If I had to choose between my wife and my putter... well, I’d miss her.
I will never leave you
As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Joshua 1:5Alex Ferguson was head coach at Manchester United for 27 years, bringing the club unprecedented success. Since his retirement in 2013, United have had four head coaches, none of whom has been able to replicate their predecessor’s success.
Joshua 1 opens with a death notice: “After the death of Moses the servant of the LORD…” God speaks to Joshua and tells him that he is the new leader and that he is to lead the people in their conquest of Canaan. Joshua would not have been human if he was not feeling inadequate and thinking, ‘how can I step into Moses’ shoes?’
The God gives him an incredible promise that he will share Moses’ secret of success – God’s presence. And that God will NEVER leave or forsake him. The tautology (of leave and forsake) is probably to emphasis the commitment to be present with Joshua.
It is one of the most amazing of God’s promises to us that he will never leave us. That, by his Holy Spirit, we have his presence with us whatever we are doing today. Be encouraged today by that promise.