Day 78: Joshua 1-2; Luke 1:1-56

Seven times, count them (Deuteronomy 31:6, 7, 23; Joshua 1:6, 7, 9, 18), Joshua is given the command: "Be strong and courageous." He had gigantic shoes to fill in following the Great Lawgiver, Moses. He had a very stiff-necked, hard-headed people to lead. He had a Mighty God to serve. He needed the reminder of the many miles he walked with Moses in discipleship. He must go back to the laying on of hands and the passing of the mantle. He had to know the Spirit-infilling. He was not alone! To begin with, Yahweh (Ever-present, Promise-keeping, I AM) his Elohim (Creator God, Majesty, Sovereign, Only God) was with Him. In Him, Joshua could not fail. For that reason, Joshua was to keep all His commands, and so He would lead the people into the Promise and divide the land between them all. Yes, Joshua needed this reminder: be strong and courageous.

In so many other words that same truth has been expressed through the pages of God's Word to leaders and lay people alike. Perhaps today you are the one who needs to hear this reminder: be strong and courageous, for you can do all things through Christ Who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13). Indeed, Jesus said: "I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world" (John 16:33, CSB).