“Every Exit is an Entrance – Conclusion”
It appears that Joshua may share some of the anxiety and apprehension of his fellow Israelites. The Lord unequivocally states, “Now that my servant Moses is dead, you must lead my people across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them.” In essence, the Lord tells Joshua to accept this momentous change and the new responsibility that it brings for Joshua. Further, the Lord assures Joshua of His faithful provision. “I promise you what I promised Moses: Everywhere you go, you will be on land I have given you.” Moreover, the Lord pledges advance victory in every battle. “No one will be able to stand their ground against you as long as live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.” Fundamentally, the Lord encourages Joshua, individually, and the people of Israel, collectively, to embrace the end of Moses leadership because it will catapult them to the covenantal promise that the Lord made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Not only that, the Lord reassures them of unchanging grace and provision as they enter the Promised Land.
Additionally, the Lord instructs Joshua, “Be strong and courageous, for you will lead my people to possess all the land I swore to give their ancestors.” The Lord reiterates this imperative, “Be strong and very courageous.”
“Courage is fear that has said its prayers.” What a great definition! In every ending, there is a great beginning. In His mysterious ways, God determines how to convert a conclusion into a commencement. If we are willing to embrace the Godly ordained changes of life, we find that our future glory always surpasses the former glory. Oftentimes, we put off making decisions because we want to make the “right” choice. However, as we live into our decisions, they become the “right” choices.
The Lord challenges Joshua to follow a few important, practical steps. First, “obey all the laws Moses gave you.” Second, “Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything you do.” What an incredible promise from Almighty God! Third, “Study this Book of the Law continually.” Fourth, “Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it.” The word, meditate, here practically means to chew upon it as a cow chews its cud. Fifth, “Only then will you succeed.”
Changes naturally yield success, achievement and excellence if we willingly accept the challenges that they bring. One author succinctly summarizes it this way, “The essence of growth is change and the willingness to shoulder the responsibility that comes with it.” God calls us into a process of change and growth, which always eventuates in His bountiful blessings. If we grasp every exit as an entrance, then we will encounter unimaginable riches and ecstasies in the Lord.
The Lord ends His conversation with Joshua by repeating for the third time His imperative words of encouragement. “I command you – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go!” Exits emerge occasionally so that we may enter new chapters. Rather than fight or ignore them, we should welcome them as necessary markers on the road of life.
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