Joshua was under the tutelage of Moses for over 40 years. He had proven himself a good and trustworthy soldier. So when it came time to step into Moses’ sandals to lead the Israelites into the promised-land, he was ready. His responsibilities included taking the people into Canaan, conquer the peoples there and apportion the land among different tribes.
Sounds like being a dad – We are to raise a generation that is prepared to walk in this world; we are to protect family from worldly peoples here; and we are to leave an inheritance worth inheriting. Have you proven yourself a good and trustworthy soldier?
When Moses dispatched twelve men to survey the land and report back, Joshua and Caleb were confident that with God the land was theirs for the taking. But the other ten men stirred up fear among the Israelites with stories of how big the people were in the land and convinced them that the battle was too large (Deuteronomy 1:19-36). God was not impressed and granted them 40 more years of wandering in the wilderness.
As we survey the land today in our own nation, it is easy to get overwhelmed – the problems look too big. How can one dad, one family or even one church have an impact in this upside down world? With God we can turn this world right side up because that is what we are here to do. We must be confident and walk under the same instruction God gave Joshua.
Get Joshua: “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law My servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:7. Be strong – physically be fit as a soldier ready for battle; emotionally be able to navigate through the noise in the world; and spiritually be Rock solid in relationship with Jesus the Christ. Be very courageous – be careful to walk in the Truth, do not be distracted to the right or to the left by worldly influences. Be successful – be confident in strength beyond self and trust in the Lord. Lead spiritually by example and the family will follow.
Prayer guide: Lord, thank You for the example of Joshua. I am small and easily overwhelmed in this world when I am the one I trust. Then I am reminded that I can do everything through You Who gives me strength (Phil.4:13). You are an awesome God and the only One worthy of trust. Help me comprehend the strength You offer through the power of the resurrected Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. I claim that strength to have a Kingdom impact where You have me starting this day, that as for me and my house, we will serve You. Amen.
A faithful father leads as Joshua led, not turning to the right or to the left of Truth.
