First Day on the Job

Read Joshua 1:1–5:12

12. Then Joshua called together the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. He told them,
13. “Remember what Moses, the servant of the Lord, commanded you: ‘The Lord your God is giving you a place of rest. He has given you this land.’
14. Your wives, children, and livestock may remain here in the land Moses assigned to you on the east side of the Jordan River. But your strong warriors, fully armed, must lead the other tribes across the Jordan to help them conquer their territory. Stay with them
15. until the Lord gives them rest, as he has given you rest, and until they, too, possess the land the Lord your God is giving them. Only then may you return and settle here on the east side of the Jordan River in the land that Moses, the servant of the Lord, assigned to you.” Joshua 1:12-15

Think back to your first day on the job. Like most people, you probably felt a little overwhelmed by all the challenges ahead of you: new names and faces to learn, responsibilities, procedures, and high hopes.

The book of Joshua opens with the anticipation of a new job for Joshua, the new leader of Israel. No sooner does he get the job than he must deal with an unpleasant situation—calling upon the tribes of Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh to keep the promise they made to Moses. In addition, Joshua must follow God’s orders and carry out a painful and possibly humiliating task. But he is capable and willing to do what the Lord desires of him as the leader of Israel.

This portion of the book of Joshua helps answer several other questions: (1) Is it ever right to lie? (2) How important is a pure heart? (3) What should a person do in the face of great opposition?

Joshua’s new job responsibilities included leading more than two million people into a strange new land and conquering it. What a challenge—even for a man of Joshua’s caliber!

Every new job is a challenge. Without God it can be frightening. With God it can be a great adventure. Just as God was with Joshua, he is with us as we face our new challenges.

You may not conquer nations, but every day you face tough situations, difficult people, and strong temptations. However, God promises that he will never abandon you or fail to help you (see Deuteronomy 4:31). Ask God to direct your ways, and you will be able to conquer many of life’s challenges.