Joshua 1: Strong And Courageous

Transitions can be tricky.  Whether it's the quadrennial Inauguration Day in the United States where one leader of the free world is succeeding another, or whether a company, church or team is simply receiving a new CEO, pastor or coach, people watch the smoothness of the hand-off for clues to the future success of the organization.  Fortunately, everyone seemed to understand and support Joshua as he took on the incredibly challenging role of the leader of Israel, following Moses and charged to take the people into battle across the Jordan.

Back in Deuteronomy 31, Joshua had already twice received the message that he was to be strong and courageous because the Lord was with him.  Now that message is repeated again and again in Joshua's early days as leader:

• "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you...Be strong and courageous" (vs. 5-6)
• "I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go" (vs. 9).
• "Only may the Lord your God be with you, as he was with Moses...Only be strong and courageous" (vs. 17-18).

Joshua's secure position of leadership among the people and relationship to the Lord bodes well for the fate of Israel in the days to come.