After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying, “My servant Moses is dead… As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous; for you shall put this people in possession of the land that I swore to their ancestors to give them.” (Joshua 1:1, 5–6)

Summer is a time of transition for my neighbors. As the semester ends, people graduate and move to new places and jobs. Others leave their homes to come to Princeton for a while. Our apartment parking lot is a sea of moving containers and U-hauls. The verse above from Joshua was the basis of a recent bible study in our community. Joshua was facing a time of transition. His leader, Moses, had just died. His people were on the brink of a new land after wandering for forty years. Everyone was wandering what was going to happen. Like my neighbors, things were about to change drastically.

God tells Joshua that he will be the new leader of the Israelites and God assures Joshua that He will be with him as He was with Moses. God then commends Joshua to be strong and courageous. In fact, God commends Joshua to be strong and courageous three times in this chapter. God doesn’t tell Joshua to pray for courage or find strength-He commands it of Joshua. Joshua does not need to be frightened or dismayed because God will be with him wherever he goes.

What is an area of your life that you need to face with courage? Are you facing a new job like Joshua or moving to a new neighborhood like the Israelites? Do you anticipate a transition in your life like having children or becoming empty-nesters? Are you taking on care-giving responsibilities or entrusted with important decisions for your family?

Like Joshua, be strong and courageous. As God reminds Joshua, “Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Gracious God, remind us that you are always with us and that we need not be afraid in times of change. As you were with Joshua and the Israelites, so too be with us as we face new challenges and transitions in our lives. Amen.

Contributed by Jennifer
Monday August 5, 2013
Liturgical Year C: Week 36
Liturgical Color: Green
Sunday Gospel reading: Proper 13
Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost