The First Boy Scout?

"I feel so unprepared for all of this." It's a completely understandable notion to have during these times where we have been hit with a global pandemic, an ...

Two words. Be. Prepared. It’s a motto that has been part of the Boy Scout life for so long that I have heard people say of another, “He’s always so prepared you’d think he’s a Boy Scout.” It’s not a bad way to live, actually. Here’s the thing, though: ‘Be prepared’ is not original to the Boy Scouts. In fact, one could make the absolutely plausible argument that scripture from beginning to end is all about the need for God’s creation to be prepared at all times to do God’s will, with tales of celebration from those who were ready as well as tales of caution from those who failed to heed this concept.

There are so many unknown variables in life, though, that one could reasonably be excused for thinking there is no possible way to be prepared for every given circumstance. I would tend to agree with that concept if we are talking about preparation from the perspective of having thought through every little detail, having considered every possibility, and being ready for all scenarios.

From the perspective of the Christian faith, however, I believe we are called to have a different outlook with respect to the idea of being prepared. A perspective that looks at preparedness through the lens of being prepared to carry out whatever it is God might command of us.

Before we go too much further, let’s hear from Joshua chapter one, verses nine through eleven:

I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, “Pass through the camp, and command the people: ‘Prepare your provisions; for in three days you are to cross over the Jordan, to go in to take possession of the land that the Lord your God gives you to possess.’”

Joshua at this point has just been appointed by God to carry on the work of Moses, the one who was charged with leading the people through the wilderness to the promised land. Joshua had been at Moses’ side through that journey. Joshua knew a difficult task when it came upon him.

While I have used only three verses from the narrative found in Joshua 1, if you go back to the beginning of the chapter, you will notice the call to Joshua was backstopped by God’s personal guarantee that Joshua would not be on his own - the Lord, indeed, would be with Joshua through it all. Then, and only then, did Joshua go to his officers with the command to prepare their provisions and be ready to carry out God’s promise.

Look, I am as much of a Type-A personality as anyone. Without a doubt. I love structure, organization, flowcharts, and spreadsheets. Especially in times where there seems to be chaos permeating so much of life, I have found that much of that chaos stems from people being uncertain and feeling unprepared.

Being prepared, though, is FIRST about claiming God’s promise, made not just towards Joshua but people throughout the scriptures, including the final words of Matthew’s gospel, that God will always be with the people of God, wherever they go. Maybe, just maybe, when we claim this truth it will help us through the more stressful and anxious moments of life that can overwhelm us.

“The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” May we prepare for everything in life by holding fast to this sacred promise that is prevalent throughout scripture.