6“Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them.
This phrase is reaped four times in this chapter “Be strong and courageous.” What did the Lord and the people see in Joshua’s face that made them feel he needed these words of encouragement? What was in Joshua’s character that made these words especially applicable at this time? Two things jump out at me. The first is that Moses has been such a powerful leader that anyone following him would need lots of courage and strength. These people were a rebellious people, constantly trying Moses’ patience, let alone the Lord’s patience. Their character had not changed suddenly since Moses’ death. Joshua would be leading this group of people who just seemed to have a propensity to wander and stray. But the second thing I hear is that often people place on other people their own fears and anxieties. It can be too difficult for us to say that we are fearful, so we say that our spouse or our kids are fearful. We ask prayer for them, but we really want prayer for ourselves. I think the people are afraid to go into the Promised Land. They need strength and courage, so they tell their new leader to have the same. In the next chapter we read about the “great fear” that has fallen on the people of the land about to be conquered. The Lord has already taken away their enemies strength and courage, preparing the way for a great victory. Be strong and courageous today.
The Arnold Journey 