshua did.
In Jesus name we pray.
Amen.