Joshua 1:1-3, 5. After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, the LORD said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses…No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.”
These verses begin the book of Joshua and also a new segment in Scripture (the Pentateuch is over and the history books begin). It begins a new ministry for Joshua and it begins a new stage for the journey of the people of Israel. The newness of the moment is juxtaposed against the closing of the previous.
Moses is dead.
A whole generation of Israelites who saw God do amazing things as they left Egypt is dead.
That is a lot to think about as this moment dawns of Joshua.
But the moment arrives with the clear, distinct, and amazing voice of the covenant-keeping God who rules the universe. “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses…No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.” The past is done and written in the annals of the LORD. The next step begins with the Presence of the LORD, a command from the King of Israel, a purpose into which Joshua will direct all his energy, and a promise that will sustain the battle.
The Presence: I will be with you.
The Command: Arise, go!
The Purpose: Into the land that I am giving them…
The Promise: Every place you tread I will give you.
What Jordan River are you facing? What closure of history past rings in your thoughts? What lies ahead? For many of us, these are daunting questions. There are too many unknowns. There are too many things to work through. There are too many obstacles that appear before our eyes.
Take heart! The Presence of God is with you (Matthew 28:20). You know to what He is calling you (Ephesians 2:4-10). You know your purpose (Ephesians 3:14-21, Philippians 3:10). You know His promise (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
Now is the time to take Him at His word. Now is the time to stand firm in faith. Now is the time to join obedience to that faith. Now is the time for you to cross the Jordan River.
Let’s do it together!