Joshua 1:16-17
16 And they answered Joshua, “All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. 17 Just as we obeyed Moses in all things, so we will obey you. Only may the Lord your God be with you, as he was with Moses! 18 Whoever rebels against your commandment and disobeys your words, whatever you command him, shall be put to death. Only be strong and courageous.”
In Joshua 1:1-9, God commanded Joshua to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land after the death of Moses. Joshua commanded the Israelites to get ready to go to the Promised Land in Joshua 1:10-15. Joshua 1:16-17 recorded the responses (or better to say the commitments) the Israelites made to their new leader, Joshua.
Here are their commitments:
(1) Follow Joshua. They will do what Joshua commands and go wherever Joshua sends.
(2) Pray for Joshua. The phrase “may the Lord your God be with you…” is a prayer.
(3) Be serious about his commands. They will punish those who disobey.
(4) Give encouragement to Joshua. The last sentence is v.17 that says, “Only be strong and courageous.”
2020 and 2021 are very challenging to all of us. A lot of prayers and encouragements are needed for our brothers and sisters. But it is especially important to pray for our church leaders. Pray that God will protect them from the evil one. Pray for their family and work.
This is also a very important time to serve together in one mind to advance His kingdom. As our Awana missionary said, “Satan isn’t taking a vacation during COVID; neither should we.” Let’s make a commitment to pray for one another and serve Him well this year.
～Rev. Clement Woo胡嘉明牧師～