You Can Read the Bible

Our reading for today is Joshua chapter 1.

It’s fascinating to see where the Bible slows down, laying groundwork, forming transitions, or building suspense.  It feels like all three are happening here. 

Joshua had been Moses’ trusted commander since that first battle against Amalek, over 40 years ago.  He and Caleb stood apart from the other spies who argued that Canaan couldn’t be taken.  They alone survived the wilderness that had taken everyone in their generation.  His commission as Moses’ successor had been secured months before, the covenant had been renewed, and the people had been primed to march into Canaan. 

The LORD’s message to Joshua is direct: “Do not be frightened.  Be strong.  Be courageous.”  Even the commanders of the Transjordan tribes echoed this: “Only be strong and courageous.”  The repetition creates its own mystery: was Joshua wavering?  Did he doubt either his commission or, even worse, the LORD’s promise?  Or, was this present challenge so much bigger, requiring more of him, than any he had faced before? 

That’s why I want to read Joshua 1 again!

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You Can Read the Bible is supported by Bellefield Presbyterian Church and blessed with its wonderful volunteers, including: Dave Moore, Jose David Aguilar Posada, Meagan Carter, Fiona Carter, Tanya Carter, Greg Burdette, Madeline Kulp, Andie Young, Justin Ray, Gary Liberati, Maureen Hinchman, Ken MacLeod, John Dolan, Roberto Cantillo, Charlei George, Josh Brown, Jeanne Griffith, Zachary Fritts, Dan Hinchman, Sophia Young, Lynette MacLeod, Gladys Cantillo, Grace Watson, Marianne Seah, Ian MacLeod, Liz Zimmerman, August Hall, Paza Boyd, Kristin Horner, Daniel Young, Paul Griffoen, Ben Moore, Meredith Carter, Bob Willson, Rosie Wagoner, Nick Bersin, Rhonda Hall, Helen Dolby, Emily Moore, Rick Zimmerman, Matt Jones, Kiana Jones, Jane Carter, Marilyn Long, Renee Hairston, Heather Weaver, Carol Williams, Anita Woolley, Andrew Thorpe, Emily Wenz, Matt Carter, and many others.

A special note of thanks to Dave Moore, the Moore family, Maureen Hinchman, the Hinchman family, Jose Posada, the Posada family, and to the Carter family. This would not have happened without your unwavering efforts, sacrifice, and support! Thank you!

We provide You Can Read the Bible in all of its many forms and formats as a ministry service to grow disciples within the church universal. This is not a substitute for your local church community, but it could be a resource to use within your local church and for you personally.