And Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid or dismayed; be strong and courageous. For thus the LORD will do to all your enemies against whom you fight.” (Joshua 10:25)
Words are important. They are not cheap.
God had told Joshua this same command when Joshua was just starting out as Israel’s General. When God told Joshua to be strong and courageous, Joshua did not keep that idea to himself. He spoke to others what God had spoken to him. He spread the news.
More importantly, Joshua spoke his words after God had amazingly defeated the enemy. Joshua was not sitting at home, thinking things. He was not reflecting on God’s promise. He was not guessing what God had meant.
Joshua said those words with his foot actually on the neck of the defeated enemy.
Joshua’s admonition was not merely looking to the future. It was based on God’s triumphs of yesterday and today.
Joshua accomplished two things when he told the Israelites to not fear. First, he spread the ‘do not fear” virus. Rather than worry about the TOUGH enemies still ahead, Joshua spoke good words. He spoke God’s true words.
Second, in repeating God’s encouraging command, Joshua strengthened his own resolve. Repeating good news makes it even better.
We’ve been hearing God’s promises for over two months. God has said, “do not fear,” repeatedly. Be like Joshua, and repeat God’s good words!
For your friends’ sake… and for your own.
Fear not, because you are passing on God’s good news.