If there was a man in Biblical history who did not need to be told to be Strong and Courageous it was Joshua son of Nun. He and Caleb famously rejected the faithlessness of the other 10 spies and stood up against the rebellion of the people. They told Israel, “
“If the Lord is pleased with us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us…do not rebel against the Lord…do not fear the people of the land, for they will be our prey…the Lord is with us” (Numbers 14:8-9).
However, forty years later, when Moses was handing the leadership of Israel over to Joshua, he encouraged Joshua:
“Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land…and you shall give it to them…The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” (Deuteronomy 31:7-8).
God promised Joshua two things: His presence, and certain victory.
So, why was Moses telling one of the bravest men who has ever lived to be Strong and Courageous?
It was probably not the forces within Joshua that Moses was concerned about, it was the forces without. Moses had seen Israel’s faith run more-cold-than-hot since they left Egypt; Joshua was about to take up where Moses left off.
To the end Joshua proved to be Strong and Courageous. And like Moses he had personally witnessed Israel’s lack of spiritual steel. So, he threw down the challenge: “You will not be able to serve the LORD, for He is a holy God” (Joshua 24:19). Their answer was swift: “No, but we will serve the LORD,” they vowed. A vow that probably rang as hollow in Joshua’s ears as it had in those of Moses.
No matter what was going on in the hearts and minds of those they led, God gave His servants all they needed to fulfil His purposes. He still does. So, be Strong and Courageous!
John Staiger
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