Hold Fast

If you read through the last couple of chapters of the book of Joshua (23-24) you will find Joshua speaking to all of Israel. Joshua is about to die and he is reminding Israel of all the Lord has done for them. He tells them if they serve the Lord and obey His voice they will be blessed but if they turn away from the Lord, “…the anger of the Lord will burn against you…” (23:15)

In chapter 24, Joshua tells Israel to “choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (v. 15)

And the people said to Joshua, “the Lord our God we will serve, and His voice we will obey!” Joshua 24:24

These verses from chapter 24 are pretty well known and often quoted, but what the Holy Spirit brought to my mind this morning as I was reading is the message from chapter 23; when we “hold fast” (v.8) to God and obey Him, He goes before us; scouts out the dangers and helps to make the way ahead more clear for us. In verse 10, Joshua is speaking and says, “One man of you shall chase a thousand, for the Lord your God is He who fights for you, as He promised you.”

I believe this happens in our day-in-day-out-routine-day as well as in the trials and tribulations the world throws before us, the Lord our God is there making the way easier. Before the battle of Jericho, Joshua looked up and saw a Man standing “opposite him with His sword drawn in His hand” (Joshua 5:13b). Upon inquiry from Joshua concerning the identity of the Man, the reply came, “Commander of the army of the Lord” (v. 14a).

We are not to fear or be dismayed. We are to be strong and courageous. “For the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:8

God Bless!