Be strong and of good courage

Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I swore unto their fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
(Jos 1:6-7)

This is a charge or command by God Himself to the Joshua as he takes over from Moses. It would have been seen as very big shoes to fill considering, for Moses the man whom God buried Himself (!) and declared as one whom God knew face to face. May it be for us that at the end of our short life on earth, although man many not know the significance of our lives on planet earth, but God knows. It is sad that we live life so that people may know who we are, what profits us if we gain worldwide recognition for our achievements in whatever field (be it ministry or career or personal life) but God doesn’t recognize one single bit. We have to consider very hard on not what people eulogize, but what God says.

There are 2 points that God asked Joshua to be strong and of good courage for. Firstly being the division of inheritance (as promised to the forefathers) and secondly in total, unquestionable obedience to the laws (Torah, especially the 10 Commandments or the Moral Laws of God) of God. Wouldn’t it seem strange that God would command as such while in our minute human intelligence we would say things like ‘Be strong and of good courage’ to conquer, to fight, to grab what belongs to us, etc. Don’t we naturally do those things in contrary to what God’s commands?

A. Divide the inheritance
In the physical Joshua did have to divide up the inheritance to the 11 tribes and 2 half tribes. But for us in today’s context we will look at it as examples and lessons of warning to us. To divide up the inheritance is to know what the key components for us to inherit are.

Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
(1Co 10:11)

1. The inheritance

Jesus’ first teaching in the Sermon of the Mount begins with the giving of inheritance to the faithful and it being given as our blessings.

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
(Mat 5:3)

Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
(Mat 5:5)
Which Jesus took from
But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
(Psa 37:11)

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
(Mat 5:10)

For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
(Mat 5:20)

- God is interested to bless the poor in spirit, the meek, the one’s that bravely stand up for righteousness and ARE righteous will inherit blessings of Heaven and of Earth.
- Blessings on earth are more easily quantified in health, wealth, children, peace, protection, etc.
- Blessings of Heaven are mentioned 4 of 5 times in the Sermon of the Mount. Surely there is something of higher value in terms of inheritance the God was to bless us with

2. Inheritance of the Kingdom of Heaven

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
(Rom 14:17)

- From Paul’s writing, it clearly summarizes what the Kingdom of Heaven consists of: righteousness, peace and joy (not just regular joy, but emphasized as joy IN the Holy Spirit
- Jesus did teach in parables what the Kingdom of Heaven is likened. For example in Matt 13 are the parables of the Sower, Mustard Seed, Leaven, Hidden Treasure in the field, Pearl of Great Price, Net (bringing in the catch) and the house owner with treasures old and new
- The parables seems to emphasize on wanting the things of greater importance AND keeping it
- Therefore the Kingdom of Heaven is an inheritance we as Christians must seek after first (Matt 6:33).

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
(Mat 6:31-33)

- The heathen (the God-less or those who don't put God first, 'Christian' or otherwise) seek the eternities of life which satisfies or gratifies the flesh, but the seeking after the Kingdom of God (Heaven, for God is the King there)
- In God’s economy, it’s seeking the important thing first (the Kingdom) and then all these things shall be added. If God is our Father, He will personally ensure that our eternities are taken cared for. For us, we seek and keep the eternal and our bonus would be our current needs. This way we don’t loose!

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
(Mat 7:11)

3. Criteria for inheriting the Kingdom of Heaven
- Jesus also gives the criteria for those who will receive the Kingdom
- The Sermon on the Mount teaches us that those who are poor in spirit (not proud, contented, depleted of fleshly things, non-complainers, esteem others, self-denying… don’t be like the Loadicean church in Rev 3:17), righteous and willing to die for standing on righteousness
- The Parables teaches us the deep desire (willing to give everything for the one of eternal value) and able to keep it. The former is an attitude (what pre-occupies our heart and mind) and the latter the appreciation and enjoyment of receiving and seeing it come to fruition. Bearing fruit of Spirit (Gal 5:22-23, Psa 1:3), the 100 fold multiplication (Gen 26:12 & Matt 13:8).
- From bearing the fruit of the Spirit, God doesn’t just leave us with that but don’t forget the external blessings of health, children, fruitfulness in our labor (nothing of our lives end up in vanity of vanities), live to the fullness of our days, etc…… the blessings of Canaan: the richness and sweetness of life (Exo 3:8, 3:18, 13:5, 33:3, Lev 20:24, Num 13:27, 14:8, 16:13, 16:14, Deu 6:3, 11:9, 26:9, 27:3, 31:20, Jos 5:6). The fact that it was mentioned so many times BEFORE receiving the promise speaks of God’s great desire to want to give us His blessing. He seems to have a sense of urgency to bless the Israelites and ultimately us.

4. What are we to inherit?

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
(Rom 14:17)

- Rectitude: Quality of correctness and being straight. One that has high moral virtue.

Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
(Rom 3:20)

- However this is very hard, if not impossible to achieve….. How then will it be for us? Are we without any hope? No amount of deeds can justify us!
- Keep in mind that the Kingdom is inherited, therefore the righteousness is also passed down to us! This is our hope.

Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
(Rom 3:22)

Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
(Rom 3:25)

- It then by believing in Jesus Christ and the finish work on the cross. It is the only way to righteousness as ordained by God from the beginning. Even between Cain and Abel, only the latter’s sacrifice was acceptable because the offering of propitiation.
- Christ is the propitiation because by his becoming our substitute and assuming our obligations he expiated (atone) our guilt, covered it, by the vicarious (taking our) punishment which he endured.

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
(Rom 5:1-2)

- By being justified (declared righteous) we than have peace with God. It is as though the door way is Faith, entering in Grace (in which is where our ground or standing), where we have Hope of the glory of God.

Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
(Luk 10:20)

- Our joy comes thus knowing that we are saved by faith with an eternal hope that bears the very glory of God. Our hope is as sure as God’s zealousness for His glory.

In summary this is what we inherit:
i) Made Righteous, in respect to God
ii) Peace, in respect to the brethren in the faith (Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
(Eph 4:3))
iii) Joy in the Holy Spirit, in respect to ourselves; The Holy Spirit being the inspirer (comforter) of that joy that passes human understanding.

B. Obey the His Commandments

The word used is to ‘observe’ denoting being on guard with regard to all the commandments. Why does it take strength and courage to obey carefully? It’s probably because obedience requires strength and courage.

- Obedience may cost us. It will be definitely our pride and rights for others. The middle letter in the word PRIDE is ‘I’ and that has to die.

Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
(Mat 5:38-41)

- Obedience is total submission; self is no longer the master. Either He is Lord of all, or not at all.

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
(Gal 2:20)

He must increase, but I must decrease.
(Joh 3:30)

- Obedience is able to forgive freely; especially those we find it most difficult to

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
(Mat 5:44)

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
(Mat 6:14-15)

- Obedience is following Jesus whole heartedly; a consistency that is required.

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
(Luk 9:23)

The rich young ruler that Jesus was talking to walked away with sadness due to perceived loss. What is our response? Is giving up the ‘now’ too difficult for us to gain the eternal?

C. Conclusion

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
(Mat 7:21)

From what the Bible teaches us, it would seem that it is seem that the inheritance of the Kingdom of Heaven and unquestionable obedience requires a lot of strength and a high dose of courage. Nevertheless, we must consider the abundance of life that Jesus offers in John 10:10. The contrary of that would expose us to be prey to the devil that comes to steal, kill and destroy. Fullness of Life on this side of heaven as well as the other is definitely worth the cost for Jesus Christ the Son of God gave ALL that we might have LIFE.