A Nugget of Truth.
In the first chapter of Joshua, God commands in verse 6 (not a suggestion)……JOSHUA
“Be strong and of a good courage”

Grounding His command with the assurance of His promises. Then God commands again in verse 7; but this time He adds to it;

“Be thou strong and VERY courageous”

Then, as if that were not enough God sandwiches the admonition again in verse 9 saying: “Have not I COMMANDED you…”

“Be strong and of a good courage;

But this time He adds to the command saying “ Do Not be afraid, neither be dismayed, FOR The Lord Your God is with you…”
Indeed! And then we see what is about to unfold; Joshua is about to trounce upon the enemy.

And that enemy is already afraid, and the very courage that was commanded to Joshua is now stripped away from the inhabitants and the city of Jericho…

We see in Joshua 2 vs. 9 Rahab says to the men:

“I know that The Lord has given you the land, and that your TERROR is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land FAINT because of you….”

The inhabitants of the land faint with fear, but Rahab alone responds in faith.

This very depiction finds itself fulfilled in the New Testament in 2 Corinthians 2: 14-16

Here we see Paul encouraging and conveying to The Church how:

‘God always causes us to triumph in Christ..leading believers as a triumphal procession that spreads the savour/aroma of Christ; Life to those being saved, and death to those who are perishing.’

The same knowledge of God produces courage and life for His people, but fear and judgment for those who oppose Him.

So, beloved, be strong in The Lord and of a VERY good courage. ‘For it is God who works in us ...both to will and to do of His good pleasure’ (Philippians 2:13).

Finally, the same God who commanded Joshua commands us today. The same God who caused the hearts of Jericho to melt now leads us in triumphal procession in Christ.

Let the knowledge of Him be your courage. Let His presence silence every fear. Whether you stand before, (whatever wall is your Jericho), or the challenge of this day, remember that The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

He has already given you the land. Walk in it boldly, spreading the aroma of Christ, reflecting and being transformed into His image…

"To some the aroma is life; to others it testifies of the judgment they refuse to escape."

But for the Joshua’s, God is with you…Be strong and very courageous. Because you have enemies to defeat and freedom to walk in.