Joshua 1:16-18
“They answered Joshua: ‘Everything you commanded us, we’ll do. Wherever you send us, we’ll go. We obeyed Moses to the letter; we’ll also obey you—we just pray that GOD, your God, will be with you as he was with Moses. Anyone who questions what you say and refuses to obey whatever you command him will be put to death. Strength! Courage!’”
“They answered Joshua, ‘We will do whatever you command us, and we will go wherever you send us. We will obey you just as we obeyed Moses. And may the Lord your God be with you as he was with Moses. Anyone who rebels against your orders and does not obey your words and everything you command will be put to death. So be strong and courageous!’”
This was spoken by the Tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh who had decided to settle on the east side of the Jordan River. This generation grew up in the wilderness. They lived the judgement upon their parents, who forty years before, had refused to follow God and fight for the land of promise. Successful navigation of hard times did good things for their character. They had developed faith-bone, hardened, ready to follow orders. They understood themselves and therefore others, knowing leaders need encouragement also. They promised unconditional support. A sojourn in the wilderness produced a beautiful change of eternal significance in their hearts. God controls every moment of my life according to the individual plan he has for me. God ordained trials are always a good thing. Lord, remind me of this during the next trial. Make me always ready to face them. May the church grow faith-bone and become hardened in the faith, ever ready to hear and follow orders.