What other Bible verses emphasize strength and courage in God's service? Opening Verse: Deuteronomy 31:23 “Then the LORD commissioned Joshua son of Nun and said, ‘Be strong and courageous, for you will bring the Israelites into the land that I swore to them, and I will be with you.’” Thread of Strength and Courage Across Scripture The charge to Joshua is not an isolated command. Scripture repeats this theme so God’s servants know that His presence guarantees the strength they need. Reinforcements in the Law and the Historical Books • Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” • Deuteronomy 31:7 – Moses publicly passes the mantle to Joshua with the same words. • Joshua 1:6, 7, 9 – Threefold reminder right at the start of leadership: strength, courage, adherence to God’s law, and certainty of His presence. • Joshua 10:25 – Joshua repeats the charge to his officers after victory, showing leadership modeled on God’s promise. • 1 Chronicles 28:20 – David to Solomon about temple work: “Be strong and courageous, and do the work… He will not fail you or forsake you.” • 2 Chronicles 32:7 – Hezekiah encourages the people when Assyria invades: “There is a greater power with us than with him.” • Ezra 10:4 – Post-exilic reform: “Be strong and take action!” Voices from Wisdom Literature • Psalm 27:1 – “The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” • Psalm 31:24 – “Be strong and courageous, all you who hope in the LORD.” • Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” • Proverbs 24:10 – A sober reminder: lacking strength in crisis exposes spiritual weakness. Prophetic Calls to Fearless Service • Isaiah 35:3-4 – “Strengthen the limp hands… ‘Be strong; do not fear! Here is your God.’” • Isaiah 40:29 – “He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak.” • Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear… I will strengthen you; I will surely help you.” • Haggai 2:4-5 – Threefold “take courage” to governor, priest, and people, grounded in “I am with you.” New Testament Continuation • Matthew 14:27 – Jesus on the water: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” • John 16:33 – “Take courage; I have overcome the world!” • Acts 23:11 – The risen Christ stands by Paul: “Take courage! … you must testify in Rome.” • 1 Corinthians 16:13 – “Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.” • Ephesians 6:10 – “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” • Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” • 2 Timothy 1:7 – “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.” • Hebrews 13:5-6 – Because He will never leave or forsake, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.” Pulling the Threads Together • Strength and courage are never demanded in a vacuum; they flow from God’s unbreakable promise, “I will be with you.” • Whether conquering Canaan, building a temple, facing invading armies, or testifying before hostile rulers, the call is the same—and so is the Source. • The consistency from Moses to Revelation underscores that God still equips every generation of believers with the same enabling presence. |
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