On shoulders of giants

As I was with Moses, so I will be with you.   —  Joshua 1:5

Giants hold a special place in our lore — both historical and literary. From the real giant Goliath to the fictional giant of Jack and the Beanstalk fame, we are fascinated by these larger-than-life characters.

Sometimes we use the word giant to honor ordinary-size people who have done extraordinary things. One example is the 17th-century physicist Sir Isaac Newton. A committed Christian, he credited his success to other “giants” who had gone before. “If I have seen a little further,” he said, “it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” Indeed, Newton became a giant on whose shoulders later scientists stood — even as they used his observations in the conquest of space flight.

When God commanded Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, Joshua certainly had a giant’s shoulders to stand on. He had watched Moses’ leadership for 40 years, and now he would put what he had learned into action.

Joshua had another advantage — his walk with God sustained his life’s mission. Therefore, he had both Moses’ example and God’s promised presence as he led Israel.

Looking for help as you face the future? Look for a giant to follow. And never underestimate the importance of your walk with God.    — Dennis Fisher

There is a destiny that makes us brothers;

None goes his way alone;

All that we send into the lives of others

Comes back into our own.   — Markham

READ: Joshua 1:1-9

A good example is someone who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.

The Bible in one year:

• Isaiah 50-52

• 1 Thessalonians 5