7 day plan

The Bible in Australia: Solid Rock Faith

Day 3 of 7

NIV

Joshua 1:9

9Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Reflection:

My son Ethan is a pilot working with MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship) in Arnhem Land. This is a remote part of the Northern Territory and is home to the Yolngu people. MAF seeks to assist with health, education and bringing God’s word to this region. Since Ethan started working in the region, I have been amazed that I can live in Australia and have never been aware of this incredible opportunity to serve Australians. People bringing opportunity, connection and life to places that are so remote.

In Joshua 1:9, Joshua is charged to encourage others with the promises and presence of God. He is to be strong and courageous and not let the law depart from his lips. He is to meditate on it day and night so that he is careful to do everything written in it. In this ‘new venture’ the Israelites will ultimately be a beacon to other nations.

I find it easy to stay in my comfort zone. I can miss opportunities to care and serve others around me. Most importantly, sharing the love that Christ offers. Whether the opportunity is flying a plane to bring teachers to a community so that kids can learn or something else, God encourages us to be strong and courageous.

Prayer:

Dear heavenly Father, it is tough to be pushed out of our comfort zone. But we give you thanks for the example of Joshua who persevered in leading the Israelites. We pray for the Yolngu people that they would know your love and care for them. We give you thanks that Jesus did not take the easy path, rather he endured the cross, to save us from sin and death.

Days

Joshua 1:1-18

Joshua Installed as Leader

1After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: 2“Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. 3I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. 4Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. 5No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.

7“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. 8Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

10So Joshua ordered the officers of the people: 11“Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Get your provisions ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you for your own.’ ”

12But to the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joshua said, 13“Remember the command that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you after he said, ‘The Lord your God will give you rest by giving you this land.’ 14Your wives, your children and your livestock may stay in the land that Moses gave you east of the Jordan, but all your fighting men, ready for battle, must cross over ahead of your fellow Israelites. You are to help them 15until the Lord gives them rest, as he has done for you, and until they too have taken possession of the land the Lord your God is giving them. After that, you may go back and occupy your own land, which Moses the servant of the Lord gave you east of the Jordan toward the sunrise.”

16Then they answered Joshua, “Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. 17Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only may the Lord your God be with you as he was with Moses. 18Whoever rebels against your word and does not obey it, whatever you may command them, will be put to death. Only be strong and courageous!”