Moses had just passed away and Joshua was now in charge of the Children of Israel. Obviously he is struggling with the tremendous responsibility that he has inherited. Look at what Yahuweh says to him.
Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe 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. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:6-9)
Notice the encouragement "Be strong and of good courage." Apparently the Almighty thought the statement important enough to repeat it three times in the same number of verses. As our responsibility increases, our desire to 'tuck tail and run' increases to the same degree. In this case, our Loving Heavenly Father not only gave the encouragement, He gave the instructions on how to accomplish His will. He told Joshua to meditate on His laws (Hebrew word: Torah which means His teaching and instruction). The word success in verse 8 is the only time we see this word in the entirety of the King James version of Scripture. I believe that adds to its poignancy all the more. We are in a day when believers are going to be called upon to exercise courage. We must be examples of success. the prescription for that success is still the same. Meditate in and practice ALL the teachings and instructions of the Creator of the universe. He made it all...He knows how it works!
Shalom
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