Courageous Confidence

COURAGEOUS CONFIDENCE

Part 8 of 12 in Train to Reign Series

Joshua 1:5-9

Verse 9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

God’s pep talk encouraged the Israelites to set out and conquer their promised land with confidence. Could it have also been what our Father gave Jesus before sending Him to earth as a human/God baby? (Matthew 1:18).

Jesus knew the specific purpose for which He came to earth. He was to live a sinless life, teach people about the Father, and die. Jesus’ 33 years on earth was no surprise. Palm Sunday’s parade of Hosanna’s ushered Jesus into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11).

By week’s end, His body was placed in a tomb!

Trouble was brewing. When did Jesus become troubled? (Jesus is human, after all). Let’s investigate. Matthew 26:37 shows what happened in Gethsemane: “He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with Him, and He began to be sorrowful and troubled.”

Was Jesus “sorrowful and troubled” anticipating the beatings, being nailed to the cross, or the Father’s wrath and separation—when the Lamb of God took on the entire sin of the whole world? Matthew 26:39 displays: “Going a little farther, He fell with His face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from Me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.’”

Jesus’ courageous confidence allowed Him to accept His Father’s will with no further plea. He knew: Peter would disown Him three times (Matthew 26:69-75). His disciples would flee, and He would be left alone to face Pilate. He would hear the bloodthirsty crowd of His own people, the Jews, demand, “Crucify Him!” (Matthew 27:23). He would be resurrected from the dead and ascend to heaven— having defeated both death and the devil.

Then we hear, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? (Matthew 27:56). The Father forsook Jesus because of our sins! This is the answer to Jesus’ sorrowful trouble.

Indeed, if Jesus willingly came to earth to face His destiny, how can we not be strong and courageous? We’re children of God Almighty! After a short life on earth, we know our future is eternal life in heaven. Brother Jesus’ victory is ours, as well!

Take Home Nugget

Courageous confidence does not come from human strength, but from the awesome power of our Risen Lord! Check out the lesson, linked below, to see one who didn’t have courageous confidence.

Holy Father, Thank You for Your promise of never leaving, and for the power for us to face our lives with courageous confidence.

This prepares us for Good Friday

J.D. Griffith

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