Lesson From Joshua 1 (Part 2)

Previously, we saw how God had prepared Joshua for the seemingly impossible task of taking down the heavily fortified city of Jericho to lead the people into the Promised Land (Joshua 6:3-5). We saw in Chapter 1 how God gave Joshua his divine appointment and commanded him to be courageous, strong, careful and focused. Just as the Lord prepared him for battle, we can also prepare for the spiritual battles we face by focusing on some more amazing truths in this chapter.

Here we see that God rewards those who follow him in obedience. Joshua was one of the twelve men who went to explore the land of Canaan and only he and Caleb exhorted the people to trust God for victory (Numbers 13-14). Thus, only he and Caleb of the twelve were allowed to enter into the Promised Land. We also see that God uses others to set the right example. He charged Joshua to follow the example that he saw lived out in Moses' life (v.7). God expects us as well to seek out relationships with other godly men who can help us, guide us and encourage us. God also expects us to follow his commands and not mold them to fit our own plans and desires. He specifically told Joshua that he would have good success if he didn't turn to the right or the left (v.7). We always run into difficulty when we deviate from God's plan.

Verse 8 reminds us that staying in God's Word is our best chance for success. We need to be in the Word every day and allow it to shape the way we think, what we say and what we do. Obedience to His Word enables us to prosper and have good success. And finally, verses 5 and 9 remind us that wherever God leads us, He will stay right with us. The Lord reminded Joshua of his faithfulness to Moses and that he should not be afraid or discouraged because He promises to never leave us or forsake us.

Joshua 1 for the most part is a lesson on courage, obedience and the faithfulness of God. The promises made there to Joshua are ours to claim today as well.