Time to Go

We continued our Joshua series this Sunday by diving into Chapter 1. The waiting is over. Israel is standing at the edge of the Jordan, and God says it’s time to move.

We started with Moses’ death and the handoff to Joshua. Moses and the Law could bring Israel to the border of God’s promise, but not into it. God raised up Joshua, whose Hebrew name Yehoshua means “The LORD saves,” the same name as Jesus. Only God’s chosen Deliverer brings His people into the fullness of what’s promised.

Three times God told Joshua to be strong and courageous. Each time for a different reason: His promise, His precepts, His presence. Real courage isn’t a personality trait. It grows from obedience and meditation on God’s Word. The Hebrew word hagah means to chew on Scripture until it directs your steps.

We also talked about shared rest. The eastern tribes already had land, but God called them to cross over and fight alongside their brothers. Nobody rests until everybody rests. That’s covenant love.

The people responded with unity: “Wherever you send us, we will go.” Courage spread from heaven to the leader and then to the people.

Something to sit with this week:

Where are you standing at the border of God’s promise, believing it but not yet stepping in?