Just As I Was, So Will I Be

Daily Reading: Joshua 1-2

Scripture Focus: Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. (Joshua 1.5)

Devotional Thought: The people of Israel had followed Moses for 40 years. At times they followed gladly. At other times they followed reluctantly. Moses had brought them out of slavery and delivered them to the very threshold of the Promised Land. But now, Moses was dead. No matter what they had thought of him before, each one had to admit that his leadership would be missed, bringing fear and anxiety into their hearts. They needed a word of assurance from God: "Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you."

Joshua needed to hear it. It's hard to follow an iconic leader. I've had to do it a few times myself. The shadow of a great man stretches long into the future. There are times when you wonder if you could ever measure up. And, there are times when the people let you know that you don't! The assurance of God's presence and blessing is critical to new leadership.

The people needed to hear it, too. Not only did they need to know that God was leading Joshua as he had led Moses, they needed to know that God was with them! I remember the despair felt by many in a particular congregation. The founding and much-loved pastor had died. Some of them didn't know if they could make it without him. They needed to know that God was with them, not just their leader.

Subsequent generations need to hear it. Joshua wouldn't be there forever, either. God is the only constant we can count on. Leaders come and leaders go, but the Lord remains forever. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith!

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the leaders that you have given your church across the centuries. Help us to know that just as you were with them, so you are with us. You will never leave us or forsake us. Amen!

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 29.7-11

7 The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire. 8 The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness; the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.

9 The voice of the Lord makes the deer give birth and strips the forests bare, and in his temple all cry, “Glory!”

10 The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord sits enthroned as king forever. 11 May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace!