Deuteronomy 31:1-8

1. The presentation of Joshua 31:1-8

Moses presented Joshua to the nation as God’s chosen leader who would take over the leadership of Israel very soon. He charged the people (Deuteronomy 31:6) and then Joshua (Deuteronomy 31:7-8) to be strong and courageous as they entered the land in view of God’s promises, presence, and power.

"Courage is only fear soaked in prayer." [Note: Lewis B. Smedes, "An Introduction to Mission Beyond the Mission," Theology, News, and Notes 30:3 (October 1983):3.]

"Commissioning of the community’s leader(s), therefore, as encountered in this model, is to a task, not to a position. Authority and standing are dependent upon the nature of the task, not vice versa." [Note: Miller, p. 221.]

We observe this too in the commissioning of Paul and Barnabas to their missionary task (Acts 13:2-3).