Bible Commentaries

LION-HEARTED

‘Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.’

Joshua 1:9

This expression ‘Be strong’ does not mean ‘Be strong in body,’ but ‘Be strong in mind;’ ‘Be strong in spirit;’ ‘Be brave.’

An order like this could not have been a mere mockery, an order which Joshua was unable to obey. The word which bade him be strong was an assurance at the same time that if he would, he might be strong according to his day.

I. The first secret of true courage is to know and be sure that we have some power.—Hence the wisdom of the maxim of the ancients, ‘Know thyself’—learn to see what thy real capacity is, and knowing that, shrink not from venturing on putting it to the proof. It is not too much to say that all men go wrong by underestimating themselves. For what deeper self-depreciation is there than for a man to live in the world forgetful of what he is brought here for—forgetful of his Christian privileges, of his Christian name, of his Christian freedom?

II. We all have some power; the question is, How much and what?—That is the question we should ask ourselves every day; it is the great question of our early life especially, for on the right answering of it all our success depends. Our weaknesses guarded against often become our strength; and our best lessons, if we heed them, are our mistakes. Joshua’s strength was a knowledge of his weakness. Beware of thinking you have no strength because you are not omnipotent. God says to us all, whatever worthy work we are entering upon, ‘Be of good courage; be strong!’

—Canon A. Jessopp.

Illustrations

(1) ‘“After I had been about two years in London,” said George Moore, “I had a great and anxious desire to see the House of Commons. I got a half-holiday for the purpose. I didn’t think of getting an order from an M.P. Indeed I hadn’t the slightest doubt of getting into the House. I first tried to get into the Strangers’ Gallery, but failed. I then hung about the entrance to see whether I could find some opportunity. I saw three or four members hurrying in, and I hurried in with them. The door-keepers did not notice me. I walked into the middle of the House. When I got in I almost fainted with fear lest I should be discovered. I first got into a seat with the name of ‘Canning’ on it. I then proceeded to a seat behind, and sat there all the evening. I heard Mr. Canning bring forward his motion to reduce the duty on corn. He made a brilliant speech, and was followed by many others. I sat out the whole debate. Had I been discovered I might have been taken up for breach of privilege. Some men are born great; others have greatness thrust upon them.”’

(2) ‘An English admiral used to be fond of relating that on leaving his first lodgings—he was then very poor—to join his ship as a midshipman, his landlady presented him with a Bible and a guinea, saying, “God bless you and prosper you, my lad; and, as long as you live, never suffer yourself to be laughed out of your money or your prayers.” The young sailor carefully followed this advice through life, and had reason to rejoice that he did so.’

(3) ‘Mrs. Hutchinson, describing certain passages in the Puritan defence of Nottingham against the Cavaliers, adds quaintly, “It was a great instruction that the best and highest courages are beams of the Almighty.” No one except our Redeemer can redeem us from the sin of cowardice. Jesus Christ is the only man in history who never knew what it was to be afraid. And He demands some element of this same virtue in His disciples.’

(4) ‘At the coronation of Edward VI, the boy-king, the sword of state was delivered to him, when he quietly remarked, “There is yet another sword to be brought.” The lords in attendance looked perplexed, when he added, “I mean the Holy Bible—the Sword of the Spirit; without this we are nothing, and can do nothing.” King Edward not only prized the Bible for himself, but he insisted on having it read to the people in their native tongue.’