Joshua 1:1—2, “Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying, 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.”
People change. Leaders change. The times change. God and His purposes do not change! Israel was in a season of change. While Moses was not forgotten, nor should he have been (he is named over fifty times in Joshua), a new leader was necessary. In time, God’s workers are buried, but His work continues. Joshua was that new leader, and he did not simply assume the mantle of leadership, nor did he gain it by political maneuvering, manipulations, or alliances. God called him to lead, and God had been slowly, and probably, for the most part, unbeknownst to Joshua, preparing him for this position. Before Joshua became Moses’ successor, he had been a slave in Egypt, a servant to Moses, a soldier for Israel, and a spy in Canaan. Through it all God was preparing Joshua to lead His people forward into the Promised Land. Be reminded that God’s work will never cease, and His people must move forward together with Him. Recognize that through every aspect of life, God is refining and preparing you for what is up ahead. Be available. Be confident in His grace and goodness and move forward in faith.
