Devotion 9.8.26

Joshua 1:9

9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Sept 8, 2001

The headline from that day is as follows:

"President George W. Bush is considering his education plan"

I remember this well. The president's right-hand in education was a woman named Margaret Spellings, who wielded considerable influence in education in Texas and moved with Bush to Washington DC. Spellings was no-nonsense. She was a force-to-be-reckoned with in many ways.

The speculation at the time was centered around the policy that had been developed in Texas in terms of accountability which would be implemented at the national level. The new century also ushered in a new millennium. The 20th century marked the end of the second millennium, so Bush's term in office was, in the opinion of those around him, a chance to define the direction of the world as it moved into the 21st century and the third millennium.

The passage is from Jeremiah who came to Israel as its new leader. So much promise now that the promised land was in sight after years of wandering. Moses is now gone, so there is much to fear. Moses had ably led as God's right-hand man in the world after the promise of leaving Egypt.

New leader, new land, new hope all under God's watchful eye. Yet, Joshua had to speak for God about "fear." Uncertainty can dictate fear or promise. God is hoping he gets his people focused on the promise of the land he is giving them and the hope that future brings.

There was anticipation in the air in the new century in 2001. There was also a cultural anxiety from an end to a century that had been defined by two world wars and an atomic age. The leaders of our nation went from the generation that took us through that to the ones who inherited policy, business, and industries largely defined by the world wars, the cold war, and the space age.

Joshua was telling Israel, and us, to not fear. In fact, we are commanded to not fear. There is strength and opportunity in uncertainty. That mettle will be tested in a couple of days for our nation, its leadership and its people.

Pray with me: Almighty God, Heavenly Father, You brought organization to our world during creation. Out of the chaos, you created life. We pray you watch over your creation, guide it, give us clarity and a hope in our future through faith in your Son Jesus Christ. In his name we pray, Amen.

Hope Men's Ministry is a ministry in service to Hope Lutheran Church and School. Our purpose is to grow, unite, and share God's Word to all men through meaningful activities. These activities center on fellowship, service, conversation, prayer, study and devotion as we seek to become men of God as He created us to be.