City Life Starter

I. The Word: Joshua 1:1-9 (NKJV)

1 After the death of Moses, the servant of the Lord, it came to pass that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying: ² “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel. ³ Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses. ⁴ From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the River Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your territory. ⁵ No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you.⁶ Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. ⁷ Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. ⁸ This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. ⁹ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

II. Study Questions:

1. When did God choose Joshua, son of Nun, to lead the children of Israel into the Promise Land?

2. Why did God choose Joshua to lead the children of Israel into the Promise Land?  What were his qualifications?

3. How many times did God told Joshua to be “Strong and Courageous” and why?

“Now Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him; so the children of Israel heeded him, and did as the LORD had commanded Moses.” Deuteronomy 34:6

Season of Preparation

Waiting is tough for everyone, especially if God has called you and given you vision.  During this time, many find themselves frustrated, discouraged, and even giving up.  But what if I told you, the time of preparation is for God to mold and shape you to what you are called to do?  What if you embraced the time of preparation to wait on the LORD and commit your ways to Him?  What if you choose each day to become more like Him?  What if you put your trust in Him during the season of preparation.

The Bible gives us plenty of examples of those who waited until they were called:

• Abraham waited until he was 100 years old before Issac was born.
• Moses spent 40 years in the wilderness prior to being called to deliver the Israelites from the hand of Egyptians.
• Joseph was sold as a slave, falsely accused, and jailed prior to being exonerated before he became the second man in charge of Egypt.
• David was anointed to become king of Israel when he was very young but would not rule until 30.
• Jesus began his earthly ministry when he was 30 years of age.

In today’s reading, we find Joshua being called to lead Israel into the land God had promised to Abraham, Issac and Jacob.  Moses is no longer with them and Joshua was chosen to take the responsibility to taking Israelites into the Promised Land.  Joshua followed Moses for over 40 years and experienced many things while following Moses’ leadership.  If you would like to know what he has seen as he followed Moses, all you need to do is to read the Book of Exodus & Numbers through the eyes of Joshua.  Though he has experience both good and bad during his time under Moses’ leadership, we do not find Joshua complaining or challenging Moses authority.  (Even Moses’ own family challenged his authority and God dealt with them: Aaron & Miriam).  In the Scripture, we find that God chose those who faithfully follow and loyal to God’s anointed or chosen one even when the leader has many flaws.

Joshua stayed faithfully under Moses’ leadership throughout the years, without entering into the Promised Land.  It is during these years, Joshua gained valuable experience in leadership, governing, military tactics and social-responsibilities, but the most important lesson Joshua learned from Moses was an intimate relationship with God.  When it was time for Joshua to lead the children of Israel into the Promised Land, he went with assurance of God’s promises that the LORD will go with him wherever he goes.

God tells Joshua to “be strong and courageous” three times.  In my biblical hermeneutic class, a professor once told the class whenever something is repeated, you should take special notice, especially when it is God speaking, as it is here.  Though many have interpreted and applied these verses in their daily walk with God to find some consolation and encouragement as they face challenges and difficulties, it doesn’t simply apply to facing challenges in life.  The real call for you to be “strong and courageous” is for you to observe God’s Word! (v. 7-8)  For you to keep and obey God’s Word, meditate upon it day and night so that you may be able to “observe to do according to all that is written in it,” will take great strength and courage.  You don’t believe me?  It takes great strength and courage to stand up for God.  It takes great strength and courage to correct your fellow Christians.  It takes great strength and courage to get up early in the morning so that you can spend time in God’s Word.

We live in a society that wants results fast, whether it is fast food, or immediate profits.  Similar to our societal tendencies, we find ourselves expecting quick and fast results in our spirituality.  We expect immediate results with our relationship with God, character and spiritual growth.  We expect cosmic interventions that can change our situation or circumstances immediately.  What if God is after the process?  What if it will take more than immediacy?  What if God is molding and shaping you during this time?  Will you be okay to wait on the Lord?  Joshua did, and he was ready when he was called to lead God’s people.  JY

Wait on the LORD;

Be of good courage,

And He shall strengthen your heart;

Wait, I say, on the LORD!

Psalm 27:14