Joshua 1:1–11, 16–18

Bible Studies for Life
Assistant Professor of Divinity, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University

Overcome Your Fears
Joshua 1:1–11, 16–18

Accept Your Responsibility (1–5)
The Israelites were at a critical moment in history. They had finally completed their wandering in the desert and were ready to enter the promised land. Further Moses, their faithful leader for the past 40 years, had died and a new leader was needed to lead them into the promised land. Could anyone fill this leadership position? God had a particular man in mind: namely, Joshua. In spite of the daunting circumstances, God commanded Joshua to lead Israel into new territory. And His command was accompanied by certain promises.

Joshua could lead the Israelites on the basis of the following promises. God had given them the land. They would conquer every square foot they trod upon. This land’s boundaries were clearly marked; it stretched from the wilderness to the great river Euphrates and included all the land of the Hittites to the Great Sea. This also came with the necessary promise that no opponent would stand against the Israelites. And Joshua was given personal assurance that God would be with him powerfully.

For modern-day believers, the geo-political context of the Israelites’ history does not apply. They are not called to physically invade a foreign land with divine promise of victory. And most certainly, not all believers are called to be a leader like Joshua. Nevertheless this passage can speak effectively to all believers. Wherever God calls His people to go, whatever God calls them to do, they need to be confident that God leads the way. Victory in any venture lies in God’s presence and His leading. And while God’s specific direction for believers may vary with each circumstance, His solemn pledge to be with His people as they teach and disciple all nations (Matt. 28:19–20) is an assurance for all believers. Each disciple can obey this divine directive with the conviction that God’s presence leads him or her to victory.

Hear God’s Command (6–9)
Joshua’s tremendous calling to lead the Israelites came with further directives from God. First God repeatedly reminded Joshua to be “strong and courageous.” Once God’s will has been determined, it is imperative to follow it with strength and courage. Faith that God will accomplish all that He has promised is non-negotiable. And this faith in God necessarily leads to faithfulness. Both human responses of faith and faithfulness are required to lead effectively in God’s Kingdom.

Act Courageously (10–11, 16–18)
Joshua’s response to God’s call to be strong and courageous and take the promised land led him to exhort the Israelites. It is not simply a matter of hearing God’s command. But genuine faith requires action, i.e., faithfulness. Fear of the enemy evaporates in light of God’s will and command. Insecurities and inadequacies melt away in view of God’s promise of victory. And Joshua exemplified the proper response. All that God commands would be obeyed. Wherever God led, the people would follow regardless of risk. Just as Moses obeyed all of God’s directives, Joshua promised obedience personally and corporately. Are modern-day leaders able to make such bold promises to God? Are we able to vow obedience not only on a personal level but also on a corporate level? Are we able to take up responsibility for others, whether family or church, before God? Here, with Joshua, we see leadership as accountability before God not only for ourselves but also others.

The only request Joshua made before God was that of His enduring presence with His people. God’s presence not only distinguished them from all other people but also provided victory. Joshua, as leader for God’s people, astutely recognized that God’s presence was the one factor non-negotiable for his own success as well as Israel’s. It is not glitzy marketing strategies and wealth that ensures victory for modern-day churches. Indeed even success for the average Christian family is based exclusively on God’s continued presence. And effective leadership either within the corporate or individual family of God requires not only faith and faithfulness but also the insight that God’s continued presence is ultimately the lifeline for all His people.