Moses, the great leader of Israel was dead. The weight and responsibility for leading the nation of Israel now fell on the shoulders of Joshua. Can you imagine how he must have felt?
They mourned for Moses for thirty days and then God spoke to Joshua.
“Moses my servant is dead, now get ready to cross Jordan and take this land I’m giving you.”
“Be strong and courageous and lead these people.”
“Be strong and very courageous and be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you.”
“Keep the book of the law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so you may be careful to do everything written in it.”
“Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you.”
These quotations are from Joshua 1:1-9.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)
Be strong and courageous. We have even greater promises than those given to Joshua.