Be Strong and Courageous

This meditation is based on a passage for May 17, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Joshua 1:1-9

Reflection and Question: Three times at the start of this story of the Israelites’ conquering of the Promised Land, God encourages Joshua, their leader, to be strong and courageous. It is as if this command to be strong and courageous is the same as the admonition to follow the law given through Moses. David and Jesus knew that being strong and courageous sometimes means bypassing the details and living by the spirit of the law (Mt 12:1-8, Mk 2:23-28, Lk 6:1-5). Is being strong and courageous the same as obeying the law? Why or why not?

Prayer: Most powerful God, as You helped Joshua lead the people into the Promised Land, help us, too, to be strong in courage and to act in accord with Your law. When we are frightened and dismayed, remind us, too, that You are with us. Amen.