Tightening Our Grip on God’s Word
Joshua 1:8
Secret Service agents are with the President nearly every step of his life. Isn’t it nice that we, too, have someone who walks with us each day?
Joshua knew God to be just such a friend as he stood on the border of Canaan, ready to lead the people of Israel into the Promised Land. The greatest (?) promise of all is “I’ll be with you” (Joshua 1:5).
Observe these points from Joshua 1:1-9…
JOSHUA BECOMES THE NEW LEADER OF ISRAEL – vss 1-2:
Since Moses is dead – “therefore” (vs 2) – Joshua has to accept the reins of leadership. There has been a close relationship between Moses and Joshua since Exodus 17. The second time Joshua is mentioned in the Bible, the text says, “Joshua did as Moses told him” (17:10). That sentence encapsulates the attitude Joshua had relative to Moses, God, and authority in general. God blessed him for it.
After crossing the Red Sea, 4:14 says that the Israelites “feared” or “revered” (NASV) Joshua just as they did Moses. In fact, if we compare the crossing of the Red Sea by Moses with the crossing of the Jordan River by Joshua, we find a number of parallels.
Chapter 3:15 reminds us that the Jordan River overflowed its banks every year at this point in the season (spring – 4:19). It was a dangerous task to which God had called him. Yet, Joshua had already proven himself faithful in the little things.
GOD’S PROMISE – vss 3-5:
God’s promise is found in verse 3 – “I have given it [the land] to you” as He had said to Moses. The extent of the land is given in verse 4. The kingdom eventually reached this extent under Kings David & Solomon.
Observe what God says in verse 5: “As I was with Moses…” God had promised that – through Israel – He would destroy the people of the land. Then we have that wonderful promise at the end of verse 5 – “I will not fail you or forsake you.”
Why is it important to remember God is our friend?
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What does God want from Joshua?
Be strong (three times) – 1 Cor. 16:13.
Be courgeous (three times) – Joshua is going to help God fulfill His promise! Eph 6:10
Be careful to do according to all the law which Moses commanded.
Do not turn to the right or the left – “so that…”
More on the law in verse 8 – “It shall not depart from your mouth….”
Meditate on it day and night to be careful to do all that is written in it. What does it mean to “meditate” on God’s word?
Do not tremble.
Do not be dismayed – Hebrews 13:5.
How can we feel God’s presence with us today?
To tighten your grip on God’s Word, memorize Joshua verses 5, 7, 8, or 9.
–Paul Holland
