Pastor’s Message for August 2021

Robert reached his 18^th birthday and was excited about his future.  He was accepted to State University; he was due to graduate in a few short months; and most importantly, Robert was ready to take his driver’s test.  In his sophomore year, his parents promised if he got a job and maintained a good GPA, at the age of 18 he could obtain his driver’s license and a new car at graduation.  After months of studying the manual and driving lessons from his parents, the day of Robert’s driving test arrived.  As he pulled up to the licensing center, his dad, in a comforting tone, reassured Robert his study and the driving lessons prepared him well for the test.  Robert’s name was called and he and the instructor climbed into the car. Then, Robert proceeded to take the driving test.  Robert recalled everything he had learned and passed the test with flying colors.  Just like Robert, Joshua needed to trust in what he had been taught through constant meditation on the Word of God. 

“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:7-9

Joshua was born in Egypt, and shared in all of the events of the Exodus.  He held the position of commander over the Israelites at their battle against the Amalekites. Joshua accompanied Moses part of the way when he climbed Mount Sinai to receive the two tablets, and was one of the twelve who were sent on by Moses to explore the land of Canaan.  Only he and Caleb returned with a positive report after their exploration. Under the direction of God and before his death, Moses empowered Joshua in a public and solemn ceremony with authority over the people as his successor.  Joshua was ready to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. 

God was calling on Joshua to be strong, courageous, and obedient. The years on the calendar may have changed, but the call of the Lord on us is the same.  We are assured of good success when we fill our hearts and minds with God’s Word and obey it. Three times Joshua is told by the Lord to be strong and courageous (vv. 6, 7, 9). The size and duration of the task ahead, the pressures of leading such a stubborn people, and the absence of his spiritual mentor probably weighed heavily on Joshua’s mind at the time. But the Lord was not calling him without enabling him. We, too, are enabled by God to do what we’ve been called to do.  We acquire the assurance of this empowerment in the breath of God’s Word.  When we place God’s instructions in our hearts and in our minds, we carry God’s empowerment, God’s assurance, and God’s presence with us everywhere we go.  Take a lesson from Robert and be excited about what your future has in store for you.  Meditate on God’s Word and “drive” along the path that has been laid out for you, confident in what God has placed in your heart. 

God’s blessings in all we do,
Pastor Ross