After the death of Moses, the Lord said unto Joshua, "Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel" (Josh. 1:2). Moses was a great servant of the Lord, but he could not serve forever in his flesh. The work of the Lord must not cease because His leaders pass away. All of us were shocked at the passing of God's servant on June 22, but we must remember that the Lord's work must continue. Part of that work, of course, is comforting the family and doing what we can to help relieve their burdens.

When we look to the example of God's charge to Joshua, there are three ways given by which we can accomplish the work God has set before us.

Begin At Once

Notice again the words in verse 1, "now therefore arise, go" Although mourning is appropriate after the death of God's servants (Gen. 50:1-3; Num. 20:29), we must not lose sight of the goal (cf. Phil. 3:12-14; Heb. 12:1-2). Procrastination is dangerous, for none of us are promised tomorrow (Pr. 27:1). Therefore, we must continue to serve God, perhaps even using this occasion as motivation and determination to be even more faithful. Joshua was further encouraged, "as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee" (Josh. 1:5). God will bless us!

Have Courage

The Lord told Joshua, "Be strong and of a good courage Only be thou strong and very courageous .Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed" (Josh. 1:6-7, 9). Under "normal" circumstances, it takes courage to do God's will, but even more so is courage necessary under the circumstances in which Joshua found himself. Earlier in Joshua's life, he displayed great courage. Moses said it would take courage to spy out the land when he sent the twelve spies from the "wilderness of Paran" (Num. 13:17-20). Ten of the twelve spies were afraid and said the land could not be taken (Num. 13:26-33). Only Joshua and Caleb had the courage enough to take God at His word (Num. 14:6-9). Being afraid to do what God has said is really a lack of faith. Here, the Lord told Joshua to take the land which "I do give" to the children of Israel (Josh. 1:2b). It was a "done deal." All it took was courage and faithfulness for Joshua and the children of Israel to drive out the enemy. God has given us a work to do (Mt. 28:19-20; Mk. 16:15-16), and He has promised to be with us in our every effort for good (Mt. 28:20b; Heb. 13:5 cf. Phil. 4:13). Do we have the courage to keep on keeping on in the Lord's will?

Observe God's Law

One reason God gave for encouraging Joshua to be strong and of good courage was so that "thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee." God added, "turn not from it to the right hand or to the left This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein" (Josh. 1:7-8). Although Joshua lived under a different law (the Law of Moses), the principle of keeping God's law still applies. If we are to accomplish the work God has set before us, we must adhere to the word of God. For everything we do "in word or deed," we must have authority from Him (Col. 3:17). If we go beyond the authority from above, we forfeit fellowship with God (2 Jn. 9-11). Therefore, like Joshua, and all who have been faithful to God, we must allow His word to permeate our soul (Ps. 1:2; 119:97) and act upon what it says (Jas. 1:22).

Guarantee of Success

If Joshua began at once, had courage, and observed God's law, he was guaranteed success. God said, "for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest" (Josh. 1:8-9). Joshua did meet the conditions set by God, and, therefore, was extremely successful (cf. Josh. 24:29-31). How are we in relation to the work God has set before us? Are we doing God's work now? Are we courageous? Are we adhering to His will? God has promised us success, if we keep the faith. Let us succeed today in the work God has set before us!

--Brian Kenyon