Strong and Courageous: A Study in JoshuaSample

What does it say?

God’s favor towards Israel was restored, and a plan to conquer Ai was pursued. Victory was given, and Joshua encouraged them to renew their covenant vows to the Lord.

What does it mean? 

God reminded Joshua that He had not given up on him or the people. “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Joshua had heard those words at least three other times. What better way to go into battle than with God’s reassurance echoing in his mind and heart? God gave them the battle plan, promised a victory, and rewarded them with the spoils. Joshua built an altar and made sacrifices to the Lord. He then copied the law onto stones and read the whole law to the entire assembly as the Lord had commanded (Deuteronomy 11:29). Since the Israelites didn’t have the written Word, corporate reading was the only way to hear it.

How should I respond?

How many times do we have to hear or read something before it affects the way we live? Like Joshua, we sometimes need to be reassured before a major undertaking. At other times we need to be reminded of God’s instructions or commands. James 1:22-25 tells us to be doers of the word and not hearers only. In order for head knowledge to cause a change in lifestyle, you have to put into practice what you hear on Sunday morning and what you read in your daily devotions. What has God said to you this week as you’ve read His Word? How can you act on it today?