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Action—Not Distraction

Action—Not Distraction

Tom Felten

Tom Felten

Fri Apr 25 2025

Bible in a Year: 2 Samuel 23-24; Luke 19:1-27

Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you. Joshua 1:7

Today's Scripture:  Joshua 1:1-9

Insight

Joshua first appeared as the military commander who “overcame the Amalekite army with the sword” (Exodus 17:13), and he was one of the twelve spies Moses sent to survey the promised land (Numbers 13:1-16). His name was changed from Hoshea, meaning “salvation,” to Joshua, meaning “Yah [Yahweh] saves” (vv. 8, 16). In Acts 7:45 and Hebrews 4:8, the Greek equivalent for Joshua is Iēsous or Jesus (Matthew 1:21). Joshua succeeded Moses as national leader when he was already an octogenarian (Joshua 14:10). He died at age 110, some 25 years after he entered the promised land. His epitaph reads, “The servant of the Lord” (24:29)—a servant who clearly kept his eyes on God.

A school bus driver passed out at the wheel, and his large vehicle loaded with sixty students was careening out of control. Seventh grader Dillon Reeves burst from his seat, rushed to the front of the bus, and slowly stepped on the brake in the nick of time. While most students were busy texting or playing games on their phones, Dillon—who didn’t have a phone—had his head up and reacted. He knew to depress the brake slowly as he’d seen the driver do many times. Remaining alert and not distracted helped him save the lives of all aboard, including the driver who later revived.

Joshua had to step up courageously after his leader, Moses, was no longer “in the driver’s seat”—leading the people of Israel. God said to him, “Moses my servant is dead. Now . . . get ready” (Joshua 1:2). What’s more, He instructed, “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to . . . not turn from [the Book of the Law] to the right or to the left” (v. 7). God was telling Joshua not to get distracted and to keep his focus, and to keep his eyes on the instructions He’d given—meditating on them “day and night” (v. 8).

We can be distracted by screens and other things that cause us to take our eyes off God and the wisdom found in Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Instead, as we remain alert “by keeping our eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2 nlt), we can spring into action when God calls.

Reflect & Pray

Why is it vital to keep your eyes on Christ? How can you be ready for His call today?

Dear Jesus, please help me to avoid distractions as I follow You.