God instructed Joshua to “Be strong and courageous.” The phrase was used four times in this chapter. God was the speaker the first three times and the last time was Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. It was spoken in the context of Joshua as the new leader of Israel who succeeded Moses after he had passed away. God gave Joshua the mandate to lead His people across the Jordan River to fulfill His promise of giving them their inheritance in the land of Canaan. Thus, in verse 6, He commanded Joshua, “Be strong and courageous” (v. 6).

Leaders need a mandate in their mission, or else they could end up building their own kingdom. Many pastors have a noble ambition to serve God when they answer God’s call. But along the way, they begin to serve with their own wisdom and way. Thus, their mission may remain biblical, but their mandate may not be as commanded in verse 7.

Verse 7 is the second time the phrase is found. The condition in the mandate for Joshua was how he was to lead the people into the Promised Land. God said he must be careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.God in His covenant, promised to bless those who obey Him and curse (punish) those who do not.

The success of a leader is dependent on his submission to the Lord’s command. The problem today among believers is to measure a leader’s success by how well he communicates in the pulpit and how skillfully he interprets the scripture. But not his submission and obedience to the scripture thus his character does not match the scripture. Merit and skill are the measurements of a successful leader instead of godliness and obedience to the scripture.

The third time is used in verse 9. It is God’s promise of His presence with Joshua “wherever you go.” When God is with us, we do not have to fear especially when He goes ahead of us. Every time God went before the Israelites, their enemies were defeated. Our enemies will also be defeated, and we will be victorious if God goes ahead of us. His presence will protect and provide for us just as a father protects and provides for his child.

The fourth time is found in verse 18. The two-and-a-half tribes told Joshua, “Be strong and courageous” and specifically not to fear the “rebels against your commandment and disobeys your words, whatever you command him, shall be put to death.” This is what is most lacking in Christian leadership today, the courage to correct and punish those who are rebellious or would not submit. But let them continue to behave badly by keeping quiet about their sinful behaviors.

Pray for the leaders in the church to have the courage to speak against sin and bad behaviors. leader or pastor. Pray that they will not hesitate to address sin and wickedness when they see it in the members, leaders, and pastors. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and not the fear of men. Many are afraid which results in the fear of standing up for the truth.

Prayer: Father, the church needs more strong and courageous leaders. I pray that You would give us leaders who will act courageously fearing God and not men to be leaders of the church. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.