By sis Geok Eng
These bible verses came to mind as I was preparing my lesson for the children class.
Jos 1:6 Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.
Jos 1:7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
Jos 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, 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.
Jos 1:9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
God encouraged Joshua through these words to take up the great task of leading the Israelite nation to the promised land. Earlier in Joshua 1:5, God assured Joshua, the assistant of Mosses, that He will not leave him, nor forsake him, He will be with him throughout the days of his life. Notice that the word “will” is repeated twice there. It speaks of God’s commitment and promise to Joshua.
God then continued to give Joshua the encouragement and assurance what he needed to do:
Josh 1:6 Joshua has to be strong and of a good courage – Joshua is now taking the role of a great commander to lead the great nation of the Israelites to possess the promised land, Canaan. He does not know how he is going to be able to handle its successfully now that God had taken Moses away (Deut 34:5). One can only imagine the uncertainty and insecurity he may have felt to have such a heavy responsibility placed upon his shoulders.
Josh 1:7 God affirmed him the second time, Only be strong and very courageous that he may observe to do according to all the law…..”turn not from it to the right hand or to the left”… Joshua needed to have a faithful character of positive thinking and be focused in his given mission which was ahead. He needed to be a good example for the nation to follow as one who will observe to do according to all the laws which Moses commanded him. He shall not lose focus of the path in what he determines to do and he must meditate on the book of the law, day and night without fail in order to have good success as a promise from God.
Josh 1:9 God assured Joshua the third time, Be strong and of a good courage, God knew Joshua will meet problems, heartaches, discouragement, strong opposition, but he should not be afraid nor dismayed because God will be with him as long as ”this book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth” (Josh 1:8). The emphasis is in verse 8 is that we must not let the word of God depart from us’. We should mediate on it day and night so that we will do the things that are pleasing to God. Likewise, as children of God, we can also be assured that God is with us as long as we continue to hold fast to His word. As long as we do so, we can be as Joshua. Be strong and of a good courage.
We should always appreciate the Holy Word that God has given to us. His word is our meat
for our souls. When Christians feast on God’s word, we are nourishing our souls and we are
building ourselves up spiritually. With the knowledge of God’s word and His will through an
understanding of His word, we can reach out more confidently and teach others also.
2Ti 3:16, 17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Indeed, it has been two months plus since we had our first Sunday Worship as a young congregation. I thank God for His wonderful blessings that we are able to have a comfortable place and for the many visitors and visiting brethren’s encouragement from other congregations. Let us not lose faith, be strong and of a good courage, continue to abide in Christ our Lord and Saviour, continue to be diligent in studying the bible, and continue in doing good work for our Lord and the great commission which was given to us. Just as Jesus had assured us in Mat 28:20 “…lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
May our Almighty and Faithful God be with us and bless us that we be strong and of good courage, neither be afraid nor discouraged in bringing the gospel to the community around us that more souls can hear His gospel and be added into His kingdom.
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