EHP Day 25-Success From Careful Obedience
Joshua 1:7-8
Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
For many years, a younger Joshua attended at the elbow of Moses. As Moses’ assistant (Ex. 24:13, Num. 11:28), he would shadow Israel’s leader on Mount Sinai, organize troops for battle, hover around the tent of meeting, update Moses on developments among the tribes. Joshua fearlessly joined Caleb pleading with Israel to courageously obey, to eschew any fear, despite the spies’ faithless report (Num. 14:16). Moses groomed him as Israel’s next-gen leader (Dt. 1:38).
Now, at center stage, with Moses’ obituary ringing in his ears (Josh. 1:2), Joshua’s moment for true leadership chimed. Leadership demands strength; it also longs for success. Perhaps aged 60, standing before anxious millions grouped in tribes and family units, his example and guiding hand would make or break the future of God’s people.
The Lord also desired a rise of confidence through Joshua. So He imparted how consistent victory could be realized, day by day, week by week, month by month, year after year. “Spend the time. Talk the book. Ponder the Laws. Understand their meaning. Press in on personal application. Never short-cut obedience. For then you will make your way prosperous; then you will have good success.
Talk about a formula with a Divine guarantee. God’s “if…then(s)” must never be ignored. They promise so much and deliver even more for those with courage to spend time with God. Moments to take His word seriously.
Journal Notes