Thinking in 3’s - Joshua 1:6,7,9 - Be strong and Courageous

In the first chapter of Joshua, in the first paragraph, The Lord speaks to Joshua directly, giving him instructions as He assumes Moses’ role of leadership among the Israelite people as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. Three times the Lord says, “Be strong and courageous.”

In the first case, God repeats the broad scope of the promise that He had given to His people, through Moses, and now repeats to Joshua. This is a tremendous gift, if the people will obey and pursue their enemies to the full extent, which they proved later not to do. But the promise is real, though conditional. Further, God assures Joshua, “As I was with Moses so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.” He then follows up the admonition to “Be strong and courageous” with one more assurance: “you shall put this people in possession of the land.”

In the second instance (v. 7), we understand that the call to “only be strong and courageous” is tied to other acts of devotion:

• Be careful to act in accordance with all the law
• Do not turn for it to the right hand or to the left
• Meditate on (the book of the law) day and night

We understand then, that mere human boldness, - perhaps we could call it audacity - is not what is called for. It is rather a determination to walk with God according to His Word, dependent upon His fulfillment of the promises, but keeping in step with His call and commandment all along the way.

Once again, the Lord gives a concluding command: “Be strong and courageous” (v. 9). It is here coupled with a negative command: “do not be frightened or dismayed;” and then with a word of great assurance: “for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

We also ought to “be strong and courageous.” Yet we must understand that we must not resort to audacity or presumption. Our biblical boldness must be based on the promises of God, and our actions must be in accordance with the commands of God. Certainly Joshua was called upon to exercise wisdom and strategy. But the ingenuity was not Joshua’s; the successes would belong to the Lord. We are always to recognize our dependence, and to act in obedience. And we can do so in this way: “Be strong and courageous.”