Sermon Tone Analysis

Transitions can be rough: 3rd child - “good luck.”

Poor appointment transition (no information, just the words “good luck.”

Good transition: Here’s all the information you need.

I’ll be here if you have questions.

God’s people are at an important transitional time.

Moses: The man who has been leading God’s people out of slavery, through the desert and headed to the promised land for over 2 generations, who has served as prophet, priest and king at the same time, has led them into numerous victorious battles, performed miracles in God’s name, is transitioning out.

By transitioning out, I don’t mean retiring, but I’m here if you need me: I mean walking up a mountain, and never coming back.

Dying.

By transitioning out, I mean walking up a mountain, and never coming back.

Dying.

Joshua, you’re in charge now, good luck.

Joshua

Joshua, the promised land is right across that river.

You’re hopelessly outmatched.

I’m out of here.

You’re in charge now, good luck.

Poor appointment transition (no information, just the words “good luck.”

Good transition: Here’s all the information you need.

I’ll be here if you have questions.

Needless to say, Joshua is feeling pretty uncertain about himself.

Afraid.

Vulnerable.

Helpless.

How do I know how a Bible character is feeling?

Because of the words: “Be strong and courageous, ” or, “take heart” in some translations.

People do not try to comfort us or encourage us if they don’t think we need it.

Take it easy.

Obviously we are stressed.

Take time off.

Obviously we are showing signs of burnout.

Take off some weight.

Take courage, obviously there is plenty to worry about.

Courage is not just for comfort.

A sense of peace.

So we can sleep at night.

Courage is for the mission God has called us to.

Unqualified.

Deuteronomy 34:

God does not call the qualified...

Really?

Some never live out their god given mission because they are waiting for qualifications.

First disciples: unqualified.

Moses.

Unqualified.

God works his greatest miracles through the unqualified.

The difference?

The Holy Spirit.

Deeper Command: Go

Unprepared.

Joshua 31:3

God goes ahead of us.

: Go where Jesus intends to go.

Deeper Command: Go

Unclear

God’s word.

Still there is the step of faith.

Deeper Command: Go

Take Heart.

Joshua: The man who has been leading God’s people to the promised land for over 2 generations, who has served as prophet, priest and king at the same time, has led them into numerous victorious battles, performed miracles in God’s name, is transitioning out.