Courage. Boldness. These are things that we need today in the church. This was something that Joshua had to learn and teach the Israelites. The theme for our L2L convention this year is from Joshua 1:9. That verse says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
When I think of someone bold or courageous, I think of Chuck Norris, Mr. T. and our military. But maybe most of all, I think about Jesus. He went to the cross and took our sin for all time. He could have easily avoided it but chose to take our place. He was scourged and had to carry His own cross. Having thorns driven into His head, having nails in his feet and hands, even a sword into His side, must have been difficult. It was painful and hard.
We must not forget that the death of Jesus was only one part of His life. He had to show bravery and courage through all of His life. Jesus did many great works while He was on this earth. He performed many miracles that are recorded within the scriptures, and others that were not recorded. John 20:30-31 says, “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” John 21:25 says, “And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.” This took courage and bravery.
Just like Joshua and Jesus, we need to have the same courage.In I Corinthians 16:13-14, Paul said, “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.” Do you live in such a way that you are on guard? Are you trying to stand firm in your faith?
You may not be like Joshua fighting the giants of the Promised Land. You may not be like Jesus facing the cross of Calvary. But you are living in a world full of sin. What can you do? Be strong and courageous.