Date: 03-21-2021

Title: Promises to A New Leader

(S) cripture:
    Joshua 1:1-9 (NLT2) After the death of Moses the LORD’s servant, the LORD spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant. He said, 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them. 3 I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you— 4 from the Negev wilderness in the south to the Lebanon mountains in the north, from the Euphrates River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west, including all the land of the Hittites.’ 5 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. 6 “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. 8 Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. 9 This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

(O) bservation:
    After Moses’ death the Lord calls Joshua to lead the people and makes some promises to him. The Lord also calls for Joshua to do some things. He is to be strong and courageous and obedient. He is to meditate on the Lord’s instructions and the Lord promises success and his presence wherever Joshua goes.

(A) pplication:
    The Lord calls Joshua to lead and reminds him that wherever he places the sole of his foot (NASB) the Lord has given that land to him. I have always been intrigued by that promise. The “sole of your foot” is different from the “sole of your sandal or shoe”. When I am wearing my work boots, I can place my foot just about anywhere I choose but when I am barefoot it is an entirely different situation. I admit, I am a tenderfoot and when barefoot I am very careful where I step. I think that is applicable to this promise. As the Lord leads Joshua and he moves forward he does so with the Lord placing his foot each step. That is the path to success and the experience of God’s presence. I think that God has called each of us and in so doing this promise is for all of us. Our path to knowing God’s presence and having success in His eyes is in obeying his commands, meditating on His Word and following His leading as He places our feet each step of the way. Today I want to follow the Lord and only take the steps sets before me.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, thank you for your call in my life. Give me the strength and courage to follow you today. Order my steps so as I follow my life will honor you. Amen