What is the remedy for doubt? The second time He was referring to the courage required to keep the law of Moses, disregarding all the pressures to compromise (v. 7). Indeed they had chariots and walled cities, and among them were giants. Only when we know the law in its supreme holiness do we understand why through our own efforts it is impossible to please God. If we wish the Spirit to guide us into fuller obedience, we must accept Godâs counsel to Joshua. The remedy is to understand that unceasing attention to the Word of God is important, indeed vital, to our spiritual well-being. The consideration of which would serve to animate him to the work he was called unto, to encourage his faith in God, to engage in his service cheerfully and readily: be strong, and of a good courage; (See Gill on Joshua 1:6); (See Gill on Joshua 1:7). 4:15; 7:26; John 8:46). Throughout Scripture we learn of our obligation to teach each other God's truth. Nor do we face certain martyrdom, as did Peter. Three times in His commissioning of Joshua, God admonished him to have courage. The only way to penetrate the difficulties is to examine them thoughtfully, diligently trying with Godâs help to find the answers. The purpose of the law is to teach us the sinfulness of our hearts so that we might know our need of a Savior (Rom. ḥazaq weʾemaṣ ), a formula of encouragement reiterated three times (vv. In Christ we are invincible (Rom. Whatever we face, we know that we do not face it alone. This, the conclusion of the whole speech, is also its summary, showing that Godâs main purpose in speaking to Joshua was to allay all the fears natural to the heart of this new leader. If He does not, He has a good reason for withholding His deliverance (Rom. We do not look forward to complete success, as did Joshua. 10:25). They have made up words, teachings, even stories that are pure imagination. Now I just need to work on bringing that same trust and courage into all the moments of life! Faith that the law of God is the prescription for true happiness. But how foolish! Meditation is essential to understanding Godâs Word. In the previous month, Joshua has seen just how much his predecessor was revered. 14:6-10). What is the remedy for temptation? But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up" (Dan. 7â8). Likewise, in the Christian life we do not sit idle and bask in blessings shining down from heaven. What is the remedy for discouragement? John adds, "This spake he, signifying by what death he [Peter] should glorify God" (John 21:19). Indeed, they were populous. In other words, he need not fear revolt if he faithfully schooled the Israelites in the law and if he himself set an example of keeping it fully. The New Testament makes one of them in particular available to us all. Here again is a picture of the Christian life. We must devote time to the solemn task of searching the Word for personal help. &c.] The above things, to go over Jordan with the people into the land of Canaan, and to observe the law of Moses in all things, and to be of good courage, which is again repeated; consider who it is that has given these orders and instructions, the great Jehovah, the everlasting I AM, who is faithful to his promises, and able to perform. Joshua rightly felt dependent on God for success. 7:1-5). He manfully fulfilled his role as church leader despite the price that would someday be exacted from him. First, let us consider the command to obey the law. For Joshua, "this book of the law" comprised only the five books of Moses. The first time He was referring to the courage necessary to complete the task of conquering the land and dividing it among the tribes (v. 6). 8:33-39). Just as Moses brought Israel to the threshold of Canaan, so the law is a "schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith" (Gal. For them, to prosper may under some circumstances refer to military victory, but normally it refers to material gain, or to enjoyment of good health and good fun. Those who now resented him were few, since God had, through many judgments, purged out the rebels. Just as Joshua was an example to Israel, so Christ is an example to us, and He did all that the law required (Matt. Now the impossible becomes possible (Rom. The courage expected of us falls between the easiest and the hardest. Understanding Joshua 1:9 in the Bible can help us face hard things with faith and confidence. We'll send you an email with steps on how to reset your password. Joshua recognized that to step forward and take up the reins except under Godâs immediate direction would have been presumptuous. Meditation keeps divine truth in the forefront of our minds, where we can easily find it in moments of great need. This is the easiest kind, because it is opposed by no greater fear than the possibility of failure, and God has eliminated that possibility. In His assurances to Joshua, He told him the measures he could take to keep his followers from mutiny. Faith is the victory that overcomes the world (1 John 5:4). So it is with salvation. Joshua has just seen how fervently the people admired and loved their deliverer from Egypt. Prosperity can be understood in a spiritual sense, not as worldly success but as growth in heavenly virtue. They say that if you want something, whatever it may beâa bigger house or better job perhapsâyou should just claim it by faith and God will give it to you. But God does not make the same promise to Christians. The speech we read in these verses is Joshuaâs coronation, as it wereâhis formal installation as the new head of the nation. We must understand that Godâs promises to Joshua were designed for his special circumstances. God meant primarily that the nation under Joshua's leadership would conquer their enemies in Canaan and take possession of all their wealth and territory. You have probably heard the prosperity gospel that some televangelists and pastors preach today. How did God deal with this fear? This is an unconditional promise to all of Godâs children. A Christian should not be seeking earthly wealth and success (Matt. God gave the land to Israel (v. 3), yet Israel had to arise, cross the river, and take possession of the land (v. 2). 4:7). Faith that a loving God is in control. Their crossing of the Jordan under the leadership of Joshua, whose name in Hebrew is identical to the Hebrew form of the name Jesus, represents salvation. Notice that the record of Israelâs progress to Canaan does not show its two great leaders in opposition. The commands of the Lord are not difficult or tedious to those that trust in the Word of the Lord. The path through the Jordan River did not usher them into an easy life.