Following the death of Moses, Joshua is spoken to by The Lord and instructed to cross the River Jordan into the land promised. In Chapter 1 verse’s 5 and 6 The Lord says:- “I will not leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them.”
In this Church Age, Jesus is building His Church on those with the same strength and courage as Joshua. Just like Joshua, we as the Church are walking with God – He will never leave or forsake His Church! The Holy Spirit is living in the Body of Christ to strengthen, give power, comfort and to guide. Jesus says to His disciples in Matthew 10 verse 16:- “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” In verse 19 Jesus continues to say:- “When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour.” What true words indeed from the Master! We see in the Bible in the book of Acts the courage of men such as Stephen, speaking as being led by the Spirit before the people! Such words of testimony in the face of stones being thrown that led to his martyrdom in Acts Chapter 7. We see the Apostle James put to the sword, the lives of Peter and Paul with courage and strength of the Holy Spirit all the way through to their martyrdoms by crucifixion and the sword respectively! What courage!
Nothing has changed for 2000 years. Many have continued to show that same fearlessness and courage in the face of hostile territory. Whether it was stoning, the sword, fire, crucifixion or an assassin’s bullet, brave men and women of God continue to preach the truth! The blood given by such still speaks louder! Because what the enemy meant for evil, the Lord turns it for good!
Are we willing to stand for truth in these days, in our schools, colleges and workplaces when it is not popular? We have nothing to fear. The Lord’s promise is still the same. “I will never leave you or forsake you.”
Thank you, Jesus, that you are continually with your Church – your beloved Bride. We know that Psalm 116 verse 15 is true, that it says, “How precious in the sight of the Lord, is the death of His Saints.” Jesus – may we be obedient to you always. May your Church stand strong in the face of tests in the day’s ahead and not deny your name. Amen.
