Joshua Becomes the New Leader

Moses had led God's people for a long, long time. But now Moses was very old, and God told him he would not be the one to lead the people into the Promised Land. Someone else would do that—a brave man named Joshua.

Moses called Joshua in front of everyone. 'Be strong and courageous!' Moses told him. 'You will lead these people into the land God promised. Don't be afraid! God will go with you. He will never leave you.'

Then Moses died. He was 120 years old! God buried him in a secret place, and the people cried for thirty days.

After that, God spoke to Joshua: 'Moses is gone now. It's time for you to lead my people across the Jordan River into the land I'm giving them. Everywhere you walk, I'm giving to you! No one will be able to stop you. Just as I was with Moses, I will be with you. I will NEVER leave you. I will NEVER give up on you.'

God told Joshua something very important three times: 'Be strong and courageous!' It must have been really important for God to say it three times! But God didn't just say 'be brave.' He told Joshua WHY he could be brave: because God would be with him.

God also told Joshua to read His Word and think about it day and night. 'If you obey my commands,' God said, 'you will be successful wherever you go.'

Joshua sent word to all the people: 'Get ready! In three days, we're crossing the Jordan River to take the land God has promised us!'

The people answered Joshua, 'We will obey you just like we obeyed Moses! Be strong and courageous!' They were ready to follow their new leader.

Joshua had big shoes to fill. But God promised to be with him every step of the way. When God is with us, we can be brave too!