"Be Strong and of a Good Courage"

Corinne Geertsen (American, born 1953)

The Borrower Bird (2014)

Digital photo collage, 25 x 31 inches

edition of 15

Private collections

Used with permission of the artist

The Lord commissions Joshua to lead Israel after Moses’ death and commands him to be strong and courageous as the people prepare to enter the Promised Land. Israel crosses the Jordan River miraculously. The walls of Jericho fall after the people obey God’s unusual instructions. Joshua builds an altar, reads the Law publicly, and calls the nation to reaffirm obedience. In chapters 23–24, near the end of his life, Joshua gathers the people, recounts God’s faithfulness, urges them to reject idols, and challenges them to choose whom they will serve.

A central theme in these chapters is courageous obedience rooted in trust in God’s promises. The victories at Jericho and Ai demonstrate that success depends not on personal strength but in faithfulness and righteousness. Covenant commitment, remembrance, and the importance of wholehearted loyalty to God are crucial to living and abundant and faithful life.

Today, these chapters remind readers that faith often requires courage in the face of uncertainty. They outline the importance of being obedient. Joshua’s challenge to “choose this day whom you will serve” continues to confront us with the call to be decisive and faithful in our commitment. Corinne Geertsen's images are built up from hundreds of separate elements that are combined to become fantastical, magic. They are startling because they create a reality of their own using recognizable things presented in a new way.

Gospel Questions

1. The Israelites set up Memorial Stones to remember their blessings. What intentional reminders have you set up to remember God's blessing amidst difficulties?

2. Joshua states, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." What daily habits might you change in order to echo that commitment?

3. Where in you life do you need to be strong and of good courage?

For Children and Youth

Hi. Take a look at Corinne Geertsen's strange image. What do you think is going on? Is a bird moving a tree to a new home? Joshua leads God’s people into their new land and trusts God to help them win important battles like Jericho. He reminds them to be brave, obey God, and always choose to follow Him.

1. What does it mean to be of good courage?