To cross the Jordan, Israel needed leadership and preparation. As God was with Moses, so he was with Joshua. Rather than placing their trust in their military might, they placed their trust in the ark of the covenant, and made their frontmen priests.

Are we going to let fear or faith drive us? Will we trust in God's promises? By looking back on the promises of God in the past, the Israelites could confidently move forward, and so too can we.

Rahab's story is a reminder that faith without courage is dead, and that the grace of God reaches unexpected places and unexpected people. His arms are never too short to save. God is looking for people of word and deed, faith and action. It is much easier to talk about courage under fire, than it is living it.

Real faith comes from courage under fire, hearing God's word, and seeking refuge in the hand of God. Let the story of Rahab hiding the spies be an encouragement to you today.

An inconvenient call comes to an elderly man, Joshua, who is commissioned to remind the Israelites that though Moses is dead, God's promise is alive. God is in Joshua's corner, granting him courage under fire. Like Joshua, may we be strong and courageous in the Lord, resolving to dwell in God's word and meditate on it.

In the battle between faith and fear, fight with the sword of the word.

The fullness of God's love, joy, peace, and glory dwells fully in Jesus. Everything that was, is, and always will be God, has been, is, and will always be Jesus. He is the God who reveals, the God who reconciles, and the God who restores. Jesus made peace for us by his blood on the cross, and he will come again to make all things new.

As Jesus is lord over this cosmos, so shall he be lord over the new heavens and earth as the first-born from the dead, the only one who was able to defeat death once and for all. There will be no referendums nor any limits to his reign, for Christ is preeminent and he shall reign forever.

Jesus holds all things at a cosmic, historical, and personal level. He is before all things - the cosmos, nature, or kingdoms - and in him all things hold together. His hands both hold the universe, and feed the sparrow. As his beloved creation, we are of more value than the sparrow. When anxiety washes over you, look to the one who holds the whole world in his hands.