Men of the BibleIsampula

Joshua: ready but not

Moses has died (Deuteronomy 34) and God commands Joshua to lead Israel into Canaan. Thirty-eight years earlier, Israel was about to enter the promised land the first time (Numbers 13) but became paralysed by fear. Of the twelve spies sent into Canaan, only Joshua and Caleb voted to continue. Worse still, Israel begged to return to Egypt! So God returned the nation to the wilderness until that fear-filled generation had died.

Once again, on the banks of the Jordan, Joshua has doubts. For decades he’s assisted the guy who delivered Israel from Egypt. He’s not related to Moses or of noble birth (traditional stock for leaders). He’s old and convinced the Canaanites are more formidable than they were thirty-eight years earlier. Joshua’s reservations are so profound that God has reminded Joshua to ‘be strong’ on multiple occasions already (vv6,7,9).

Joshua’s faith in God is solid, but he’s plagued by his own insecurities. His remedy is easier read than lived. Joshua prioritises furthering the work of God among the people over his own self-doubt (v10). His identity is not found in his own emotions but in acting on God’s directions. What an arresting act of faith – to follow God’s command and to order the nation to pack and prepare to move while at the same time struggling with his own doubts.

Today, don’t allow fear and discouragement to hold your heart hostage. God is with you wherever you go.

Written by DWAYNE JEFFRIES