Joshua undertakes the mission of leading the nation after Moses’ death. He prepares the Israelites to cross the Jordan River and enter Canaan. Joshua is asked to stay loyal to Moses’ Torah and not forget God. If he does this, he will succeed. The combination of Torah study and observing “all that is written in it” (Joshua 1:18) is what will ensure Joshua and the Israelites’ success. As he prepares to enter the Promised Land, Joshua reminds the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh of their pledge to Moses—that they will take an active part in conquering the land. God encourages Joshua and promises to help him if he observes God’s commandments. Joshua is on the cusp of an historic endeavor—the Israelites’ conquest of the Promised Land. He must remove all obstacles and not succumb to fear or doubt. When a person has a mission to fulfill, they must persevere and never give up.
“As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee… Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance of tha land” (Joshua 1:5-6)
“Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people” (Joshua 1:2)
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day andnight, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success” (Joshua 1:8)
Fearlessness is not needing to “find the courage”, because we already have it; certainty in the Creator’s love enables us to be fearless.
