Monday 1st February 2021
ARISE AND GO OVER
Scripture Reading: Joshua 1
After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, it came to pass that the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying: “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel. (Joshua 1:1–2)
Joshua stepped into huge shoes after Moses died. For over 40 years, Moses had been the leader of Israel. He was the one God called at the burning bush to go and liberate Israel from Pharaoh’s cruel bondage.
God showed His approval of Moses by backing him up with miracles, signs and wonders. By all accounts, Moses was a good leader. His only failure was that he couldn’t lead the children of Israel into their promised land. That task now fell to Joshua.
God told Joshua how to respond to the new leadership challenge placed on him. What the Lord told Joshua can also help us when we are faced with tasks that seem too daunting for us.
- Arise. The Lord commanded Joshua to arise – to step up to the challenge. That command was God calling Joshua to move from mourning into leadership. Many times in the Bible, God called people to rise to the occasion during a crisis. The Lord continues to call people today to look beyond a state of tragedy around them and see the opportunities offered to them.
- Go over. Joshua had to lead Israel to the Jordan River, and into the Promised Land. For almost 40 years, the nation had camped outside of the land that God promised their fathers. Moses, who led the people to go across the Red Sea when they left Egypt, couldn’t lead them to go across the Jordan.
The first assignment God gave Joshua was to cross a barrier that had intimidated his people for 40 years. God has a way of telling us to do things that others have not been able to do. Joshua’s charge was to do what Moses couldn’t do.
- I am giving the land to you. God assured Joshua that He would give the Promised Land to him and the people of Israel. When God gives us an assignment, He also provides us with the assurance of His help.
The Lord does not command us into battle and leave us to fight all by ourselves. When He takes us into battle, He also fights for us. If God has asked you to do something, rest assured that His help is available to you.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you that you are with me. Help me to rise above all my limitations. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
