A Call to Obey
"Only be strong and very courageous, being 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." Joshua 1:7
In today's text, we encounter a pivotal moment in Joshua's journey, marked by God's directive with profound implications for our lives. This verse invites us to explore the correlation between obedience to God's Word and achieving success.
The repetition of "strong and very courageous" emphasizes the importance of these qualities. However, the source of strength and courage is not found in mere human attributes but in complete obedience to God's commands. God's command was not simply a motivational talk but a call to embrace the Word of God as the foundation of his actions. Just as Joshua was called to be strong and courageous through obedience, we, too, can find unwavering strength and courage in aligning our lives with God's Word.
God's charge to "be careful to do according to all the law" emphasizes the significance of staying obedient. It's easy to stray from the right path, to veer off-course in response to distractions or challenges. Yet, the call to "not turn from it to the right hand or to the left" reminds us of the necessity to guard our hearts and minds against the allure of compromise. This unswerving commitment to God's Word leads us toward the path of success He has placed for us.
The foundation of obedience and success lies in meditating on God's Word. Meditating means more than reading—reflecting, internalizing, and applying His truths to our lives. By doing so, we nourish our souls and cultivate a heart that seeks after God's will. This deep connection with God's Word guides our decisions and actions, leading us to true success.
Dear Church, as we reflect on today's text, let's heed the call to obedience and utter devotion to God's Word. Let's be vigilant in guarding against compromise and distractions, and let's recognize that true success is tied to our relationship with God and our commitment to His commands. May our lives be marked by the richness of His Word.
