Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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      CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FORUM
DIOCESE OF NORTH AMERICA & EUROPE

        WORD FOR THE DAY - JULY 21

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People of God: Ambassadors of Christ
                     Joshua.1:1-9

“As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.  Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people…”(V.5)

As Christians, we are each called by God to go out into the world and be witnesses of the Word.  Whether it means staying within our city boundaries or venturing into the remote parts of the world, we still have the same calling to lead others to the light.  The time we live in is not yet a time of peace; we must not close our eyes to the on-going battle that exists between the army of God and the army of Satan.  We are armed with the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit.  Yet still, despite our preparations, we are humans and weak - we tremble in the face of adversity and question if we are ready.

Joshua is in a similar predicament.  Moses, at age 120, had just died.  Generations have passed under the leadership of Moses.  The current Israelites are too young to remember the times of Egypt and slavery.  Their knowledge is only of the wilderness and being lead by the great Moses.  Joshua is as young as the people he is being called to lead.  Who can blame him for fearing taking leadership and bringing the people of Israel from out of the wilderness into the Promised Land - a land that he himself only had a brief glimpse of?  As Moses had told Joshua before his death, the Lord tells Joshua to be strong and courageous.  The Lord God repeats Himself to make clear his command - under no uncertain terms - “Be strong and courageous."  He also promises Joshua that He will never leave or forsake him.

His command, as well as His promise, to Joshua extends to us.  There is only one man the Lord had forsaken in order to make true his promise to never leave us.  We can rest assured that we are never alone in this world and in this war.  Stand tall, be strong and courageous, and lead others to the light.

Prayer:  Dear Lord, we pray for strength and courage to be your disciples and fulfill your command to you.  Flow through us and help us guide others to the salvation you freely give….Amen

Thought for the day: Every Christian is called to make Christ present, to allow Christ to touch the world through us.


 Dr.Jerel Chacko,  Epiphany MTC New York   


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