Not Left Alone

I wanted to start blogging a Bible study again. This time around, I want to read through Joshua.

Joshua 1:1-5 (from the NET Bible)

1:1 After Moses the Lord’s servant died, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant: 1:2 “Moses my servant is dead. Get ready! Cross the Jordan River! Lead these people into the land which I am ready to hand over to them.1:3 I am handing over to you every place you set foot, as I promised Moses. 1:4 Your territory will extend from the wilderness in the south to Lebanon in the north. It will extend all the way to the great River Euphrates in the east (including all of Syria) and all the way to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. 1:5 No one will be able to resist you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not abandon you or leave you alone.

Okay, here are the three questions I ask myself:

1. What happened in the text?
2. What do I learn about God?
3. What should I do about it?

1. What happened in the text?
   • Moses died
   • God talked to Moses’ assistant, Joshua
   • God wanted Joshua to lead the people into the land across the Jordan
   • God was to give them whatever they set foot on
   • From the wilderness to Lebanon, and from the Euphrates to the Mediterranean
   • No one would be able to resist them
   • God would be with Joshua as he had been with Moses
   • God would not abandon Joshua or leave him alone
2. What do I learn about God?
   • God never changes, but his leadership does
   • God is in relationship with the leaders he appoints
   • God chooses a destination for his people, and chooses leaders to get them there
   • God gives generously to his people
   • God gives victory
   • God reassures us where we need it
3. What should I do about it?
   • As a leader, I need to take the relationship as seriously as he does.
   • I don’t need to let anxiety rule me
   • I need to know where God wants me to march today
   • I need to know the truth that applies to the places where I am weak or have fears
   • I don’t produce victory, God does.

Leadership can be lonely. But God does not leave his leaders alone to fend for themselves. That’s encouraging!