Two Concordant Voices

Moses is dead. His imposing and ancient figure has dissipated. The Israelites mourn. The beloved leader, the one who bore their burdens and their weaknesses, has died.

Then God remembers young Joshua (he is still young, despite his sixty-something years). Joshua has served with Moses since he was a boy; but he has never felt the weight of carrying all the people on his shoulders. He has never experienced, like Moses, the excruciating pain of apostasy, of rebellion, of forty years in the desert.
Now God calls him.

Before hearing it, Joshua already knows what the coming message is. "Be strong and of good courage, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law which Moses my servant commanded thee". God knew the fears that were in Joshua's heart. It was one thing to have Moses by his side; it was quite another not to have him. Joshua had to be brave.

Then, when the echo of these words still resounds in his heart, the people say to him: "As we obeyed Moses in all things, so will we obey you ... only be strong and courageous". The voices of the people join God's words. "That thou mayest strive and be of good courage". Can there be any doubt for Joshua?

Two sure signs have lined up to give God's servant perfect assurance. It is no illusion what he heard God say: the people have said it too. God has spoken for Himself, but He has also, O blessed grace, spoken for His people.

God accepts that his voice be confirmed by the voices of his children. In this, God stoops to be examined by the heart of the believer, lest other underhanded voices filter in for his destruction.

It is good and wholesome when God speaks; but his voice admits of being checked in his servants, lest any man should presume, or run over, or despise. Let us hear from above the sovereign Voice, but, also, from our side, the echo of that voice in his people.

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