So, I Will Be with You

After the death of Moses, the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: “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. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous.” (Joshua 1:1-2, 5-7, NIV 1984).

My Musings – How would you like to the one asked to “fill the sandals” of a leader like Moses? This task fell to Joshua. Previously, “the Lord [had] said to Moses, ‘take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay your hand on him. At his command he and the entire community of the Israelites will go out, and at his command they will come in.'” (Numbers 27, 18, 21, NIV 1984).

How could He possibly measure up? How could he possibly rise to the rise to the task? Simple.

God Commanded It –“Have I [God] not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged.” (Joshua 1:9a, NIV 1984). It was not up to Joshua to fill anyone’s sandals. Only to do what the Lord commands. When God says go one best go. If not, no sandals will do.

God Didn’t Send Him Alone – “For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9b, NIV 1984). Moses may have cast a long (but good) shadow, but the impact of having God Almighty going with. was greater than either Joshua or Moses could do alone.

My Advice – Our focus is not to be on what others are or were called to do. Our focus should be on the one in command. Our success is not measured in comparison to what others have done or are doing. Our success is measured on how faithfully we do what God commands us to do.

“Then [Jesus] said to [Peter], ‘Follow me!’ Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved [John] was following them…When Peter saw him, he asked, ‘Lord, what about him?’ Jesus answered… “what is that to you? You must follow me.'” (John 21:20-22, NIV 1984).

Joshua’s path was not Moses’ path. Peter’s path was not John’s path. They had to follow the path that God called them to. You too must follow the path chosen for you. It may seem to be bigger than you. Or it may seem to be quite inconsequential. Whatever it is, you are doing it for Him. And He will be well pleased.