16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:16–20 (ESV)
Moses was dead (Joshua 1:1-2). For over forty years, he had been God’s chosen instrument to not only lead the nation of Israel out of Egypt, but also to lead their return to the Promised Land after 430 years of captivity (Gen. 15:13; Ex. 12:40).
Moses was dead. The question now was who would succeed him? The LORD knew the answer and the individual He would call to assume the mantel of servant leadership; Joshua.
“After the death of Moses, the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. 3 Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses,” (Joshua 1:1-3).
What do we know about Joshua? “And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him. So, the people of Israel obeyed him and did as the Lord had commanded Moses.” (Deuteronomy 34:9 (ESV)
The LORD was ready for Joshua to lead Israel. Israel was ready for Joshua to lead them. However, Joshua was not so sure. Three times the LORD commanded Joshua to be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:6, 7, 9). The reason God gave this command was because Joshua was feeling pretty weak and scared. Who wouldn’t be? Wouldn’t you be?
How often are we feeling weak and afraid to do what the LORD has called us to do? We know even His eleven apostles, and many other disciples, were feeling this sense of weakness and fear (John 14:1). Perhaps they were wondering if they were up to the task of making disciples, baptizing them, and teaching them. Have you wondered the same things when God calls you to serve Him and others?
The LORD gave Joshua a promise. It was the same promise Jesus gave to the disciples. It is the same promise He gave, and gives, to the church. It is this; “I will not leave you nor forsake you” (Joshua 1:5, 9; Matt. 28:20; Heb. 13:5). God is with us wherever we go.
“What a wonderful way to conclude a gospel. The story of the God who came from heaven to earth wraps up with the assurance, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). Though Jesus was about to ascend, Matthew wants us to hear that the nearness of Christ’s incarnation continues. He who is Immanuel, God with us, promises to live up to His name,” explains Pastor Gerrit Scott Dawson.
“There’s a touching echo of the beginning of Matthew’s Gospel here. Immanuel, which is translated, “God with us” (1:23), remains “with” us “to the end of the age”—i.e., until he returns bodily to judge the world and establish his earthly kingdom,” concludes Dr. John MacArthur.
“As Christ gave to the apostles a commission which they were unable to discharge by reliance on merely human power, He encourages them by the assurance of his heavenly protection. For before promising that He would be with them, He began by declaring that He is the, King of heaven and earth, who governs all things by His power and authority,” states John Calvin.
What was Joshua’s response to the LORD’s promise? We do not have to wonder. It was heartfelt strong and courageous obedience.
“10 And Joshua commanded the officers of the people, 11 “Pass through the midst of the camp and command the people, ‘Prepare your provisions, for within three days you are to pass over this Jordan to go in to take possession of the land that the Lord your God is giving you to possess.’” (Joshua 1:10–11 (ESV)
What was the disciples’ response? The Acts of the Apostles, along with the rest of the New Testament, provides us with the answer. They were faithful, even in the face of death.
6 “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:6–8 (ESV)
What is, and will be, our response? May it be the same as our spiritual forefathers.
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 