Victory’s Battle Cry-A Study in Joshua Part 2—Be Strong and of a Good Courage
So Joshua was chosen by God to lead the people across the Jordan into the Promised Land. Before Moses had died he was told by God to instruct the Hebrew nation and to anoint Joshua to be the leader of the nation. In Deuteronomy 31
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Moses commanded Joshua and the people three times “Be Strong and of a Good Courage.” We will soon see these same words repeated to Joshua by God in the first chapter of Joshua. Those words become Joshua’s battle cry to his own heart over the span of his lifetime. Are they yours?
At God’s instruction, Moses then took Joshua with him to the tabernacle where God appeared in the in a pillar of a cloud. One might think that God was going to tell them that the people would never again be rebellious; but, that was not what God told them. In fact, God told them that the people would once more seek after other Gods and idols once they had tasted the pleasures of the Promised Land. God knew they would be unfaithful; yet, God remained faithful to His promise and God had a plan of redemption for all who would believe in Him.
God would accomplish His plan and Christ would be born from this nation of people to proclaim His Place as Messiah and King. So, God gave Moses a song to teach the people, a song that they were to sing to remember God’s Grace and Mercy. That song was recorded in chapter 32 of Deuteronomy. The song began with the truth of who God was—their rock and foundation. The song then declares the fact that they were a foolish, stubborn, pride-filled people who rebelled against God. Then the song spoke again of the truth that God, in His Justice and Righteousness must turn His back on all who turn away from worshipping Him as the one and only True God. The song then reminds them that it is only grace that has caused Him to wait about executing that judgment immediately. The final verses of the song reminds them how blessed they are because God has ever gone before them as their shield and their sword.”
Moses died and Joshua was to take his place as leader. Then God came and spoke to Joshua. “Be Strong and Of a Good Courage”. These were the same words that Moses had spoken to Joshua 3 times and now God would repeat them three times. It would be God’s battle cry for Joshua to use. He was to lead these people with courage and strength gained by studying the law, meditating on it and by forever remembering that God did go before him and with him. God would be faithful even when the people would not. It might be one thing to lead a group who always followed after God with diligence; but what about when they turned away to chase after other Gods. What about when the people were angry and rebellious. God knew that everything that Joshua needed to be that leader would be found in God’s word and God’s presence. Joshua would need to be strong, courageous, and to trust God no matter what. So, read the word of God to Joshua.
Joshua 1: 5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.6 Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest.8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
So what do we need to battle against sin around us and within our own hearts? What is the battle cry that we are to shout to our own hearts whenever we see difficulty before us?
So let me leave you with this short song to sing whenever fear or doubt crowds your mind. I encourage you to memorize it and use it as your battle cry. I have found it really helps me.
© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba
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