Joshua Is Commissioned
23 Then He commissioned Joshua the son of Nun, and said, “Be strong and courageous, for you shall bring the sons of Israel into the land which I swore to them, and I will be with you.”
24 It came about, when Moses finished writing the words of this law in a book until they were complete, 25 that Moses commanded the Levites who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord, saying, 26 “Take this book of the law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, that it may [j]remain there as a witness against you. 27 For I know your rebellion and your [k]stubbornness; behold, while I am still alive with you today, you have been rebellious against the Lord; how much more, then, after my death? 28 Assemble to me all the elders of your tribes and your officers, that I may speak these words in their hearing and call the heavens and the earth to witness against them. 29 For I know that after my death you will act corruptly and turn from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will befall you in the latter days, for you will do that which is evil in the sight of the Lord, provoking Him to anger with the work of your hands.”
30 Then Moses spoke in the hearing of all the assembly of Israel the words of this song, until they were complete:
That had to be so encouraging for Joshua… “Be strong and courageous… for I know that this people will act corruptly and turn from the way which has been commanded.”
But he had the same advantage we do, well at least partially. He had God leading and guiding him, and he had God’s promises that He was going to lead the people. Joshua was merely one to go before them, to represent God’s leadership, God would do the actual leading.
If we follow God, only then can we lead people, though it isn’t really us leading or in charge. God leads, we follow Him, and others can then follow our example. As Paul would later say, “follow me as I follow Christ.”