WPC Blogs

We continue to look at the person and work of the Holy Spirit in both the Old and New Testaments.  Today's encounter comes to us from the book of Deuteronomy.  Deuteronomy 31:14 says, "The LORD said to Moses, ‘Now the day of your death is near.  Call Joshua and present yourselves at the Tent of Meeting, where I will commission him.'  So Moses and Joshua came and presented themselves at the Tent of Meeting."  And verse23 says, "The LORD gave this command to Joshua son of Nun:  ‘Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land I promised them on oath, and I myself will be with you.'"  Then in Deuteronomy 34 verse 9 we read, "Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him.  So the Israelites listened to him and did what the LORD had commanded Moses."  In these passages we see the mantle of leadership being passed from Moses to Joshua.  We see that God has chosen who will lead his people and God chooses to place the spirit of wisdom on Joshua.  God commands Joshua to be strong and courageous and promises to be with him as he leads the people into the land promised to their forefathers.  This was no easy task for Joshua.  The land they were to take possession of was already inhabited and they would have to defeat them militarily.  We are also talking about moving somewhere between 600,000 and 2,000,000 men, women, and children across the Jordan River and into Canaan.  Yet, the God of the universe, the God who has brought all things into being, who created the world and all that is in it promises to be with Joshua as he leads God's chosen people.  This promise appears to be enough for Joshua to do what God is asking, and the people recognize God's spirit in Joshua and follow him.

                Has God called you to do a specific task?  What is it?  Do you believe that if he has called you, he will give you his spirit to equip you for that job?  Does knowing that the God of the universe promises to be with you, give you the confidence to be strong and courageous in the face of your circumstances?

                On the days that I remember who I belong to, who has called me, and who has equipped me for the tasks ahead, on those days, I feel strong and courageous!  I pray that the Holy Spirit would come, fill me up with the wisdom to remember whose I am!  I pray that he would remind you too!  The God of the universe holds you in the palms of his hands.  He has filled you with his spirit.  He promises to be with you.  So be strong and courageous no matter what you face today.